Guidelines for Virtual Advisors

SAEM's primary role is to assist in the establishment of the relationship and is not expected to oversee all communications
All advisors must have completed a residency program and must hold a medical appointment (at least instructor).
VA-student communications follow common-sense, and are intended to keep the advice professional while not limiting the utility to the student.
VAs should respond to students' messages in a timely manner (within a week unless the VA is out of town, etc.).
VA E-mails should not contain any information that the VA would not be comfortable seeing in public print. For discussion of information that either party feels would rather be kept confidential, telephone conversations are suggested.
The utility of specific advice with regard to individual residency programs is recognized, but VAs should assiduously avoid negative or disparaging comments. Such comments are considered grounds for dismissal from the VA program.
The VA program is not intended to connect students with faculty at, or facilitate matching to, a specific (i.e. the VA's) residency program.
VAs can use their professional networking connections to optimize the quality of advice students receive, but are discouraged from suggesting other contacts without prior permission.
SAEM and the VA are not responsible for a given student's eventual match result. Working with a VA does not guarantee a residency spot.