Class Officers for the Class of 2026 (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary)

Class Officers for the Class of 2027 (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary)

Class Officers for the Class of 2028 (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary)

Class Officers for the Class of 2029 (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary)

Our mission as Student Council is to serve the University of Maryland School of Medicine's students, organizations, and class councils as a whole. We work to promote growth and community between each class and give students an opportunity to get involved with interest groups outside of the classroom. We manage the School of Medicine financial budgets for every interest group and class council with judicial responsibility. In addition, we promote social events and opportunities for students to get to know one another.

Election to AOA, the national medical honor society, is based on scholastic achievement, firm sense of ethicss, service to the school, qualities of leadership, integrity, fairness to colleagues, and promise of future success in medicine. Students are elected at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year. The national organization mandates that the top 25% of the class is eligible. Up to 1/6th of the class, picked from this top quartile, may be voted in by current members. AOA was formed in 1902 to "foster honesty and formulate higher ideals of scholastic achievement." At University of Maryland, the organization is responsible for several service projects annually. These include the Theodore Woodward Lecture, the History of Medicine Lecture Series, Medical Student Research Day, medical school applicant tours, and Junior-Senior Night. leadership among their peers, professionalism and a firm sense of ethics, promise of future success in medicine, and a commitment to service in the school and community.

The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) comprises individuals who have been recognized for practicing patient-centered medical care by modeling the qualities of integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, respect and empathy. Members are selected as rising 4th year medical students, and as residents or faculty. Medical students who are selected for GHHS are the 10-15% of their class who, in the opinion of their peers and of the faculty, best represent these six qualities. GHHS sponsors lunch talks and volunteer events during the school year. Students, residents, and attendings of all levels are invited to participate.

The Academic Medicine Interest Group is a student-run organization that seeks to generate student interest in academic medicine and research, and to inspire students to incorporate academic activities into their careers as physicians. This group will hold events throughout the year, during which students will have the opportunity to listen to speakers and engage in discussions concerning topics in academic medicine, education, and research. The group will also focus on providing resources for students interested in pursuing an internship or a career in academic medicine, and/or a path to the dual degree programs at the university.

The Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Interest Group (AAIIG) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine aims to serve as an academic, professional, and community-focused organization dedicated to increasing awareness, mentorship, and clinical exposure in the fi elds of allergy, asthma, and immunology. Allergy and immunology is a rapidly evolving specialty that intersects with pediatrics, internal medicine, pulmonology, dermatology, rheumatology, ENT, and infectious disease. Given the rising prevalence of asthma, food allergies, eczema, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency disorders, medical students should gain early exposure to the mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of these conditions. However, allergy and immunology are often underrepresented in preclinical and clinical curricula, and many students have a limited understanding of the specialty's scope and career pathways.

The purpose of the anesthesiology interest group is to promote an awareness of the exciting and challenging field of anesthesiology, both as a specialty within the medical system as well as a career choice for students. What is anesthesiology? Anesthesiology is the medical specialty devoted principally to the perioperative care of the patient, including the vital jobs of maintaining patient homeostasis during surgery and alleviating post-operative pain. If you would like to learn more, please come to one of our meetings. Some of these meetings will include workshops to teach important skills, such as airway management (intubation), that are critical areas of knowledge in the field. We are also planning to hold a workshop to introduce AIMS (anesthesia information management system), the new anesthesiology computer interface being instituted at UMMC. We offer a shadowing program which facilitates student interaction with faculty in anesthesiology. Finally, we also help interested students obtain student membership in the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the national organization for professionals in the field.

Understanding the business aspect of medicine is crucial for all physicians because it strongly influences medical practice and patient care. Whether one is serving as an administrator at an academic medical center, operating a private practice, serving as director for a nonprofit organization, or simply understanding his or her role within a changing health system, all physicians are impacted by this feature of medicine which many feel unprepared for upon entering practice. The University of Maryland School of Medicine Business of Medicine Interest Group aims to help build future leaders of the medical field while guiding medical students to further their literacy in business, management, and entrepreneurship as it pertains to different aspects of their future medical practice, careers in medicine, and enhancement of patient care.

The goal of the Cancer Interest Group (CIG) is to introduce students to the various fields of oncologic medicine. These include: Pediatric Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Surgical Oncology. We will be holding talks with faculty and physicians from these specialties throughout the year and work to connect students to research and shadowing opportunities. Additionally, we hope to recruit participants for various events around the city and state that promote cancer support and awareness (such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure).

CIG will serve as a platform for students interested in the field to connect with mentors and find out resources to prepare for a career in cardiology (e.g. the American College of Cardiology website and student membership). It will be a platform to consolidate mentorship, research, and shadowing opportunities.

As medical students in Baltimore city, it is our imperative to take time and care to learn about and engage with the community in which we live and serve. The Community Health and Addiction Team provides opportunities to learn about community health and addiction issues prevalent in Baltimore City. In prior years, our lunchtime panels and events have introduced students to issues including: - Drug use and addiction - Homelessness - Nutrition and obesity - Sex work - HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Addiction is a complex disease, and it afflicts 40 million Americans over 12 years of age. This is more than those who suffer from heart conditions, diabetes or cancer (1). Prescription drug overdose recently surpassed motor vehicle collisions as the leading cause of injury death in the USA (2). We spend over $700 billion a year in costs associated with tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug abuse (3). Regardless of the specialty you choose to pursue, you will inevitably treat patients suffering from addiction. The goal of these events is to provide a forum to learn and discuss addiction, as well as other social determinants of health, in Baltimore City that are encountered everyday by our patients, as well as brainstorm ideas in which we can advocate for change as health care professionals. 1. http://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/aboutus/asam-information-flyer.pdf?sfvrsn=4 2. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index/html 3. http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics

The mission of Critical Care Interest Group is to give students a well-rounded educational experience in the field of critical care and its subspecialties. Critical care is an important component of the healthcare system, and this is especially true at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where we are fortunate to have many busy and nationally-recognized critical care units. Through sponsored talks and shadowing with various faculty members, residents, and upperclassmen, CCIG hopes to expose students to all aspects of working in the field of critical care medicine including residency, career opportunities, research, and work-life balance.

The Dermatology Interest Group (DIG) is a student-run organization that was created to provide an educational and collaborative environment for medical students to learn about the field of dermatology. This will be achieved through informative lectures by faculty and residents, a hands-on clinical skills lab, and other networking events. DIG will also work to coordinate review sessions, shadowing/research opportunities, and community outreach initiatives to raise awareness on skincare and cancer prevention.

Diagnostic radiology and various imaging services are a vital part of clinical diagnosis and management in today’s medical field. DIRIG’s mission is to provide a vehicle for SOM students to explore the opportunities in the fields of Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and Radiation Oncology, as well as develop clinical skills and gain early exposure to the field. This will be achieved through faculty-student interaction, conferences and seminars, shadowing and clinical opportunities, research opportunities as well as community based services. DIRIG will also work to sponsor review sessions geared towards the student’s success in radiology and imaging, as well as, continue exposure to the fundamentals of anatomy.

The Emergency Medicine Interest Group is a student organization whose mission is to expose students to Emergency Medicine as a career and to give students an opportunity to learn skills commonly used in emergency situations. To this end, EMIG sponsors blood drawing, suture, knot-tying, IV and EKG labs, 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 current issues within Emergency Medicine. EMIG members are actively involved in research in the emergency department and have attended Emergency Medicine physicians' national conferences.

The Endocrinology Interest Group and the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Interest Group have combined to create the Endocrine and Integrative Medicine Interest Group (EIMIG) EIMIG is a student organization that aims to provide University of Maryland students with a better understanding of the field of endocrinology, including its broad applications, from diabetes to reproductive health. To expose students to different aspects of the field, EIMIG will connect students to shadowing opportunities, funded summer research programs, and community volunteering opportunities. EIMIG will also give students the opportunity to practice with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, as well as to observe thyroid sonography and fine needle biopsies. Through various EIMIG-sponsored events, students will be able to interact with residents and faculty from the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition. Additionally, EIMIG is devoted to educating University of Maryland medical students about the diversity and advantages of complementary and integrative medicine. The group holds meetings and classes throughout the year to present the therapy options that blend conventional and complementary medicine. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, reiki, massage therapy, meditation, nutrition and yoga are some of the topics explored at our events. Complementary and integrative medicine is a fresh topic in the field of medicine and has proved to have much potential as a healing resource. EIMIG is dedicated to spreading awareness about complementary and integrative medicine modalities, and more importantly, bringing healers together.

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.

The Gastroenterology Interest Group (GIG) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine aims to foster curiosity, community, and clinical exposure around the field of Gastroenterology. We hope to empower medical students to explore the connection between digestive health, nutrition, and overall well-being while providing meaningful opportunities for learning, mentorship, and service.

The purpose of the Global Health and Surgery Interest Group is to create a forum for medical students to participate in projects, discussions, and advocacy regarding the advancement of Global Health and to connect with mentors working internationally. Our mission is to increase awareness of Global Health issues through education and service. The group's vision is to promote a multidisciplinary approach to Global Health, which incorporates the knowledge and expertise of each of the professional schools on campus. We will work collaboratively both within the UMB network (facilitated by the Student Center for Global Education) and throughout the Baltimore community as a whole, to contribute to the advancement of Global Health, as well as to broaden the scope of our own global perspectives. Contact ghig.umb@gmail.com for more information or with any questions!

The goal of the Infectious Disease Interest Group (IDIG) is to introduce students to the field of Infectious Disease and provide an opportunity to learn about careers in the field. The group aims to expose students to important topics in the field including emerging viruses, management and prevention of HIV and other pathogens, and public health issues both in our local community and globally. IDIG sponsors events and lectures with ID physicians, researchers, and public health officials.

The Internal Medicine Interest Group is a student run organization that focuses on community outreach and student education. The IMIG is under the guidance of a faculty advisor, holds informational meetings on key health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease and immunizations. Students will also develop a basic understanding of medical subspecialties and have the opportunity to meet area specialists. The IMIG also hosts simulation labs at the MASTRI Center where students can practice things such as: lumbar punctures, central line placements, taking blood, and much more! Members of IMIG are provided opportunities to work with physicians or community organizations in these fields to assist in providing health care to target populations. In the past, the IMIG has measured blood pressure in the community and helped underprivileged Baltimore residents find health care. The IMIG welcomes all interested students and faculty to participate.

The LGBTQIA+ Health Interest Group is a student group that welcomes members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and questioning communities and all students interested in learning more about health issues facing the LGBTQIA+community. Throughout the year, we host lunch talks, organize advocacy opportunities for LGBTQIA+ health, and network with similar groups on the UMB campus and beyond. Our most recent efforts involve adding to the medical school curriculum to emphasize the critical needs of this unique population and enhance LGBTQIA+ health education for future physicians. If you wish to be informed in the future about our events, whether social or informational, or wish to be involved in our advocacy efforts please send an email to UMSOM.lgbtq@gmail.com and we would be glad to include you in our email list. Any questions, comments, or concerns may also be addressed to the above email address. If you would prefer to anonymously contact the group, we ask that you please email Dr. Lamos (elamos@som.umaryland.edu) in the Student Affairs office. We hope to see you at one of our events very soon!

The Medical Ethics Interest Group aims to enrich the University of Maryland School of Medicine by exposing students to a wide variety of perspectives on and approaches to problems related to medical and research ethics. Through expert speaker presentations, lively discussions/debates, and exposure to current news, we hope to provide our members with the basic skills necessary to approach everyday ethical issues in both the clinic and lab, encouraging a broader understanding of the topics at large. Meetings will focus on topics ranging from end of life issues, to organ transplants, to patient autonomy.

The University of Maryland’s Medical Students for Choice Chapter is part of an internationally-known non-profit organization of over 10,000 medical students and residents around the United States and Canada. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that women receive the full range of reproductive healthcare choices. MSFC recognizes that one of the greatest obstacles to safe and legal abortion is the absence of trained providers, and works to make full reproductive health care a part of standard medical education and residency training. The University of Maryland Chapter hosts educational events, creates partnerships with other student groups and local pro-choice organizations to bolster support and activism, and works to incorporate abortion issues into the medical school curriculum.

The Medicine-Pediatrics Student Interest Group (MPSIG) is a student-run organization dedicated to increasing exposure to and awareness of the combined field of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Med-Peds). The group strives to create opportunities for mentoring by providing a venue for students to meet and interact with faculty and residents in the Med-Peds. MPSIG also holds events throughout the year where students will have the opportunity to listen to speakers, participate in discussions about current clinical topics in medicine and pediatrics, and engage in hands-on clinical events. This group also focuses on providing resources for students interested in applying to medicine-pediatrics residency programs. In addition to our emails, you can view upcoming events on our website: http://www.umm.edu/pediatrics/med-peds/mpsig.htm If you have any questions, feel free to contact MPSIG leadership at medpeds.umaryland@gmail.com

The mission of the Military Medicine Interest Group (MMIG) is to serve as a resource and support network for students involved in HPSP, the National Guard/Reserves, Veterans, and students interested in military medicine. MMIG hosts events with active and retired military physicians and healthcare workers to provide insight on career medicine and life within the military. We strive to foster inter-service camaraderie in our school and with other institutions. MMIG is not exclusive to active and retired military and will introduce civilian students to the unique challenges and diverse specialties of medicine in the military.

NSIG's mission is to create community among nontraditional medical students and celebrate the diversity of experiences among these students. "Nontraditional" students include those that served in the military, served in the Peace Corps, earned a masters degree or PhD, raised families, had careers in unrelated fields or otherwise find themselves coming to medical school at a later, "nontraditional" time in their life.

The Ophthalmology Interest Group offers a variety of opportunities for students to learn more about this exciting field. The group plans to host several events throughout the year, including resident discussion panels, information sessions about the application process and talks by various subspecialists to demonstrate the many facets of this specialty. Through this group, interested students can connect with faculty, residents and upperclassmen who are intimately familiar with the application process and can provide insight into the field as a whole. Shadowing opportunities can also be arranged.

The goal of the group is to teach students general principles of orthopedic surgery, introduce students to fracture recognition and management, orthopedic reconstructive surgery and to expose students to common outpatient conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. They receive practical instruction in the use and application of various splints and casting techniques. Students will receive opportunities to gain experience in the field of orthopaedics as well as gain basic surgical skills.

The purpose of the ENT interest group is to expose students to and foster interest in the field of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. We plan to invite speakers to lecture on relevant topics and to help connect interested students with mentors in the department for research and/or shadowing.

The purpose of the Pathology Student Interest Group (PSIG) is to provide medical students exposure to the fields of clinical and anatomic pathology. The group aims to expand the understanding of what comprises the field of pathology and what opportunities exist for a career as a pathologist. The PSIG is unique in that residents plan to be in attendance at every meeting and available to answer any questions that students might have about pathology, residency, career opportunities, or about liver function tests or glomerular nephropathies or whatever you might be studying at the time. Meetings will consist of seminars aimed at answering questions, such as, “what do pathologists do?” or “what comprises the field of clinical pathology?” or “what is forensic pathology?” In addition, we plan to hold workshops on microscopy, grossing pathological specimens, brain cutting, microbiology, and on various other areas of clinical, anatomic, and forensic pathology.

The goal of the Pediatric Interest Group is to serve the pediatric community and promote interest in Pediatrics here at the University of Maryland SOM. Our members seek to promote awareness of issues dealing with children's health and education. In addition we sponsor a variety of forums and lunchtime talks during the school year along with service projects related to child health. We also seek to create a more cohesive community between UM pediatricians and medical students interested in the health of children. The department of Pediatrics has traditionally been and continues to be very receptive to the idea of working closely with students. With their enthusiasm and the students' eagerness, our members are able to gain hands-on experience and exposure to careers in pediatrics by shadowing local physicians in both out-patient and in-patient settings.

The mission of the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Interest Group (PNSIG) is to promote discussion, inspire interest, and bring awareness to peripheral neuropathies, extremity injuries, reconstructive procedures, and advancements in peripheral nerve surgery. Centered at the interdisciplinary crossroads of neurological, orthopedic, and plastic surgery, PNSIG aims to provide a collaborative space for UMSOM students to engage with peers, mentors, and experts, fostering exploration, education, and innovation in this specialized field. Through our speaker events, hands-on workshops, research panels, and other interactive initiatives, we hope to provide early insight into this highly-competitive subspecialty, allowing students to learn about peripheral nerve surgery as a clinical practice and career choice.

The goal of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Interest Group (PMRIG) is to introduce students to the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and provide students with the various subspecialties of PM&R, including Brain Injury Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Pain Medicine, Neuromuscular Medicine, and Sports Medicine. The group also aims to improve students' musculoskeletal exam and neurological exam skills and create connections between students and PM&R physicians.

PSIG is an organization for students interested in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Members will have the opportunity to attend interesting presentations by speakers from faculty at the University of Maryland. In addition to learning about the field, PSIG will work hand-in-hand with the division of Plastic Surgery at University of Maryland Medical Center to provide members with opportunities to shadow surgeons at UMMC and the Baltimore Washington Medical Center. The organization will also provide members the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of Medical Mission Group which provides specialized healthcare services to those without sufficient access to financial resources.

With more than 25% of Americans suffering from a diagnosable mental illness every year, the ability of clinicians to identify, treat, and appropriately refer patients is of the utmost importance. Regardless of what medical specialty you choose, mental health issues will play a significant role in your career and have a significant impact on the long-term health of your patients. One of the goals of PIG is to provide a forum for discussion of mental health topics and to promote student interest in psychiatry.

Understanding human sexuality is integral to providing comprehensive and quality healthcare. The UMSOM Sexual Health Interest Group (SHIG) aims to enhance medical student education to become sex-positive providers, break the taboos surrounding sex, and engage with the community to improve access to sexual health care and education. Recent studies indicate a significant paucity of sexual health education in US medical schools. Student doctors should feel comfortable talking about sex and sexuality with peers in order to feel comfortable broaching the subject with patients. Topics covered with the SHIG will include: communication about sexuality; taking a sexual history; sexuality throughout the lifespan, including masturbation; components of sexual health; intimacy; cross-cultural aspects of sexuality; adaptation to illness and infection (HIV, cancer, radical surgeries, and physical disabilities); safer sex guidelines; and sexual health promotion.

Mission: To provide medical students opportunities for quality exposures in the field of Sports Medicine and to understand the route towards becoming a sports medicine physician. Objectives: - Provide students with knowledge about the various routes they can take towards sports medicine, whether it's through primary care (FM, Peds, IM, EM, PM&R) or surgery (Orthopedics) - Provide lunch talks from various sports medicine doctors to get students excited and interested in sports medicine as a future option - Provide students with the opportunity to shadow and work alongside team physicians in training rooms and in-game coverage at the local universities and high schools - Give back to the local community by providing service at area high school physicals and health maintenance exams - Teach students the proper way to conduct a musculoskeletal exam, cast and splint, and provide them the opportunity to practice in various settings - Establish a mentoring program between medical students and sports medicine physicians Sports Medicine Interest Group fulfills the above mission statement by stimulating interest in Sports Medicine through providing hands-on experience in workshops and shadowing, in addition to lectures and conferences.

SIGN is a student chapter of the American Academy of Neurology. SIGN provides shadowing opportunities, lectures, panel discussions, and social events. These are opportunities for students to learn about clinical neurology, clinical neurosurgery, and current neurological research. This year, we hope to sponsor several lunch talks and dinners to introduce the student body to neurologists specializing in different aspects of the field. We also plan to have an introduction to performing a neurological exam. In addition, students will have the opportunity to shadow neurologists in sub-specialties like epilepsy, sleep, stroke, movement disorders, and critical care. SIGN members are eligible for summer research grants from the American Academy of Neurology. We are very passionate about the field of neurology, and we wish to share our enthusiasm with the student body. No matter what field of medicine you may enter, you will certainly benefit from your participation in SIGN! Sign up to become a member of AAN here: https://www.aan.com/membership/join-the-aan/

SIG provides students with information about the professional activities of surgeons in the major, recognized surgical specialties. Surgical resident panels will enable members to learn about the timing, structure and core competencies of residency training programs in the various surgical specialties. Members will discuss cultural and lifestyle issues related to post-graduate career choices, as well as sociopolitical issues facing surgical specialists today. Presentations by attendings will give members perspective on the day-to-day of surgical specialists. Other activities including knot tying, suturing, and laparoscopic workshops as well as a shadowing program provide access to individual clinical experiences with surgeons at UMMC.

To expose medical students to the different avenues of technology in medicine, and to provide opportunities for medical students to explore action-based problem solving in the medical technology and engineering space.

The Medical Roots Interest Group is an organization that intends to augment the curriculum at the University of Maryland Medical School with training about the history of medicine. This year, we will be working in conjunction with the History of Medical Steering Committee to expand our group to include all interested members of campus, in all graduate programs. Currently, speaking just for the medical school, there exists no official training on the cultures, physicians, philosophers, scientists, and statesmen that have shaped the practice of medicine as it exists today. However, through a series of formal presentations, Medical Roots will provide the information that is not officially presented in the medical school curriculum. Additionally, to further supplement the education about medical history, we will gain first-hand experience through trips to Baltimore-Washington-Philadelphia area museums. It is hoped that participants will gain a full appreciation of our medical roots and will be better physicians, nurses, lawyers, therapists, social workers, etc. As an interdisciplinary group, we will aim to consider the history of medical practice as a whole. How we as a community have developed our current medical system to include interaction between doctors, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, lawyers, and business. Part of our group’s focus will also be to consider the historical interplay between these groups with regard to the history of the city of Baltimore.

The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, one of the most unique trauma centers internationally, has been instrumental in developing techniques used widely throughout both civilian and military medicine. As students at University of Maryland School of Medicine, we have a distinct opportunity to gain insight through increased exposure to trauma medicine and to the faculty at this world-renowned institution. The Trauma Interest Group seeks to provide exposure to the many facets of trauma medicine by facilitating student-faculty interactions, sponsoring workshops in techniques that are critical for student growth in medicine, and hosting campus-wide talks to stimulate interest in this fascinating field of medicine. By doing so, the group hopes to encourage more students to take a long-term interest in trauma, critical care and acute surgery. As with actual trauma medicine, the group intends to incorporate the viewpoints of multiple specialists, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, emergency medicine physicians, physical rehabilitation specialists and other physicians who may provide further guidance to students in pursuit of this goal.

Our primary goal is to introduce medical students to the surgical specialty of urology. We will hold talks from the University of Maryland urology faculty and residents to discuss careers in urology, the current state of urology, advancements in urology, and the urology residency application process. We will also work closely with the University of Maryland Department Of Urology to connect students with shadowing, mentoring, and research opportunities.

Vascular surgery is a surgical field that focuses on treating diseases of the vascular system including arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation via medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction. It is a fast-growing field with a wide range of avenues for research and potential for innovation. The increase in endovascular procedures puts great emphasis on medical imaging alongside procedures, and the combination of endovascular and open procedures requires surgeons to curate a broad skillset to be comfortable in either scenario. We aim to host events such as an intro to vascular surgery talk, a panel on the social determinants influencing vascular disease, shadowing opportunities, and skills labs for suturing. This group creates a structured space for students to explore a fascinating surgical subspecialty.

The Wilderness Medicine Interest Group aims to introduce medical students to the issues and medical techniques specific to the outdoors. Our scope of interest ranges from 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, with an emphasis on environmental conservation.

The Women in Medicine Interest Group (WIM) aims to promote the personal and professional growth of women in medicine and the medical sciences by: - Providing female students with access to mentors and role models within the University of Maryland medical community; - Celebrating strong women leaders and distinguished females in the University of Maryland Medical System; - Addressing lifestyle concerns unique to women in medicine and the medical sciences; - Sponsoring meetings, panels, lectures, and seminars on professional development, career opportunities, and work/life balance for women in medicine and the medical sciences; - Strengthening opportunities for women to pursue traditionally under-represented specialties; - Providing students with a historical context of the role of women in medicine; - Serving as a focus for the discussion and resolution of issues of interest to women in the University of Maryland School of Medicine community.

Our goal is to empower women of all backgrounds to feel as though they can become successful, talented, and skilled surgeons. As medical students and aspiring physicians, we will strive to provide a variety of opportunities for women who wish to gain more exposure to the OR, form relationships with other female physicians, pursue a surgical career, and engage with local and national organizations. We are a nationally recognized chapter through the Association of Women Surgeons.

The Women’s Health Interest Group (WHIG) aims to provide education for both male and female medical professionals related to both the woman patient and the roles of the physicians that care for them. Our purpose is to offer resources to students interested in a possible career related to women’s health, as well as to provide avenues for community involvement and mentorship connections. Our group’s activities include monthly seminars/speaker series, shadowing/mentorship, community outreach activities, and hands-on procedure and exam technique workshops.

The UMB Chapter of Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) aims to address those issues important to Asian Pacific American medical students at the University of Maryland. - Through education, outreach, and charity, we aim to promote the health and well-being of Asian communities as well as help all health care workers who work with these communities learn to better care for them in a culturally sensitive manner. - We provide opportunities to connect with mentors in specialties or leadership positions we wish to pursue. - We provide a social forum for APA students at UMB to meet, share knowledge and experiences, and develop personally and professionally. APAMSA is open to all students, teaching staff, and employees of the UMB campus regardless of race, cultural background, sex, and country of origin.

The mission of the Black Men in White Coats UMSOM Chapter is to uplift and increase the presence of Black individuals in medicine—particularly Black men—by promoting mentorship, academic support, and community outreach. We are committed to building a culture of excellence, belonging, and advocacy within our institution and beyond. A core pillar of our mission is engaging with the youth—elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as college and pre-medical students—to expose them to careers in medicine, provide guidance, and inspire them to envision themselves as future healthcare professionals. Through leadership, service, and collaboration with local schools, universities, and community organizations, we strive to break down systemic barriers, promote health equity, and cultivate the next generation of Black physicians, scientists, and leaders in healthcare.

The mission of DAC Med is to create a culture of inclusion for disability in medicine at UMSOM, and beyond that is to be: inclusive in teaching how to be a culturally competent provider for patients with different types of disabilities, informative in communicating how trainees can be involved in combating ableism in medicine and medical education, supportive of existing and future providers with disability in medicine. The goal of DAC Med is to utilize an interdisciplinary trainee-led task-force to sustainably dismantle ableism in healthcare from both the patient and provider lenses.

Exploring Careers in Medicine (ECM) is a valuable resource for students to learn more about themselves and what specialty of medicine to pursue. ECM offers students the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and professional differences between medical specialties, as well as what key factors to keep in mind when choosing a specialty. There are many specialties and sub-specialties that students may not consider or be exposed to during the medical school curriculum and when it comes to determining what career path to pursue, no opportunity should be left undiscovered. The goals of ECM will be achieved by: 1. Talks and panels representing differences between types of specialties. Additionally, key differences between fellowships within each specialty will be explored. 2. Discussions of how to choose a career path and what factors should influence your choice. 3. Shadowing and networking opportunities with physicians practicing in different fields.

The purpose of UMB LMSA is to address the health needs of the Latino community, as well as to promote cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion at the University of Maryland School of Medicine through social, cultural, educational, political, and other activities. Immediate Objectives 1. Recruitment and admission of Latinos who exhibit the potential to benefit their community into health professions programs. 2. Retaining our members in the health professions programs by providing academic and social support activities and by fostering close ties among members. 3. Educating ourselves in areas of concern to Latino communities, which may not be part of the health professions or allied health school curricula, such as preventive and community medicine, politics of health care systems, mechanics of urban city primary care, and family practice. 4. Orientation of our members towards actively accepting our principles of unity and aims of our organization. 5. Community involvement for the purpose of strengthening working relationships with community groups and the overall aim of benefiting the community. 6. Support and encourage prospective applicants to health professions school throughout the admissions process. Writing and circulating our ideas and fostering the refinement and development of research skills among our members. 7. Encourage the development of courses, which better prepare our members to become high quality health care providers serving our community. 8. To educate and sensitive the entire medical community to the specific needs and differences of the Latino regarding health and human well-being. Long Term Objectives 1. Improve the health care delivery to Latino communities. 2. Be advocates of the rights of Latino patients. 3. Participate in the planning and implementation of research activities designed to identify the health care needs of our community. 4. Networking with other organizations to achieve common objectives.

Our objective as the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group (LMIG) is to promote the use of evidence-based lifestyle therapeutic intervention — including a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connection — as a primary modality, delivered by clinicians trained and certified in this specialty, to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic disease. We aim to bring awareness to this approach to patient care and advocate for integrating Lifestyle Medicine into our curriculum. By connecting with fellow students and faculty who share our passion, we envision hosting culinary medicine seminars, clinical skills workshops, and community outreach events. We strive to invite guest speakers across various specialties to share their experiences and expertise in implementing Lifestyle Medicine in their practice. As a group affiliated with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, we will have access to exclusive resources, funding, and an expansive network to help us achieve our mission.

Medical Students for a Sustainable Future is a network of medical students who recognize climate change as an urgent threat to health and social justice. Motivated to protect our future patients and the communities we love, we catalyze action to prevent and address the health harms of climate change.

*The American Medical Association (AMA), American Medical Student Association (AMSA), and MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, combined together to create the Policy Collective Interest Group (est. 2024-2025). The Policy Collective Interest Group, comprising our local AMSA and AMA Medical Student Section (MSS) chapters alongside the MedChi MSS, champions medical education and advocacy at multiple levels. AMSA, a student-governed national organization, advocates for the concerns of physicians-in-training and promotes high-quality healthcare as a fundamental right, transforming student activism into meaningful public service and institutional change. The AMA MSS, the medical student component of the broader AMA organization which represents all members of the medical profession, enables advocacy for health issues on both local and national scales and influences national policy through the AMA House of Delegates. The MedChi MSS unites medical students from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Uniformed Services University, fostering collegiality, service, and professionalism among future physicians within the state.

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) boasts over 50 years of service to underserved communities and medical students. The University of Maryland Chapter of SNMA is primarily focused on educating, serving and empowering underserved communities through health education, screening, and youth enrichment programs. Community service is the heart and soul of the Student National Medical Association. The youth enrichment programs include: Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS), where SNMA members act as mentors to pre-medical undergraduates and post-baccalaureate students in efforts to increase the medical school matriculation rates of underrepresented minorities; Health Professions Recruitment Exposure Program (HPREP); and Youth Science Enrichment Program (YSEP). In addition to these programs, the SNMA is committed to providing academic and social support to its members, ensuring that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations and to increasing the number of African-American, Hispanic, and other students of color entering and completing medical school.

The aims of the UMSOM Medical Student Chapter of the AANS are to: 1. Provide support and leadership training to medical students that are interested in pursuing neurological surgery as a career. 2. Foster interest in the field of neurosurgery through chapter meetings and review of peer-reviewed literature. 3. Provide students with early exposure to faculty mentorship and research opportunities. 4. Facilitate medical student interaction with neurosurgery faculty and residents.

To identify and dismantle racism in medical education, medical practice, and health care systems in order to promote the health, well-being, and self-actualization of people of color in Baltimore city.

The Christian Medical Society (CMS) at UMB is a local chapter of a national organization, CMDA, which meets every week for fellowship and prayer. CMS is committed to providing support for medical students and cultivating a welcoming environment in which colleagues and friends of all faith backgrounds can explore the Christian faith.

The Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA) encourages all medical students, regardless of specific affiliation or background, to join and participate in the group's activities. The association works to support the Jewish presence on campus through various learning programs, social gatherings and Jewish holiday-themed events. As the Jewish Medical Student Association is a group that caters to the student body's interests, please contact the JMSA board at JSA.umsom@gmail.com with ideas, suggestions or feedback. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

The Muslim Medical Student Association (MSA) aims to establish a Muslim community and presence throughout the medical school. The association will serve as a platform to bring students and faculty together and to foster a safe space that allows members to openly practice their faith. The association wishes to create an inclusive and educational environment and welcomes all students, regardless of background or religious affiliation, in an effort to enhance the diverse student body at the UMSOM. The association will host social events that relate to specific holidays in Islam that will serve as an opportunity for Muslim and non-Muslim medical students to learn and celebrate in harmony. The association works with faculty to host seminars that will educate the next generation of physicians on how to competently and appropriately care for the complex and culturally-specific needs of the growing Muslim population in Baltimore and throughout Maryland.

SAMSA is an organization that aims to unify South Asian medical students across the United States. As a chapter we hope to increase interest in and raise awareness of healthcare issues affecting South Asian communities locally and globally and to share the rich South Asian Culture with our peers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. We also aim to provide support and guidance to medical students of South Asian descent as they enter UMSOM. SAMSA strives to establish relationships with physicians to gain valuable mentorship, collaborate with the other student groups to hold various community-building events, organize various social and academic events throughout such that students can learn about South Asian culture and health concerns. All students who are interested in learning about South Asian culture through a medical lens are welcome to join.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Medical Student Diversity Council is an inclusive and active student committee dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment for all members of the School of Medicine community, with a particular focus on our students. In this spirit, the Student Diversity Council aims to enhance communication on diversity issues between students, faculty and administrative staff, as well as among the diverse student interest groups represented on the Council which currently include but are not limited to the SNMA, LMSA, APAMSA, LGBTQ, and WIM interest groups. Activities sponsored by the Council to support this effort include two annual "Diversity Town Halls", and regularly scheduled "Coffee, Tea, and Camaraderie" events, providing opportunity for all medical students from all four years and faculty to come together and engage in conversation. Two medical student representatives from this Council will also attend the Faculty Diversity Advisory Committee meetings to help ensure alignment among the two groups.

Beanies for Babies is a service group for students at UMSOM to crochet/knit hats for newborns and other community members in need. The group allows students a creative outlet to destress while creating a commodity for those in need. Our goal is to host events to teach people how to crochet and knit as well as destress/chill with fellow classmates.

One Love Foundation is a national non-profit organization with the goal of ending relationship abuse. Their goal is to empower young people with the tools and resources they need to see the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationship sand bring life-saving prevention education to their communities. This chapter of One Love aims to expand the organization's reach to the UMSOM and Baltimore communities.

The medical school, with help from other University of Maryland professional schools, organizes a Thanksgiving feast for the homeless community every year. The event is held at Booker T. Washington Middle School from 11am-3pm. Along with providing turkey, stuffing, pies, and drinks, we also hold clothing, toiletry, and food (non-perishable and fresh) drives in the weeks before Thanksgiving. Students can participate on one of the various committees (e.g. Food, Publicity, Shelters, Donations, Logistics & Volunteers, Legal, etc.), cook a turkey, and/or volunteer on Thanksgiving Day.

The mission of Reads for Peds is to provide new, wrapped books to pediatric patients being treated in the hospital during the holiday season. Each year, many children must spend their holidays at the hospital, away from family, friends, and the comfort of their own homes. Reads for Peds aims to spread holiday cheer and make the children's stay more enjoyable by giving them a new book to unwrap and read. The organization makes this possible by putting on an annual fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly toward the purchase of new books. University of Maryland students and staff then come together to wrap and hand-deliver these books to children at their hospital bedside. Reads for Peds has donated over 10,000 books to patients at several Maryland hospitals since the organization's founding.

The Student Sight Savers Project is a nationally recognized glaucoma screening program originally founded at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Our group has three primary objectives. First, to provide glaucoma screenings/referrals for local Baltimore residents who otherwise would not receive care. Second, to provide first and second year medical students with hands-on clinical experience. Third, to provide information for those interested in ophthalmology and other eye specialties. Glaucoma screenings will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 12pm-130pm. Regular emails will be sent regarding these events.

UMSOM SOOTHE (Supporting Our Own Through Healing and Empowerment) is a chapter of the original program founded at Hopkins. The aim of SOOTHE is to offer comfort and emotional support to hospitalized patients through companionship, conversation, and guided activities. The organization is built on the principle that steady emotional support can help lessen the burden of pain for patients. While the support SOOTHE offers is non-clinical in nature, it presents a valuable opportunity for medical students to provide compassionate care and patient-centered communication.

Period Education Project equips future physicians through education and hands-on experience leading menstrual health workshops, to initiate informed, judgment-free discussions about menstrual health, empowering women and girls with medically accurate information to better understand their bodies and advocate for their health through every stage of life.

The UMSOM Red Cross Blood Drive student interest group maintains a decades-long tradition of hosting Red Cross Blood Drives on UMSOM campus 2-3 times per academic year. The group works in conjunction with UMSOM OSA and liaisons at the Red Cross and UMMS to schedule drives in advance on optimal dates (minimizing conflicts with exam schedules), reserve facilities and furniture, coordinate volunteers, advertise on campus and through our Red Cross Coordinator portal, and serve as "point person(s)" with both the faculty liaisons and each Red Cross team that comes in to run a drive. The units collected at UMSOM blood drives directly save lives by supporting transfusion patients in UMMS's ICUs and Shock Trauma Center in two ways: 1. by increasing the units available thru the Red Cross itself, and 2. decreasing the cost per unit for UMMS to stock the hospital's blood bank. (The Red Cross provides hospitals nationwide with incentives that discount/pro-rate their blood bank purchases based on the # of drives and units donated on their campus; the Red Cross considers UMSOM's drive an extension of UMMS, so our drives directly assist the hospital's ability to make affordable blood bank purchases.) Importantly, the group is committed to establishing new leadership from the upcoming MS2 class each April, ensuring UMSOM's ability to host life-saving blood drives without gap years or missed drives.

Promote health and wellness by creating a community of runners.

The Creative HeArts team is a student group that fosters creative expression and reflection in medicine through the arts and humanities. We publish twice annually -- the School of Medicine "White Coat Reflections" booklet in the fall for first year medical students and "The Healer's Art" in May for all UMSOM students, residents, faculty, staff, and affiliates. We host hands-on workshops year-round in various artistic mediums such as painting, photography, drawing, and creative writing.

The Film and Literature Interest Group brings together students who are passionate about storytelling, whether through movies, books, or both. Our goal is to create a space where students can explore, discuss, and analyze works across genres, cultures, and time periods. We’ll watch films, read short stories, plays, and novels, and meet regularly to discuss themes, techniques, and the impact of storytelling on society. The Film and Literature Interest Group gives medical students a fun, low-pressure way to unwind, stay balanced, and reconnect with creativity. By engaging with powerful stories and diverse perspectives, we hope to help students not only find relief from the demands of medical school but also grow as more thoughtful, empathetic future physicians.

Do you like singing in the shower? On stage? In your room to annoy the neighbors? Do you play a string, woodwind, or brass instrument? Consider joining the Musical Service Interest Group. No previous experience is required whatsoever, just a love for music. :) The Musical Service Interest Group (formally known as the Hippocratic Notes) provides socioemotional support to patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers by performing live music at the UMMC. Students will not only fill the hospital with music that is proven to be effective in stress reduction but will also interact with anyone who approaches them while performing. Aside from volunteering, students will have social hangouts to share their common love for music.

The Peer Support Network is a group of students who have volunteered their time to meet with other students to support them in different aspects of their journey through medical school. Our UMSOM peer support leaders are Certified Peer Educators through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). They have been trained in active listening and resource management and help use their personal experiences to help support your journey. Examples could include wanting to chat, finding resources on campus, emotional support, questions on specific courses, residency applications, USLME step studying etc.! Students interested in becoming a Peer Support Leader have the opportunity at the beginning of every academic year in August to apply to be trained and become a volunteer. You must be an MS2 or above to apply and invitations to apply will come via email to the class list-serves.

PLPs are available for the first, second, and third year students. The PLPs are qualified second, third, and fourth year students. They provide support to peers in the development of study skills and content review.