Student Handbook

Clubs & Service Activities

Student Club Contacts

Fund-Raising Approval Form (approve.doc)

UVA Medical Alumni Association & Medical School Foundation (MAA)

The University of Virginia Medical Alumni Association, reestablished in 1960, is an independent organization made up of all School of Medicine students and graduates, present and former housestaff of the University of Virginia Health System, and School of Medicine faculty members. Membership in the MAA is automatic and there are no mandatory dues.

With its small, full-time staff of 8, the MAA sponsors Medical Alumni Reunions Weekend, regional alumni events, an alumni Annual Meeting and over 30 annual events for students. In addition, it publishes a magazine twice a year, puts together alumni class directories, assists medical students with loans, and provides over $800,000 a year for scholarships. It produces annual student events such as the White Coat Ceremony, Family Day, Match Day Reception, Graduation Reception, Money Talks lectures, Class of 1963 Lipscomb Lecture and various scholarship award banquets.

Contact: Heather McCoy; Associate Director for Constituent Relations
UVA Medical Alumni Association & Medical School Foundation
heathermccoy@virginia.edu 434-924-2774 (direct line)

MAA Ambassador Club
MAA Ambassadors have the unique opportunity to shape the way the MAA serves the student body and the alumni population. They can improve the experience of students and alumni by establishing new initiatives and events, as well as changing existing ones for the better. They are invited to participate in alumni events and will have access to the MAA's leadership boards and alumni for networking opportunities. Students are eligible to become MAA Ambassadors at any point during the course of their medical education. Ambassador responsibilities include attending meetings twice a year, performing various remote tasks and assisting at certain MAA events (if available). Contact: Colleen Bressler, Student Representative to the MAA Board of Directors (cjb6w@virginia.edu)

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) - Not Active

The mission of the AAPI, started in 2001, is to serve as a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American physicians to excel in patient care, teaching and research, and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. Goals of this organization include fostering the identity of the AAPI within the medical community and the integration of the American and Indian cultures.This is a local chapter of the AAPI national organization.  

Advocacy Committee

The Student Advocacy Committee is responsible for hearing, evaluating and acting on reports of abuse of medical students, including sexism, racism, sexual and racial harrassment, racial discrimination, and verbal abuse. The committee also functions in a pro-active capacity by performing student surveys and holding educational workships for students, residents, and faculty. Members of the Advocacy Committee include faculty and students who are appointed by the Dean of the Medical School. There are two student representatives from each class who are elected during their first year of medical school to a four year position on the committee.

Aid to Medical Students (ATMS)

The Aid to Medical Students Committee is an avenue through which impaired medical students at UVA SOM can receive the confidential help they require without involving the administration or placing their medical education/degree in jeopardy. The specific goals for the ATMS Committee include: enhancing awareness of the irreversible personal and professional harm that untreated substance abuse or mental illness can lead to, promoting effective prevention of medical student impairment by organizing educational materials and programs, and providing compassionate assistance to impaired students early to avoid the need for more drastic disciplinary action later. The ATMS Committee organizes the introductory barbecue for new students at the beginning of orientation, and members are present in each class of the medical school to provide assistance as needed to classmates. Election to this committee takes place in December of the first year.

American Medical Association -- Medical School Section (AMA-MSS)

The AMA is the primary professional organization for physicians and medical students. At the national level, the AMA sets policy for professional conduct and also advocates for physicians' and patients' interests. Here at UVA, our chapter lobbies our legislators in Washington and Richmond, and we attend the national and state AMA meetings. We also plan to host a series of health policy lectures during the year. We organize several major service projects including Project RECESS, an annual children’s health fair. Last year’s Project RECESS, organized for the children of the Boys and Girls Club of Charlottesville, was a huge success, and we hope to make this year’s RECESS even better.

American Medical Student Association (AMSA)

AMSA is the nation’s oldest and largest independent medical student association. Nationally, AMSA advocates for the interests of patients, medical students, and residents through national campaigns, lobbying efforts, and small project grants to the school branches. Locally, the UVA Chapter of AMSA organizes events throughout the year, including lectures on the health care system, an annual event for world AIDS education, book drives to gift medically relevant books to African libraries, and international research exchanges sending UVA medical students abroad and bringing students from around the world to UVA. Being part of AMSA is an excellent way to get involved in national health advocacy issues or to develop projects within our community. AMSA also sponsors workshops to train student advocates in any of 10 core areas, holds conferences for fun and networking between medical students from across America and the territories, and offers numerous opportunities to get involved in the leadership of a national organization.

American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)

APSA is a national student organization dedicated to addressing the needs of future physician-scientists with a focus on training and career development. APSA resolves to support medical students and dual degree students by increasing awareness of existing sources of funding and research forums, and by providing career guidance, mentorship, and career development workshop opportunities.

Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG)

The Anesthesiology Interest Group serves to introduce UVA medical students to the specialty of Anesthesiology. The goal of the organization is to encourage student-faculty interaction and to educate students about caseloads, lifestyles and the working hours of anesthesiologists. The club will also address the role of physiology and pharmacology, the nature of patient-physician relationships and the opportunity to further specialize within the field. Resident physicians and the residency program coordinator will speak about various anesthesiology residency programs, tips on applying to programs, how to get your foot in the door, etiquette while interviewing, and board scores. Regular group activities will include hosting lectures and presentations by UVA staff, providing students with shadowing opportunities, organizing simulations and hands-on learning experiences and exploring research prospects for students.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (AOA)

Arrhythmics

The Arrhythmics are the co-ed a cappella group at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. We perform throughout the year at diverse venues from the Children's Hospital to the med school talent show and official hospital events. All singers are welcome, regardless of your skill level or previous experience. We look forward to singing with you!
 

Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association - Not Active

APAMSA is devoted to meeting the unique educational and social needs and interests of Asian-American medical students. This includes efforts to foster Asian student/faculty interaction, health outreach to Asian communities in the area and communication among Asian medical students at the University of Virginia. The organization offers a forum and a vehicle through which students can voice their concerns about issues pertinent to the Asian medical community. APAMSA sponsors speakers, workshops on topics of interest, social activities and cooperates with other Asian-American student associations on joint projects.

Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. (AMSUS) - Not Active

AMSUS is a society of military physicians including members from all branches, and currently includes all physicians in federal health agencies. This student group serves as the main forum for camaraderie between military medical students, hosting military medicine speakers, and passing on information relevant to military medicine and the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). We currently have members from all three HPSP branches (Army, Air Force, Navy). We look forward to meeting all military med students and will host several meetings throughout the semester. Anyone who has an interest in military medicine is also welcome to contact us.
 

Bioethics and Health Policy Interest Group - Not Active

The Bioethics Interest Group provides a forum for medical students to meet and discuss ethical issues encountered in medicine. The meetings are informal and involve the discussion of relevant topics/cases, and often evolve according to the interests of the group. Faculty mentors attend the sessions and help to guide the discussion and provide insight when appropriate.

Book Club

Exactly what it sounds like! A couple of times each semester, we convene to eat some school-funded take out and discuss a book of our choosing. Books cover a span of topics, medical, non-medical, fiction, nonfiction, whatever there is an interest to read! A couple of past selections include Stiff, Twilight, and A Year of Living Biblically. Check your e-mail for book selections and meeting times. Feel free to contact us with any suggestions or if you would like to take a leadership role in the club.

The Cabell Society exists to foster and encourage interest in the exciting field of surgery. This is accomplished via lunch meetings throughout the school year with prominent faculty surgeons as speakers and an extensive shadowing program that matches students with a practicing surgeon in the subspecialty of their choice, allowing them to experience both the clinic and the OR. The Cabell Society also looks to extend its reach to aid 3rd and 4th year medical students as they look ahead to residency. We aim to provide upperclassmen with panel discussions and social meetings to connect with aspiring or current surgeons who have already completed the Match process.

Center for Global Health

Scholar Programs Center for Global Health – University Scholar Awards: Available to undergraduate, graduate, or professional students who engage faculty mentors in multidisciplinary approaches to global health in an international setting.

The Dean’s/Center for Global Health Award in Medicine: Available to 4th year medical students pursing international clinical/ research rotations during their final year of school.

For further information on any of these programs, please contact April Ballard or the CGH Website: http://cgh.virginia.edu

Charlottesville Free Clinic

The Free Clinic opened in 1992 in order to provide free health care to that segment of society that was working but was still unable to purchase health insurance. The clinic is open three evenings a week and is staffed by volunteers from all medical fields. Medical students can sign-up in their first and second years to act as initial health screeners. Third and fourth year medical students may choose to see patients in collaboration with physicians.

Christian Medical Association

The Christian Medical Association at UVA exists to provide fellowship, support spiritual growth, and build authentic relationships both within the Christian community and the larger UVA medical community. Our desire is to serve and encourage both students and faculty, and promote discussion on the intersection of faith and medicine. CMA is largely student led and provides regular weekly meetings, Bible studies, and fellowship times. Other activities include an annual retreat and semi-monthly dinners with local physicians and residents.

Club MED

Club Med works to foster an interest in the broad field of internal medicine and to provide opportunities for medical students to meet and develop relationships with housestaff and attendings in the Department of Medicine. The group was founded in 1993 and is sponsored by the UVA Department of Medicine. Students work to provide speakers on a variety of topics, to introduce medical students at all levels to the field of Internal Medicine and to host social, academic, and volunteering events to promote interactions between faculty and students.

Comida y Conversacion

Comida y Conversación is an informal group that meets to eat lunch and chat in Spanish once a week. Anyone who wants to practice their Spanish is welcome to join us Thursday at noon with their lunch on the Medical School Terrace outside the Student Lounge. All levels of Spanish - none, studied it in middle school, majored in it in college - are welcome. Email Aaron to join the listserv, which is used only to send weekly reminders of the time and location.

Community Service

There are many community service opportunities available in the Charlottesville area; the bulletin board outside Jordan 1-5 has pictures and information about some popular projects, including Cooking for a Cause, Big Night Out, and Charlottesville Health Access. Please join us for Volunteer Day at Camp Holiday Trails, a local camp for children with special medical needs, on Saturday, August 14! Moreover, the first year class will be responsible for coordinating a Haunted House at the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, which is tons of fun and a great excuse to dress up for Halloween! SMD14 will also organize the 27th Annual Camp Holiday Trails 5K race next spring!

Complementary/Alternative Medicine Group

The CAM Interest Group seeks to expose students to forms of healing not traditionally taught in medical school. These include nutrition therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, herbs, chiropracty, yoga, pilates, massage therapy, midwifery, homeopathy and many more. Our activities include lunchtime presentations from local providers and possible shadowing opportunities.

Cooking for a Cause

An opportunity for medical students to cook meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, a place where the families of patients in the hospital can stay when they can't afford a hotel. Typically three or four students get together to cook dinner and are welcome to stay to eat with the families if they wish. Cooking can be done right there at the RMH or meals can be cooked at home and brought there. The club leader will send out dates to cook (usually Sundays) via email, and students can sign up for whenever they choose.

Dermatology Interest Group

The Dermatology Interest Group was created to introduce medical students at the University of Virginia to the field of dermatology. The club encourages interaction with residents and faculty members from the Department of Dermatology through lunch talks and shadowing opportunities. Students can participate in the National Melanoma Awareness Project or Sun Protection Fun, where they will teach local elementary/middle/ high schools an interactive 50 minute skin cancer curriculum. The goal of the group is not only to expose students to dermatology, but to develop community awareness of skin cancer prevention.

The Edgerton Society of Plastic Surgery

The Edgerton Society introduces medical students to the field of Plastic Surgery and its various subspecialties. Two meetings per year, one in the fall and one in the spring, feature speakers who educate students on a broad array of topics ranging from the residency admissions process to international and academic medicine. The Society also offers many opportunities to shadow resident and attending physicians.

Emergency Medicine Interest Group

The Emergency Medicine Interest Group was organized to acquaint medical students to the field of Emergency Medicine. We will have several meetings throughout the academic year, introducing new students to the field of EM and helping students to prepare for an EM residency. In the fall, there will be clinical skills workshops led by EM residents and attendings, open to all students to learn and/or perfect their various clinical skills. Students will also have the opportunity to shadow teaching residents in the ED throughout the entire academic year, which is a great opportunity for first and second year students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to actual patient cases.

Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)

FMIG is an organization for students interested in learning more about Family Medicine or Primary Care. Our lunch lectures will include a Q&A panel with current residents and faculty that will address Family Medicine as a career as well as informational presentations about various Primary Care topics.

We also work in conjunction with the Family Medicine Department to host several activities throughout the year: Clinical Skills Workshops, which provide students with the opportunity to learn about and practice venipuncture, suturing, splinting, colonoscopies, and other clinical procedures; Faculty-Student lunches to give students a chance to get to know the Family Medicine faculty and ask them questions in a casual environment; and trainings to teach in the Tar Wars curriculum -- a national program encouraging elementary school students to be smoke-free. If you are interested in Family Medicine or Primary Care, if you are completely undecided about what you want to go into, or if you think any of these activities sound fun, we would love to see you at our events!

Geriatrics Interest Group

The Geriatrics Interest Group hopes to raise awareness of the health problems faced by older adults by increasing medical students' exposure to the field of geriatrics through rounds in the hospital that provide opportunities for interaction with geriatricians as well as with senior citizens. Students in the interest group will be able to improve their bedside diagnostic skills both in the hospital and in local senior care facilities with the help of Dr. Mark Williams, and will also be able to meet and discuss topics of interest with various geriatric faculty.

HIV Outreach Program - Not Active

The HIV Outreach Program serves to introduce UVA medical students to issues and policy that affect the care and lives of HIV patients. Its primary role is in education and will work with other organizations at the school and the local community to spread information and increase knowledge about both US and world HIV concerns.

Honor System

The Honor System is one of the prime examples of student self-governance at the University. Founded in 1842, the Honor System has flourished for more than 150 years as an entirely student-run system. Students do their part to support the system in a variety of ways, from serving as elected committee members, to reporting transgressions of it by their peers, to simply behaving with the integrity that has come to be expected of a Virginia student. Under the system, each student is charged with the responsibility to refrain from dishonorable conduct. Accompanying this individual commitment to abide by the Honor System is an even more demanding commitment¬ and responsibility to ask those who violate our standard of honor to leave the University. Accepting these responsibilities is vital to the successful maintenance of our student-run Honor System.
By today's standard, an honor offense is defined as an intentional act of lying, cheating or stealing which warrants permanent dismissal from the University.

International Medicine Club

The International Medicine Club, founded in the spring of 1995, brings medical students, graduate students, undergraduates, and faculty together to address the need to view medical and public health issues from a global, multicultural perspective. Goals are to highlight career opportunities in global health and to link members with resources for career planning. The club invites speakers to discuss current health issues from a multidisciplinary approach, hosts an international film series, and provides students a forum to engage in research and volunteer activities.

Jewish Medical Students Association

JJMSA hosts many different types of activities throughout the school year. We have a Shabbat dinner early in the year, opportunities to participate in the Jewish community in Charlottesville, and several other get-togethers. We also have several "bar nights" with other Jewish student groups, as well as mixers with both the Business and Law schools.

Kluge Rehabilitation Center (KEEN) - Not Active

This club was organized to work with children (5-14) who are patients at the Kluge Rehabilitation Center. KEEN stands for Kids Enjoy Exercise Now; so if you like to play games and bring smiles to faces this is for you!

Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) - Not Active

The Latino Medical Student Association at UVA is devoted to meeting the unique interests and needs of Latin American medical students. This includes efforts to promote health outreach to Spanish-speaking patients, help students get certified with interpreting services, raise awareness about Latino health issues, and foster community among Latin American medical students and friends. LMSA-UVA collaborates with other student associations to promote the recruitment and retention of Latino medical students. Furthermore, students can voice their concerns about issues pertinent to the Latino medical community through LMSA-UVA. Affiliated Website: http://lmsa.net/

Madison House

Each week over 3,000 University of Virginia students volunteer their time and energy to better the community and themselves. Volunteers serve as tutors, construction workers, day care supporters, patient service representatives, role models, and peer counselors.

Medical Economics and Policy - Not Active

We bring in speakers to educate us on a variety of topics including: the use of medical technology in making care more efficient and effective; the basis, differences, incentives, and roles of HMOs, PPOs, etc.; how to negotiate with insurance companies; different models of physician compensation; Medicare reimbursement (and why so many doctors are upset with it); how to set up your own practice (e.g. space, infrastructure, employees, etc.); medical malpractice concerns with respect to insurance costs and legal issues

Medical Football League (MFL)

Medical Football League. Because the NFL is more than likely locked-out. Not a big time-commitment, but more fun than punting baby pandas. Games on weekends. Teams draft players. Ladies and gentlemen are welcome and encouraged to participate. Games start in the fall and playoffs should wrap up by the end of January.

Medical Students for Responsible Medicine - Not Active

We plan to discuss current and emerging topics in medical education, patient care, and ethical research which have been largely ignored in the curricula. Particularly important among these are preventive medicine, nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. Through video presentations, workshops, seminars, and community outreach activities, medical students can broaden their training to pursue excellence, compassion, and integrity in medicine.

MERCI Project International - Not Active

MERCI Project International is affiliated with the MERCI Project at the University of Virginia's Hospital. Students and faculty meet to discuss issues of international medical care that are pertinent to today's world and evaluate possible avenues of action. Reusable medical supplies are gathered and then distributed world-wide.

Neurosurgery Interest Group

The Neurosurgery Interest Group aims to provide medical students with early exposure to the dynamic field of neurosurgery. The organization hosts a series of lectures given by various members of the UVA faculty, designed to give students a sampling of the many subspecialties and exciting new technological advances in the field. Presentations include surgery video clips, instrument demonstrations, and work with bone models. Residents play an active role in the organization and are eager to answer questions about their training. Meetings are a great way to find shadowing and research opportunities with members of the department. The Neurosurgery Interest Group will also hold a suture and knot tying clinic. We look forward to meeting you.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Club

Interested in Women's Health, Endocrinology, Oncology, Surgery, or Urology? If you are, then you might be interested in Ob/Gyn; the field is much broader that you might think! Take a minute to check out the Ob/Gyn Club. Our main goals are to promote various women's health issues and to encourage interest in the areas of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including such fields as Reproductive Endocrinology, Gynecologic Oncology, and Urogynecology. Some of the programs we plan to sponsor include the "Be an OB" program and a noon lecture series (with free lunch!) about topics ranging from birth control to female sexuality to Ob/Gyn residency. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email one of the club's co-leaders.

Operation SMILE

Operation Smile – UVA SOM Chapter endeavors to advance the core cause of Operational Smile International – to provide free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities for children around the globe – through a variety of educational activities and fundraising efforts. We believe that OSI’s mission of implementing sustainable health care through global partnerships and local infrastructural development distinguishes this organization from others. In addition to exposing UVA students to this mindset, we shall also facilitate opportunities for fourth year medical students to participate on OSI missions for elective credit.

Ophthalmology Interest Group

The Ophthalmology Interest Group, initiated in 2005, serves to introduce University of Virginia medical students to the surgical specialty of Ophthalmology and the visual sciences. The goal of the organization is to allow students to gain exposure to various topics in the specialty and to initiate interaction between faculty and students. Our activities include participating in the Student Sight Savers Project, helping students to find shadowing opportunities with faculty, hosting a panel of resident and attending physicians from the department, sponsoring presentations of subspecialties and particular clinical areas of Ophthalmology, and searching for potential research opportunities for students.

Orthopedics Club

Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Interest Group (ENT)

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - employs a wide variety of both medical and surgical treatments to cover a broad range of conditions of the head and neck. From drilling through the skull base to access the pituitary gland, to removing nasal polyps, to facial plastics - both cosmetic and reconstructive, to something as common as tonsil removal, you've only begun to scratch the surface of this rapidly expanding surgical subspecialty. The purpose of the ENT interest group is not only to hold meetings exposing students to this exciting field, but also to foster shadowing, mentoring, and research opportunities between faculty and students here at UVa SOM.

Pediatrics Club

This club was founded in 1994 by a group of students interested in the field of Pediatrics. The club works closely with the UVa Pediatrics Department to sponsor speakers and events designed to introduce first- and second-year students to clinical issues in Pediatrics as well as help prepare third- and fourth-year students for Pediatric residencies.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Club

The field of Physical Medicine and Rehab (a.k.a. physiatry) focuses on musculoskeletal disease as well as rehabilitation from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, burn injury and stroke. Within the field of PM&R doctors can specialize in any of these areas as well as Sports Medicine, Pediatric Rehab, and Pain Management. The Club hosts several lectures per year on various aspects of Physical Medicine and also provides volunteer opportunities on the medical team for local races.

Project S.M.I.L.E. - Not Active

"Students Making It a Little Easier" is an organization sponsored by the American Cancer Society, which matches medical students ("Big Buddies") with pediatric hematology/oncology patients ("little buddies"). Big buddies accompany little buddies to oncology clinic appointments, to planned organizational functions, and in general, provide emotional support to the patient and to the family of the patient.

Psychiatry Interest Group

The Psychiatry Interest Group was created to introduce medical students to the exciting field of psychiatry. Our club hosts lunchtime talks on a variety of topics. With psychiatry residents, we hold Psychiatry In Cinema, in which students watch and discuss popular films with psychiatric themes. We encourage interaction between students, residents, and faculty through a yearly mixer. We also host a Psychiatry Journal Club, run by fourth year students with the help of psychiatry residents. Our club welcomes all students, from those already committed to psychiatry to those who simply wish to learn more about mental illness.

qMD

qMD is a club that serves as a resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues in medicine and for queer students and their allies. qMD can be contacted at queerMD@virginia.edu.

Radiation Oncology Group - Not Active

The purpose of this group is to give students early exposure to the field by meeting with faculty, enabling research opportunities, answering questions and providing resources and/or contacts.

RIG (Radiology Interest Group)

The Radiology Interest Group has been formed to promote and support students that may have an interest in pursuing radiology. We usually host one or two meetings a semester concerning various topics in radiology, including interventional radiology and just introducing students to radiology in general. Myths will be debunked; expectations will be raised. Speakers, food, and radiology shadowing opportunities will be offered at each meeting. All are welcome.
Website: http://www.indorgs.virginia.edu/radgroup/members.htm

Significant Others Support Group

The Significant Others Support Group is a social organization that provides emotional and social support and promotes friendship and interaction among the significant others of students at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. In addition to our activities for the significant others, we also create opportunities for all med school couples to get together. We have a group website/blog where we post our upcoming events: http://uvasosgroup.blogspot.com/. You can also find us on Facebook as UVA Med Significant Others.

Sloane Society

Founded in 1999, the Sloane Society partners with the Center for Humanities in Medicine and Historical Collections to infuse a a variety of historical, anthropological, literary, and artistic perspectives into our understanding of medicine. Through a series of lectures and workshops, we explore the social dimensions of medical care in an effort to gain a multi-faceted comprehension of sickness and disease. We firmly believe that a broad appreciation for the medical humanities provides practitioners with nuanced insight into both individual doctor-patient relationships as well as the macroscopic challenges facing health care today.

St. Luke's Catholic Medical Society

Named after the patron saint of physicians, the St. Luke's Medical Society is a community for Catholic medical students to grow together in fellowship and in our faith. In terms of activities, we aim to (1) have a group with whom to go to Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and other church events, (2) enjoy occasional lunches/dinners as a community, (3) participate in the annual White Coat Mass, and (4) connect with Catholic faculty physicians willing to serve as role models.

Spinal Chords - Not Active

Founded in 1979, this a cappella singing group is made up of first- and second-year men and brings "music and mirth" to the hospital and the community-at-large. The "Chords" practice twice weekly a repertoire that ranges from barbershop favorites to current hits and everything else that won't land them in jail! They enjoy tremendous popularity for their performances in class, on the wards, and throughout the state. In addition, the "Chords" raise funds for the Children's Medical Center which are presented each May during the CMC telethon. Membership is open to all male members of the first and second-year class. Auditions are held each fall as the older chords are "retired" to the wards. Enthusiasm more than talent is the major requirement.

Student Advocacy Committee

The Student Advocacy Committee is responsible for hearing, evaluating, and acting on reports of abuse of medical students. Reports include sexism, racism, sexual and racial harassment, racial discrimination, verbal abuse, or other types of unprofessional or offensive behavior directed at students. The Committee has two goals: To investigate complaints and negotiate solutions and to improve the professional climate for learning.

Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)

The goal of SIGN is to encourage medical student participation in clinical, research, and service activities in neurology. This group organizes lunch talks covering residency and exciting topics in neurology in addition to providing shadowing opportunities. These experiences allow students to observe a neurological exam and assessment, which reinforces topics learned in basic science courses. We present various neurological perspectives from the fields of child neurology, stroke, memory disorders, movement disorders, and epilepsy. Benefits of SIGN membership include free student membership to the American Academy of Neurology as well as the opportunity to apply for a $3000 research scholarship.

Student Medical Education Committee (SMEC)

The S.M.E.C. is the arm of the Mulholland Society student that addresses all curricular issues that arise in the UVA SOM. We discuss all aspects of the medical curriculum at UVA and it is our responsibility to regularly update and, when necessary, make specific recommendations to students, faculty, multiple committees and the Deans of education. First year students can easily get involved by joining the core systems liaison (CSL) groups, and one student will have the opportunity to be elected the class S.M.E.C. representative. We will be in touch with you during the next several weeks about how to become engaged in your education via your involvement with your S.M.E.C. For now, just know that contacting your S.M.E.C. representative is the easiest way for you to have any of your curricular questions or concerns addressed in a timely fashion.

Student National Medical Association (SNMA)

Founded in 1964 at Meharry Medical College in Nashville TN, and Howard University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the oldest and largest medical student organization addressing national minority/underserved health concerns. SNMA has grown to over 6000 members at 142 academic centers and universities across the country. Our mission is to address community and societal health issues that affect underserved America and to increase minority representation in health professional fields. Through our signature MAPS, HPREP, and YSEP programs SNMA members work with youths from elementary school to college introducing them to science and serving as mentors. In this way, SNMA strengthens the educational pipeline that leads from elementary school to medical school. The SNMA enlists the ingenuity and altruism of medical students across all cultural and ethnic categories in order to enrich those communities that have historically been underserved and marginalized.

Students for Community Health (SCH) - Not Active

Students for Community Health is a group of students committed to engaging community leaders, students, and faculty together in discussion of areas of critical concern in community health. SCH sponsors regular meetings on health topics in Charlottesville, its surrounding counties, and beyond. We aim to promote long-term partnerships between medical students and local community organizations, linking students to ongoing health and medical projects in the region. Anyone interested in community health is welcome to contact us!

Student Physicians for Social Responsibility (SPRS) - Not Active

SPRS is a national student group organized under Physicians for Social Responsibility. Physicians for Social Responsibility has long worked to alert the public to pervasive global health threats created over the past century by human actions. The group's agenda includes addressing environmental health issues, violence prevention, and nuclear disarmanment. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.psr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=spsr_homepage

Tennis Club

We have a range of players from those who've never played before to some college tennis pros. We meet periodically throughout the year to hit, play, and have fun. It's a great way to get exercise, improve your game, and to get know other people.

Unite for Sight - Not Active

Unite for Sight is a service organization that aims to end preventable forms of blindness and help those with decreased vision. We do vision screenings locally, provide educational sessions to people of all ages, and collect unused or old eyeglasses to give to those who do not have access or cannot afford proper eyewear.

University of Virginia Chapter of Collegium Aesculapium - Not Active

The Collegium Aesculapium is an international organization of Latter-Day Saint health professionals (Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka Mormons). Our chapter at the University of Virginia serves as a way to get to know the other Mormon medical students at the University of Virginia, while seeking opportunities to provide service to the community. This chapter also serves as forum to discuss subjects particular to LDS physicians. The group will also meet for social activities.

Urology Interest Group

The urology club is designed to inform medical students about the field of urology, a surgical subspecialty that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Urology is subspecialized into urologic oncology, calculi, pediatrics, infertility, female urology, neurourology, and transplant. The surgical management of patients ranges from large open operations, to laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, to a variety of endoscopic procedures. Also, many patients are managed medically in the clinic. Many students do not get urologic experience on their general surgery rotation and this club can allow them the chance to see what urology has to offer earlier in medical school. We plan to host panels of faculty and residents to address topics in urology and residency application.

UVA Med Club Soccer Tean

Our soccer team is comprised mainly of UVA medical students and residents. We play in the competitive premier division of SOCA (Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle). The regular season is split up into two halves (fall and spring) and runs during the school year with games being played on the weekends. Tryouts for the team will be at the end of August.

UVA Medical Reserve Corp

The University of Virginia Medical Reserve Corps Club (UVAMRC) Club is a joint student-faculty community service and outreach project, now housed in the Thomas Jefferson Health District. The UVAMRC Club works with many local, state, and national groups to supplement the local and regional medical response during a major disaster or bioterror event. The UVAMRC club also initiates and develops ongoing community health projects that serve our local area. This a great opportunity to get involved in local disaster planning and response and an opportunity to be part of the national MRC organization by joining the Thomas Jefferson Health District MRC, currently led by Rebecca Schmidt (Rebecca.Schmidt@vdh.virginia.gov).

Veritas

Veritas, Latin for "truth," is the literary arts magazine for the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Supported by the Center for Humanities in Medicine, this publication serves as an outlet for medical students to showcase their creative and artistic talent. An art show in the fall as well as a spring magazine publication makes Veritas a great opportunity for students with an interest in writing, visual arts or editorial work.

Virginia Medical Fly Fishing Club

The Virginia Medical Fly Fishing Club aims to serve as a resource for anyone interested in the sport of catching fish on a fly. All levels of experience and ability are welcome, from the first-timer wishing to learn how to cast to the experienced angler hoping to find fishing buddies. Several trips to local rivers will be planned for the fall and spring, and all gear will be provided if needed.

VMed Running Club - Not Active

The Virginia Medical Fly Fishing Club aims to serve as a resource for anyone interested in the sport of catching fish on a fly. All levels of experience and ability are welcome, from the first-timer wishing to learn how to cast to the experienced angler hoping to find fishing buddies. Several trips to local rivers will be planned for the fall and spring, and all gear will be provided if needed.

Wilderness Medical Society

The purpose of the Wilderness Medicine Society is to provide a structure and an environment to help students learn about taking care of themselves and others in a wilderness setting, whether that be the backcountry or an urban area with limited resources. Speakers and clinics this year will be geared towards introducing students to the field of wilderness medicine and exposing them to the great outdoors. Trips will be a combination of outdoor adventure and lectures pertaining to applicable medical issues emphasized by the scope of the trip. This year's trips will include a weekend kayaking adventure in Virginia Beach, caving in West Virginia, and a weekend clinic and ski trip at Wintergreen Ski resort. There is also a Wilderness Medicine elective for 4th year students taught by Dr. Chris Holstege.

Women in Medicine Club

The Women in Medicine Club is dedicated to examining the role of women in our ever-changing profession. WIM, whose meetings and membership are open to both sexes, will hold monthly seminars and discussions on topics dealing with both women's health issues (fertility, sexual abuse, pregnancy) as well as the unique challenges facing women in the medical profession (child rearing, social dynamics, etc). In past years, we have sponsored a mentoring program with various women physicians in the Charlottesville area, a Red Dress Brunch in February, and community service opportunities in Charlottesville.

updated 8/11/2011

to Student Handbook