Student Life
Student Organizations
Alpha Omega Alpha. Election to Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), the national medical honor society, is based on scholastic achievement, service to the school, and qualities of leadership, integrity and fairness to colleagues. Students are elected at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year.
Members coordinate programs and lectures with the goal of furthering academic interest and stimulating curiosity. Programs of recent years have included a lecture series on topics in the history of medicine, an EKG interpretation course, sponsorship of a Clinical Visiting Professorship, campus tours for prospective medical students, and Junior/Senior Night, an orientation to the match process for junior medical students.
American Medical Association-Medical Student Section. The American Medical Association-Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS) provides leadership positions at the local and national levels, the opportunity for involvement in the medical political process and medically oriented programs for students and the community. At the University of Maryland, the AMA-MSS sponsors several events such as an annual used book sale in August and a morning donut and bagel sale. Members of the AMA-MSS receive the Journal of American Medical Association, American Medical News, AMA Member Matters and Pulse, a national medical student newsletter.
Each year the AMA-MSS at the University of Maryland elects and sends a delegate and alternate delegate to two meetings: the Annual AMA Meeting in June, and the Interim AMA meeting in December. Traditionally, the delegate is a second-year student while the alternate is a first-year student.
American Medical Student Association. The University of Maryland Chapter of American Medical Student Association (AMSA) offers the opportunity to become actively involved with a group of dynamic, concerned medical students at the local and national levels. The immediate benefit of membership is working and socializing with peers in friendly, informal settings through participation in a wide variety of activities of interests to the membership.
AMSA is involved in many service activities: microscope and used book sales, coordination of lunchtime films and lectures, the student phone and housing directories, orientation activities, workshops, projects and parties. Other activities include local and national legislative monitoring and lobbying, clinic staffing, public education efforts and events coordinated with other school organizations. Fundraising projects help to defray expenses of members attending workshops and regional and national meetings. In addition, AMSA is willing to sponsor activities proposed by its members.
On the national level, AMSA promotes the interests of public health, and the medical students serve as a forum and information clearing house for issues of major importance; e.g., AMSA's position on the current administration's proposals as they relate to healthcare reform and medical education. Benefits to AMSA members include a four-year subscription to the student journal The New Physician, special interest task force newsletters, informational booklets, discounts on medical texts, life insurance policies, the AMSA Mastercard, the "HEAL Deal" for repayment of HEAL loans at lower interest rates, a low-interest loan program with increasing monies available each successive year of school, and unique educational experiences both at home and abroad-all for a single membership fee for all four years of school. The Annual National Convention is open to members (partially subsidized by chapter funds) and is a rare and valuable experience. It features four days of guest speakers, a multitude of exciting healthcare presentations and workshops, opportunities to share in national policy formulation, a chance to meet other medical students and socializing opportunities.
American Medical Women's Association Student Branch. The Student Branch of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) at the University of Maryland is a dynamic group responsive to the needs of female medical students. While its first commitment remains to provide support and promote friendship among students, faculty, and physicians, AMWA also provides a network where students can meet and discuss issues such as lifestyles in medicine, career choices, women's health, and political issues important to women and the student body at large.
AMWA is involved in a variety of activities on campus including pot-luck dinners where special guest speakers address issues, monthly noon-time business meetings and get-acquainted gatherings with students and faculty. Although AMWA is primarily concerned with issues related to women, all AMWA functions are open to the entire student body.
Asian Professional Students Association. The Asian Professional Students Association (APSA) was formed by a group of medical students in 1984, and since then has grown to include members of other schools at UMB. APSA is open to all students, teaching staff and employees regardless of race, cultural background, sex and country of origin. The goals of the association are to encourage dialogue among fellow students of different cultural backgrounds, and to provide a platform for those who appreciate Asian culture. APSA also sponsors educational and social activities for its members and friends.
The Better Half. The Better Half is a support group open to all medical students and their significant others-husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends. The group's goal is both social and supportive. Maintaining a relationship while in medical school can be difficult and knowing other people in the same situation can be helpful to both medical students and their partners. Gatherings such as pot-luck dinners, wine tasting, wine and cheese and pizza parties are popular affairs. A partner is not needed to attend functions.
Big Sib Program. Each year an upperclassman (usually a sophomore) "adopts" an entering freshman as his/her little sib. Newly admitted students receive correspondence from their fellow big brothers/sisters during the summer prior to their entry. The program is sponsored by students with support of the admissions committee, and is designed to allow entering students to address their questions and concerns to fellow students who have already experienced life as a medical student. Moral support from big sibs often makes the transition easier for incoming students.
Bioethics Club. The Bioethics Club is a relatively new addition, formed to explore ethical issues faced by students and physicians in the medical world. The group is led by Dr. Henry J. Silverman, editor of the University of Maryland Medical System's publication Health Care Ethics, and member of the hospital's Ethics Review Committee. At bimonthly meetings, actual cases are reviewed and active discussion concerning moral and ethical issues related to particular situations or to new legislative rulings across the country is encouraged. Students also have the opportunity to attend meetings between patients, their families, physicians and members from the review committee and observe the often difficult process of making decisions concerning what course of intervention and care is appropriate for each patient. Students, faculty and administrators are all encouraged to attend.
Christian Medical Society. The Christian Medical Society (CMS) at UMB is a local chapter of a national organization which meets weekly for fellowship, prayer and discussion. CMS is committed to providing Christian fellowship and support for medical professionals, encouraging Christians to mature in their faith, challenging them to integrate their medical careers into their lives in Christ and providing an environment in which non-Christians can explore the claims of Christ. CMS presents meetings on Bible study, short-term missions, ethics, Christian family life within the medical profession and evangelism. Dinner is shared every third week. In addition, CMS volunteers help staff the Baltimore Rescue Mission which provides medical care to the homeless. Members also have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national conferences. All students, faculty and hospital personnel are welcome.
Complementary Medicine Club. The Complementary Medicine Club strives to introduce students and faculty alike to various types of therapy which complement traditional western medicine, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and music therapy. The Complementary Medicine Club meets about once every month for an hour-long talk and lunch.
Emergency Medicine Interest Group. The Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG) is a student organization whose mission is to expose students to emergency medicine as a career and give students an opportunity to learn skills commonly used in emergency situations. To this end, EMIG sponsors blood drawing, i.v. and suture labs, ambulance ride-alongs and emergency room observation time. EMIG also sponsors talks and luncheons with emergency medicine residents and faculty on topics such as applying for emergency medicine residency and the history of emergency medicine. EMIG members are actively involved in research in the emergency department and have attended emergency medicine physicians' national conferences.
Family Medicine Interest Group. The Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) is sponsored by the Maryland Academy of Family Physicians and the Department of Family Medicine. Membership fees for first-year members are paid by the Maryland Academy and members receive monthly professional journals free of charge. FMIG sponsors events and lectures relevant to family medicine throughout the year. FMIG also encourages student leadership at the state and national levels.
Gertrude Stein Medical Society. The Gertrude Stein Medical Society is a group of medical students whose goal is to foster support among gay, lesbian and bisexual students and to encourage interaction and education among all students at the University. The group seeks to help other students and faculty understand the special needs of the gay and lesbian community through education and community service. The group meets bimonthly with potluck dinners and other social events. Some members also volunteer at the Chase-Brexton Clinic. The group is open to all students and confidentiality is assured.
Humanism Honor Society. The Humanism Honor Society at the University of Maryland was established in October 2002 to provide a means of recognizing medical students, house officers and faculty members demonstrating meritorious humanistic qualities. Approximately 10 percent of the fourth year class are elected to membership each year. These student members of the society are chosen through a process of nomination by peers and faculty members and peer-evaluations by those nominated. Six residents and one faculty member are selected each year by those members of the society who at that time are associated with the medical center. Members also include those residents selected to membership in societies in other schools of medicine and a core group of humanistic faculty selected by the dean.
Internal Medicine Interest Group. The Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) is a student run organization that focuses on community outreach and student education. The IMIG, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, holds informational meetings on key health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease and immunizations. Members of the IMIG then have an opportunity to work with physicians or community organizations in these fields to assist in providing healthcare to target populations. In the past, the IMIG has measured blood pressure in the community and helped underprivileged Baltimore residents find healthcare.
Jewish Medical Students Association. The Jewish Medical Student Association encourages all medical students, regardless of specific affiliation (i.e., orthodox, conservative, reform or non-Jewish) to join and participate in the group's activities. The association works closely with the Jewish Community Center's Office for Graduate Studies which provides sponsorship for many of its activities, including Friday night dinners, talks on Jewish medical ethics and the building of a sukkah. The association also works with other schools on campus and in the Baltimore area to plan joint activities.
Maryland State Medical Student Association. The Maryland State Medical Student Association (MSMSA) is a component of the Medical and Chirurgical Society (Med-Chi) of the state of Maryland, which is a component of the American Medical Association. The MSMSA is involved in issues of healthcare, medical education and peer review, especially in the state of Maryland. MSMSA and AMA memberships are usually solicited together, and membership benefits include subscriptions to the Maryland Medical Journal, and the AMA News. The MSMSA provides active student representation in Med-Chi and the AMA. Also, there are several leadership opportunities for students in the AMA through MSMSA.
Medical BreakAway. Medical BreakAway is a nonprofit organization established by medical students at the University of Maryland. The organization provides opportunities for medical students of all years to volunteer in international medical clinics in need during spring and summer breaks. The program emphasizes both medically oriented volunteer work and socially related community service projects.
Medical Students for Choice. The University of Maryland's Medical Students for Choice (MSFC) chapter is part of a broad organization of medical students at schools throughout the nation. The organization was founded by students who were concerned about the lack of abortion education in medical schools and residencies, the severe shortage of abortion providers, and escalating violence against providers. The University of Maryland chapter hosts educational events, creates partnerships with other medical student groups and local pro-choice organizations, and works to incorporate abortion issues into the medical school curriculum.
Military Medicine Interest Group. The Military Medicine Interest Group is a student organization dedicated to allowing medical school students involved in the military the chance to network with one another at the University of Maryland. The group will also serve to introduce interested students to the important and dynamic role of medicine in the military. Our hope is to provide a valuable pool of information that will help guide Maryland students on military scholarships through their military and medical careers, while also fostering an interest in and respect for the military by non-service members.
Muslim Students and Scholars Association. The Muslim Students and Scholars Association (MSSA) is an umbrella organization supported by the University Student Graduate Association with the intentions of: (1) meeting the needs of the Muslim community on campus, (2) promoting brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims and Non-Muslims, and (3) conducting social, cultural, and religious events to bring about awareness of Islam and to dispel misconceptions of Islam on campus. Friday prayers are held regularly at the Veterans Affairs Chapel at 1:15 p.m.
Organization of Student Representatives. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) was founded over 100 years ago to improve the quality of American medical education. It now includes membership of 125 medical schools, 85 academic societies such as the American College of Physicians, and 435 teaching hospitals. It maintains numerous data sources available to its members and works cooperatively with other medical organizations such as the American Medical Association, and provides information and testimony to the U.S. Congress and other federal agencies concerning medical and health-related issues.
The Organization of Student Representatives (OSR), the AAMC's student voice, is composed of one student representative from each medical school choosing to participate. OSR members gather at an annual meeting each autumn to discuss matters of concern to the nation's medical students and to elect an administrative board. The twelve-member administrative board meets quarterly with the boards of other AAMC councils to formulate AAMC programs and policies reflecting student views. OSR business is also conducted at regional spring meetings. The OSR delegate operates to channel information from the AAMC to the medical student body-at-large and vice versa on issues of medical education such as the match, changes in medical curriculum and student indebtedness. Thus, the OSR serves as an effective liaison between the nation's students and medical policy-makers to ensure consideration of student views.
Pediatrics Interest Group. This group helps students learn about careers in pediatrics. It is student run with faculty input. Opportunities for volunteerism and mentoring are encouraged.
Otitis Musica. Otitis Musica: Chamber Music-Do you sing or play a string, woodwind, or brass instrument? All skill levels are welcome. We rehearse sporadically for informal concerts. Dr. David Pumplin, dpumplin@umaryland.edu, is a multi-talented musician and the group's faculty advisor.
Pediatric Education Designed by Students. Pediatric Education Designed by Students, or P.E.D.S., is a group geared to medical students interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics. The group offers various speakers to highlight the different aspects of pediatrics and introduce the students to leaders in the field whom they might contact. In addition, P.E.D.S. aims to start a mentoring program with interested pediatricians both at UMMC and in the community for students who would like to further their interests in the field. Volunteer opportunities will also be offered to promote child wellness and enrich the student's pediatric education.
Pediatric Pals. Pediatric Pals is a community service organization created by medical students for medical students. It provides a convenient, flexible and fun community service organization. Pals visit children who are in the pediatrics ward at the University of Maryland Medical Center either on a weekly basis (1-4 hrs/wk) and/or during monthly parties on Saturday/Sunday afternoons. Pals play Nintendo, read books, sing, rock babies or just "hang out" and be a friend to scared, sad or lonely children. After a brief orientation, a Pal can choose as much or as little a time commitment as desired.
Project H.O.P.E.: Helping Others through Palliative Efforts. Project H.O.P.E. is an organization concerned with the needs of critically and terminally ill individuals of all ages. As a medical student, the ability to bring physical comfort to patients in the form of medications and therapies is obviously limited, yet the capacity to bring social and emotional comfort to them is limitless. Through potluck dinners, instructional workshops, medical rounds, and other activities, the members of Project H.O.P.E. reach out to the residents of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, to the children and families of the Baltimore Ronald McDonald House, and to the patients of palliative care clinics and hospice programs in the Baltimore area. Project H.O.P.E. also promotes awareness of various end-of-life issues through noontime speakers and luncheons.
Sports Medicine Interest Group. This group helps students learn about careers in sports medicine. It is student run with faculty input. Students interact with faculty who practice sports medicine-orthopaedics, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and emergency medicine. Students will have opportunities to shadow physicians and physical therapists involved in this field.
Student Interest Group in Neurology. The Student Interest Group in Neurology educates students on the field of clinical neurology as well as other clinical neurosciences. Activities throughout the year include speakers (clinical neurologists, residency directors, and other clinical specialists), neurology workshops, clinical neuroscience lectures, and a mentoring program for students.
Student National Medical Association. The University of Maryland Chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is an organization of under-represented minority medical students that seeks primarily to provide academic and social support for minority medical students at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The SNMA organizes study groups, provides valuable course information and review material, and facilitates organized discussions on course requirements and strategies between upperclassmen and entering students. The SNMA also seeks to involve itself in health and educational activities which benefit the surrounding community and its youth. In past years the SNMA has been involved in tutoring local high school students, presentations to inform high school and college students of medical school opportunities and health screening programs in the community. In addition, the SNMA has also sponsored activities for Black History Month which have included seminars and films. SNMA is active in programs that promote greater interaction among minority students, physicians, faculty and alumni.
Substance Abuse Outreach. The Substance Abuse Outreach program is a joint Maryland - Hopkins program started under the Open Society Institute as a summer program. The program is intended to give first and second year medical students a chance to work with persons suffering with substance abuse problems in a community setting. Currently, 20 students are working at Mattie B. Uzzle Outreach Center in East Baltimore doing substance abuse referral and assessments and weekly talks on various health topics ranging from HIV/AIDS to depression and mental illness. The program will also sponsor guest speakers on various topics relating to substance abuse.
Surgical Lifestyles in Continuing Education. Surgical Lifestyles in Continuing Education provides students with an understanding of the professional activities of members of the major, recognized surgical specialties. Members learn about the timing, structure and core competencies of residency training programs in the various surgical specialties. Cultural and lifestyle issues related to all realms of postgraduate career choices are discussed including surgical vs. nonsurgical, resident vs. attending, research vs. clinical, academic vs. private practice, urban vs. rural, etc. Members discuss sociopolitical issues facing surgical specialists today and the role of professional organizations. The organization also provides members access to individual clinical experiences with surgical specialists in the field of their choice.
Wilderness Medical Society. The Wilderness Medical Society aims to introduce medical students to the issues and medical techniques specific (but not limited to) activities in the outdoors. Our scope of interest ranges from the provision of basic first aid for trauma situations to exploring the intricacies of exposure illness. We also promote the idea that such techniques engage common sense and personal improvisation in the face of unexpected emergency, whether one rock climbs or drives on the freeway.
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