Office of Student Affairs
Student Organizations, Clubs and Website
Click here to access the Education Website: https://admin-njms.umdnj.edu/
Click here to access the Student Website: http://catalyst.umdnj.edu/
American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA is a national organization comprised of medical students and physicians alike and is committed to representing them on issues affecting medicine at every stage in their careers. It offers students an opportunity to make a difference on a national level. Focusing on issues including medical student debt, access to care, public health, and more, we strive to improve medicine and help physicians do what they do best: care for patients. In the upcoming year, we will be running community service activities, informational sessions beneficial to students, political activism events including the opportunity to make our voices heard in Trenton and Washington, and more. We're looking forward to an exciting year!American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of medical students in the United States. AMSA's national philosophy is two-fold: to address medical student interests and to focus on national and international healthcare concerns. AMSA at NJMS hopes to address both local and national goals and provide an opportunity for student involvement at both a local and national level. We hold our annual book sale in August as a means to reduce the ever increasing cost of medical education. We will continue to bring high profile speakers to talk about key issues such as pharmaceutical companies influence on physician practice, speakers about the upcoming national election and its impact on American healthcare and LGBT and women's involvement in the healthcare community. Besides community health fairs, our annual Student Doctor Day brings in 300 local high school and middle school students to NJMS and attempts to engage them in pursuing a career in medicine. Each year in September our Global Hunger Week helps raise awareness about international problems that exist outside the city of Newark. In the upcoming year we will begin to host forums which address diverse topics such as changes to our NJMS school curriculum and student's experience in worthwhile summer projects such as international volunteering abroad.
American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)
Group leader(s): Alexandra Ward, Heather Feld, Sarah QuinnE-mail: wardal@umdnj.edu, feldhk@umdnj.edu, quinnsm@umdnj.edu
The American Medical Women's Association is an organization which functions at the local, national, and international level to advance women in medicine and improve women's health. We achieve this by providing and developing leadership, advocacy, education, expertise, mentoring, and strategic alliances. Our chapter is focusing on bringing awareness to health concerns like breast/cervical cancer and reproductive health, celebrating the variety of medical specialties and achievements that women physicians participate in, and helping to serve the needs of women of Newark. We will continue with traditional events such as the Women in Medicine Dinner, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Women and Health Elective, and The Vagina Monologues, while still creating fun new ways to integrate women's issues into medical education and practice.
American Physician Scientists Association (APSA)
Group leader(s): Shyam A. Patel, Natasha Nayak, Philip Lim, Larissa Gregory, Bobby Reddy, Avantika MishraE-mail: patel120@umdnj.edu, nayaknv@umdnj.edu, limpk@umdnj.edu, gregorla@umdnj.edu, reddyby@umdnj.edu, mishraav@umdnj.edu
The American Physician Scientists Association is a nationally recognized organization created by medical students with an interest in research and the advancement of science (http://www.physicianscientists.org). Through our local chapter at UMDNJ-NJMS, we effectively communicate with APSA at the national level and provide NJMS students with access to research opportunities in medicine, direct involvement with APSA activities such as national and regional meetings, and opportunities to learn about the competitive fellowships such as the Howard Hughes and Doris Duke programs. Students are able to attend presentations given by the national APSA organization and by various members of the NJMS faculty. In the past, we have had lunch/lectures given by residency program coordinators and chairpersons of various departments at the University Hospital. The NJMS chapter of APSA also exposes students to the primary literature in medicine via journal club sessions so that future physicians can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific basis of certain clinical practices.
Asian American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)
Group leader(s): Karthik Hiremath, Natasha NayakE-mail: hiremaka@umdnj.edu, nayaknv@umdnj.edu
AAPI is the second largest medical association boasting 42,000 physician and 15,000 medical student and resident members nationally. The goals of the organization are to facilitate and enable it's members to engage in various clinical opportunities, cutting edge research, community service, and promoting Indian cultural awareness. The NJMS chapter is known for it's health fairs, participation in Ghandi's day of service, and it's annual role in the cultural show. This year, we hope to take steps to further enhance our role in the community via educational outreach programs, health fairs, and by building an even stronger support system for the incoming first years through our big sib/little sib program. Some of our plans include the upcoming health fair on May 11th, a mixer with the Indian Dental Students Association, the cultural show, and a lecture series for the Indian community about common health issues and preventative measures. We are eager to work with other organizations to accomplish all of these goals and more! Being a success is a collaborative effort and we look forward to working with other organizations to maximize NJMS' potential.
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
Group leader(s): Corey Chang, Yan GaoE-mail: changco@umdnj.edu, gaoya@umdnj.edu
APAMSA is an organization that works to promote the health and well-being of the Asian community, help medical students understand how to care for the Asian patient in a culturally sensitive manner, and address issues important to the Asian-American medical student. We plan to hold events, such as the Multicultural Show, that will expose the student body to different aspects of Asian culture. We would also like to educate students on the different alternate therapies that Asian patients often use. We also plan to hold events geared toward the needs of Asian patients.
Ben Rush Surgical Society
Group leader(s): Ian Hoppe, Melissa TangE-mail: ianhoppe@gmail.com, tangme@umdnj.edu
The Benjamin Rush Surgical Society is a great place to learn about and explore various surgical specialties. This year, we have exciting events planned such as monthly lectures with some of the top surgeons on campus, diverse workshops such as a hands-on suturing workshop, and shadowing in the operating room. Be sure to come to our first meeting in the fall!
Boricua Latino Health Organization (BLHO)
Group leader(s): Alain BauzaE-mail: bauzaal@umdnj.edu
Boricua Latino Health Organization holds many events, including the Cinco De Mayo Food Celebration, the Senior Send-Off with SNMA, a Salsa Bash, the Latino Health Lecture Series, the Medical Spanish Elective, a Cross Cultural event in collaboration with other clubs, Health Fairs with Dr. Thomas Ortiz, Food/Bake Sales throughout the year, and a Mojito Social. BLHO hopes to continue to expose the UMDNJ community to the Hispanic/Latino Culture, to incorporate other Hispanic Cultures currently not widely known, to start new events with other clubs currently not collaborating with BLHO to make the organization more known and diverse, to participate in Cancer Awareness Month, and to bring education to the Hispanic/Latino Community. Also, BLHO will make sure that by the end of the year everyone knows how to dance Salsa!
Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA)
Group leader(s): Nelson Chiu, James LinE-mail: chiunm@umdnj.edu, linj1@umdnj.edu
The Christian Medical & Dental Associations' goal is to motivate, educate, and equip Christian physicians and dentists, and students to glorify God. At NJMS chapter, we seek to encourage one other through prayer, fellowship, Bible study, and outreach. Life as a student is tough and time-consuming, so much so that your faith is being tested continually. Join us at CMDA as we support one another and explore the challenges and privileges of living as Christians while in school. We are a nondenominational group, so all are welcome!
Club Med
Group leader(s): Ken He, Helene Strauss, James Lin, Pooja RavalE-mail: heke@umdnj.edu, straushl@umdnj.edu, linj1@umdnj.edu, poojarraval@gmail.com
Club Med is a group designed to increase awareness, knowledge and interest in the field of Internal Medicine primarily for first and second year students. The club organizes lectures that are given by physicians from various Internal Medicine specialties that give students information on current challenges and advancements of the field. Through cooperation with the University Hospital's Department of Medicine, 1st and 2nd year students can do various activities such as: go on private rounds with attendings from the department of medicine, see patients to increase their history and physical exam skills under the supervision of an attending (ATM sessions), and many other activities that will assist them in advancing their medical school careers.
Cross-Cultural and Integrative Medicine Interest Group (CCIM)
Group leader(s): Puja Shah, Rachel B.E-mail: pshah1986@gmail.com, bakshira@umdnj.edu
Cross Cultural and Integrative Medicine (CCIM) is a student organization dedicated to programming that: Increases the cultural competence of the future physicians at New Jersey Medical School by exposing them to modalities of healing from traditions and cultures throughout the world. Promotes respect for their patients' health beliefs and behaviors which may stem from a different understanding of the world than that espoused by modern medicine by exposing them to complementary and alternative forms of healing. Exposes them to the concept of integrative medicine, which goes further than using other modalities of healing as complementary and alternative by fully integrating them into the treatment plan of the patient.
Domestic Violence Awareness Group (DVAG)
Group leader(s): Amy Chen, Hina Aslam, Sheetal GandhiE-mail: chenh5@umdnj.edu, aslamhi@umdnj.edu, gandhish@umdnj.edu
Over 70,000 reports of domestic violence are filed each year in New Jersey. The Domestic Violence Awareness Group's purpose is to increase education and awareness of the prevalence and the effects that domestic violence has on the population and in medical settings. Since DVAG's creation, we have raised awareness through various fund-raising, community awareness, and educational activities. We've worked closely with other school organizations to accomplish our goals. This year, we plan to expand our organization and increase student involvement. Furthermore, we would like to organize lectures featuring perspectives from both survivors of domestic violence and physicians who have encountered patients affected by domestic violence.
Early Start Mentoring Program (ESMP)
Group leader(s): Jasneet GandehokE-mail: gandehja@umdnj.edu
Early Start Mentoring Program (ESMP) is designed to help provide children with the foundation necessary to accomplishing their future goals in regards to school and social skills. Mentors meet with their mentees once a wk for about an hour. The first half of this time is spent helping them with school related work that they are having trouble with and the second half is utilized in learning, "life lessons". This is a period for the mentor to bond with the mentee and build trust. As an organization, we are eager to work with other NJMS organizations to ensure that these children get all the support and encouragement they need and deserve.
Education through Dance Growth and Enrichment (EDGE)
Group leader(s): Corey ChangE-mail: changco@umdnj.edu
EDGE is a new student-run dance group that focuses on serving both UMDNJ and the surrounding communities through the art of dance. EDGE aims to fulfill this vision by offering workshops/dance lessons and initiating community service outreach projects that aim to provide an enriching dance experience to a broad spectrum of dance styles. Through these endeavors, EDGE hopes to bring satisfaction and enjoyment to everyone involved.
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
Group leader(s): Novneet Sahu, Eugene VargheseE-mail: sahunn@umdnj.edu, vargheem@umdnj.edu
The Emergency Medicine Interest Group is responsible for the elective program in the Emergency Department of University Hospital. This program provides a unique experience for preclinical students to shadow physicians in the ER, allowing them to gain first-hand exposure to a variety of clinical cases. EMIG also hosts a number of events during the school year, including faculty-taught suturing and intubation workshops, in which students can learn important skills pertaining to emergency medicine and life support.
Global Health Alliance
Group leader(s): Nelson Chiu, Matt SantiagoE-mail: chiunm@umdnj.edu, mattsantiago1@gmail.com
The Global Health Alliance's mission is to promote a shared understanding, appreciation, and passion for global and international health issues. The group seeks to accomplish this through sponsoring a speaker series, organizing infectious disease rounds for 1st and 2nd years, participating in World AIDS Day and other community health campaigns, collecting equipment and supply donations for overseas sites, and hosting a global health journal club. Together with national partners such as the Global Health Education Consortium (GHEC), the Global Health Alliance is also offering an online enrichment course in global health for all interested students. The Alliance will also serve as an information resource for students seeking to participate in conferences, summer internships, research positions, and electives in global health.
Jewish Medical Society
Group leader(s): Jeffrey KornitzerE-mail: kornitjm@umdnj.edu
The Jewish Medical Society (JMS) wishes to provide an opportunity for Jewish medical students to further explore Judaism through lectures, holiday outreach programs, social programs, medical forums, and religious events. In the coming year, we hope to build on the progress we have made in the past year. We look forward to holding a series of Kabbalah classes, sponsoring holiday outreach programs, hosting Shabbat dinners, having holiday parties, and bringing in a specialist on the topic of Jewish medical ethics.
Leisurely Activity as Effective Therapy (LEET)
Group leader(s): Kevin ChouE-mail: umdnjleet@gmail.com
UMDNJ LEET is a student volunteer organization which reaches out to the pediatrics ward at University Hospital, and providing the children with regular entertainment on Wednesday afternoons with an emphasis on humanism and charity. Our aim is to engage students in interaction with patients on a personal level early in their medical school career and to foster a sense of community by playing games and having fun with many different children who are hospitalized. In addition, we aim to organize charity drives to benefit the Newark community and UMDNJ population as well.
Military Medical Group
Group leader(s): Demis Hirujo, Oscar Escano, Sney PatelE-mail: hirujodn@umdnj.edu, escanooj@umdnj.edu, sneypatel3@gmail.com
The Military Medical Group is committed to helping those members of NJMS who serve in the military further their education and military careers through the exchange of information, mentorship, and related activities. Secondly, we hope to serve as a resource for members of the student body who have questions about the military and military scholarships, as we feel we can provide unbiased, accurate information which may not be found from a recruiter. Our current members include members of all branches of the military, active and reserves. Thirdly, we hope to engage in informative and open discussions about pressing issues affecting the military and military medicine today. Such topics include the role of physicians in interrogation, medical ethics in the military, and the current system of health care available for soldiers and veterans. We seek to include faculty with relevant experiences to help shape our discussions and provide insight and advice. We are entirely inclusive and are open to all members of the school body, regardless of political affiliation, race, creed, sexuality, or color. Ideas for upcoming events include a trip to West Point's Keller Army Hospital, military technology night: showcasing some of the new medical equipment that is being developed by the military which may find itself use in our hospitals soon, movie night (send in your ideas), speakers from various branches (military doctors), and a charity drive to benefit the Marine's Toys for Tots program.
Mini-Medical School
Group leader(s): Neil Kaushal, Ruchi Amin, Priya Bolikal, Heather ShafiE-mail: kaushank@umdnj.edu, aminr1@umdnj.edu, bolikapd@umdnj.edu, shafihc@umdnj.edu
Mini-Med provides health education to high school students in the fall and to the general population in the spring. Each semester includes a 9-week series of lectures about topics in about the field health care, relevant medical issues and the latest research. First and second year students volunteer once a week as homeroom preceptors where they provide instruction and facilitate discussion. Medical students receive 2 weeks of elective credit for Mini-Med if they participate for two full years. Plans for this year include continued development of the Mini-Med Outreach Program, which involves providing health education at off-campus sites.
Mini-Medical School Outreach Program
Group leader(s): Lee FlowersE-mail: flowerlm@umdnj.edu
Minimed Outreach holds a spring noncredit elective in which students are taken to one of several sites to educate members of the community on a variety of medical issues. Lessons represent topics normally covered during the education component of a primary care visit. Future goals include increasing recruitment of medical students, increasing audience involvement, teaching health literacy skills, and performing a needs assessments to adjust the curriculum.
Muslim Students Association
Group leader(s): Eman Rashed, Uzair SarmastE-mail: rashedem@umdnj.edu, sarmasus@umdnj.edu
The goal of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) for 2008-09 is to strengthen its presence on campus by increasing student participation, providing a supportive community for the Muslim students, and building collaboration amongst our members. The MSA's prime objectives are to become an organization facilitating social, academic and professional dialogue amongst the various student organizations, and encouraging community service. We hope to promote friendly relations with other organizations and to collaborate on important issues that affect our diverse community here at NJMS. We look forward to a great upcoming year.
NJMS Hockey Club
Group leader(s): Mike Klein, Jeremy WhangE-mail: kleinmj@umdnj.edu, jeremy.whang@gmail.com
The NJMS Hockey Club is made up of both ice and roller hockey enthusiasts who enjoy taking time out of their busy medical school schedules to get some exercise and have some fun. The UMDNJ Med Wings, a team formed by the club, have played 3 successful seasons at the Prudential Center in Newark. All members of the UMDNJ-Newark community are welcome to join, regardless of school, gender, knowledge of the game or skill level.
NJMS Hockey Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=166772900520&ref=ts
NJMS Rowing Club
Group leader(s): Michael GrossE-mail: grossmi@umdnj.edu
The NJMS rowing club rows on the Passaic River with the Passaic River Rowing Association. Experienced rowers can join the club and row with other experienced rowers and newcomers can learn the basics and sign up in the spring for the learn to row programs. Yay rowing.
Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP)
Group leader(s): Corey Chang, Muneesh MehraE-mail: changco@umdnj.edu, mehramu@umdnj.edu
Physicians for a National Health Program is a single issue organization advocating a universal, comprehensive single-payer national health program. PNHP serves to educate and advocate for reform within the health care system and government in order to establish a more effective way of managing national health. Educational projects will be both within the medical school talking to students about how this plan will benefit their future practice, as well as the local community on how health care reform will benefit their quality of care. We hope to be active in the community, working with undergraduates, current physicians, and other health care professionals to fight for this cause. Future plans include continuing the Healthcare Reform Elective series, expert speakers/panelists, presentations, training opportunities, and lobbying on the local and national levels.
PINACLE
Group leader(s): Alexandra Ward, Lola Babalola, Ali Husain, Shashi KapadiaE-mail: wardal@umdnj.edu, babalooa@umdnj.edu, sahusain@gmail.com, shashi.d.kapadia@gmail.com
PINACLE stands for Partnership In Newark Advocating Community Leaders' Empowerment. The goals of the organization are to provide education to Newark community leaders on health issues of interest to the community and to empower the community leaders to become health educators in their respective communities. These community leaders, referred to as Community Health Advocates (CHAs), come from various community based organizations both religious and secular. 3rd year medical students provide the CHAs with the health information and skills to teach the information back to their community members during regular health institutes. The CHAs are encouraged to hold health education workshops at their local communities where they teach a specific health topic. PINACLE members attend the workshops to provide free health screenings, supplement the information provided by the CHA, and provide information on medical resources in the area. Goals for the year include increasing the number of workshops held in the community, incorporating community research into the organization's activities and getting 1st year students involved in the organization.
PM&R Interest Group
Group leader(s): Alice HonE-mail: honaj@umdnj.edu
The PM&R Interest Group is dedicated to educating medical students about its multi-faceted specialty, giving opportunities to those interested in the field to participate in learning experiences, taking part in community service activities, and organizing events that promote and display this area of medicine. We hope, in the 2008-2009 year to expand on our shadowing program, offer more high school and college sporting events students can attend with a physiatrist, organize physical exam and anatomy workshops, and engage in more community service events. The board is extremely excited for these anticipated programs and we look forward to being active in our NJMS community.
Project Pediatrics
Group leader(s): Danielle Rosivack Mithra Maneyapanda Priya PatelE-mail: rosivadm@umdnj.edu, maneyam@umdnj.edu, patel187@umdnj.edu
Project Peds is an organization that provides an elective for medical students interested in learning about Pediatrics and its specialized fields. Throughout the upcoming year we will have theme-based presentations that will run the gamut from the clinical aspects of pediatric medicine to the major healthcare issues involved in modern day pediatrics. A wide array of pediatric specialists and general pediatric physicians will be invited to expose students to the various fields within pediatrics and to discuss their own experiences as doctors. Students in the elective will be encouraged to participate in a number of volunteer events, some specifically in the Pediatric floor of the hospital, such as the Halloween and Valentine's day parties, and others that will take place outside of the hospital, like Flu clinics and charity walks. In addition, students will have many opportunities to spend time with children in the hospital by volunteering in activities such as rocking babies in the Border Babies unit and spending time in the playroom on the pediatric floor. In order to provide guidance to those students interested in pursuing careers in pediatrics we have a mentor program, which connects students with faculty members in a wide range of pediatric specialties.
S.H.A.R.E.
Group leader(s): Arun Gurunathan, Pauline YiE-mail: gurunaar@umdnj.edu, yipa@umdnj.edu
Service is not a duty, it is an honor. Student Health Advocacy for Resources and Education (S.H.A.R.E.) stresses the privilege and power of such outreach. S.H.A.R.E. supports 7 service groups, allowing NJMS students to pursue patient care, community education, youth mentoring, and more. S.H.A.R.E. activities make these students a true part of the Newark community. In the upcoming year, S.H.A.R.E. hopes to introduce the classes of 2009-2012 to many, unique community outreach opportunities: S.H.A.R.E. leaders will expand the role of fellow students in their organizations. S.H.A.R.E. programs will reach out to more Newark institutions. Each S.H.A.R.E. sub-organization will convey their individual goals to that end.
Self Defense and Grappling Club
Group leader(s): Kevin Chou, Jonah PozenE-mail: choukd@umdnj.edu, pozenjm@umdnj.edu
The UMDNJ Grappling and Self-Defense Club provides submission grappling and self-defense education for the UMDNJ community. The goal is to offer a convenient and alternative form of exercise to improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall well-being. Programs include weekly wrestling and Brazilian jiu jitsu classes and, in conjunction with the UMDNJ Domestic Violence Awareness Group, the Self-Defense Awareness and Violence Education (SAVE) course, which promotes and teaches basic "street smarts" and self defense.
SHARE: COMMUNITY
Group leader(s): James LinE-mail: linj1@umdnj.edu
COMMUNITY aims to facilitate positive interactions and mentoring relationships between the medical school and the community that will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes for the people of Newark. It exists to reach out to the local population by promoting lifestyle change and prevention, while also providing a means for healthcare to the underserved. Activities it's involved in include health intervention programs, healthcare screenings, and educational workshops.
SHARE: Early Start Mentoring Program (ESMP)
Group leader(s): Neil KulkarniE-mail: neilkulkarni5@gmail.com
The Early Start Mentoring Program is a community outreach project of New Jersey Medical School, which sends trained mentors into Newark elementary schools to promote positive social behavior and non-aggressive conflict resolution. We ask our mentors to work closely with children that the schools have identified as needing individualized attention. Often these children may have behavioral issues or may need academic help, and our mentors will strive to fix these issues and integrate themselves further into the community.
SHARE: New Moms program
Group leader(s): Emily Fay, Leanne RobertsE-mail: fayee@umdnj.edu, robertlj@umdnj.edu
The New Moms program is one of the community service organizations under S.H.A.R.E. Medical students are paired with pregnant teens who attend the University Hospital's OB/GYN clinic at the Ambulatory Care Center, and act as mentors, liaisons, and advocates for the young women throughout their pregnancy. The medical students attend all prenatal appointments with the mommies-to-be, help present different issues at weekly education sessions regarding prenatal health, are present in the delivery room to help with the birth of the child, and serve as 24/7 support-systems that the women can call with problems, questions, and concerns. This year we would like to place an emphasis on participant recruitment and retention. We are also looking to further improve on the program by incorporating a women's reproductive health education outreach component at local middle and high schools.
SHARE: Student Family Health Care Clinic Liaison
Group leader(s): Hailey Choi, Ken HeE-mail: choi.hyein@gmail.com, heke@umdnj.edu
SFHCC Liaisons facilitate communication between SFHCC and SHARE activities. Their main task is to plan the "Vital Signs" training program during orientation for incoming medical students. They also have the responsibility of orienting new students to clinic procedures and coordinating the initial clinic visits for these students. Other responsibilities include providing assistance to clinic directors, selection of 1st year clinic representatives, contributions to various clinic activities/fundraisers during the year, and general clinic Q&A.
SHARE: Students Teaching AIDS to Students (STATS)
Group leader(s): Puja Shah, Carmen CastillaE-mail: pshah1986@gmail.com, carmen.castilla@gmail.com
STATS is an outreach program in which 1st and 2nd year medical students lead HIV education and prevention workshops in local middle and high school classrooms, health fairs and within the UMDNJ community. STATS also reaches out to local adolescents living with HIV by matching them with medical students in a peer support program run in conjunction with the University Hospital.
SHARE: Unite for Sight
Group leader(s): Thomas Eck, Natasha NayakE-mail: ecktw@umdnj.edu, nayaknv@umdnj.edu
The NJMS chapter of Unite for Site is looking forward to expanding its membership and introducing a variety of activities in the coming year. We aim to help eliminate preventable eye disease through vision screenings and education. In advancing that cause, our mission is two-fold: to educate our peers and to serve our community. For our first goal, we have organized an Introduction to Ophthalmology elective that exposes medical students to the field while underlining the need for charity eye care both locally and internationally. To further our second purpose, we collect glasses to donate to community members with vision deficits secondary to uncorrected refractive error. We are also directly involved in the community through the Telemedicine Outreach Program Services (TOPS) at UMDNJ. Looking ahead, we hope to establish a Student Sight Saver Program at NJMS, which would provide us with more equipment and funding to screen our local community for vision-threatening diseases. We are eager to work with other organizations and are open to any new ideas!
Student Council Fundraising
Group leader(s): Ahmed Meleis, Ray MalaperoE-mail: meleisah@umdnj.edu, malaperj@umdnj.edu
The Student Council represents the entire student body spanning all four years of NJMS. For fundraising this year, Student Council Fundraising hopes to have some charity fundraising events along with continued operation of the school store. The Student Store, located in the lounge by the Guitar Hero, has all your favorite school apparel and accessories. Whether its looking like a surgeon in scrubs for Anatomy Lab or just keeping warm in the Lecture Halls with some hoodies, we have what you're looking for. There are different varieties of T-shirts, sweatshirts, scrubs, athletic shorts/tops, shot glasses, beer and coffee mugs waiting for you. They make a great gifts for friends or family members around holiday time. If you have any questions or would like to see what we have in the Store, please contact us.
Student Council Programming Committee
Group leader(s): Neil Kaushal, Nelson Chiu, Thomas Cusack, Yan GaoE-mail: kaushank@umdnj.edu, nelson.chiu@gmail.com, cusacktj@umdnj.edu, gaoya@umdnj.edu
The Student Council Programming Committee is responsible for organizing school-wide events and functions throughout the year. In previous years, the programming directors have helped set up and run annual NJMS events such as the Golden Apple Awards Dinner Dance and the Circle Line Harbor Cruise as well as newer ones like the 2007 Autumn Gala. This year, the programming committee will carry out these responsibilities by planning major school events each semester. In addition, the committee hopes to organize several more social events for students of all classes such as post-exam and end-of-semester parties, trips to sporting events, ski trips, museum or theater trips and other exciting events. We look forward to making this year as enjoyable and as much fun as possible!
Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)
Group leader(s): Osamah Choudhry, Swamini Sinha, Corey ChangE-mail: osamah.choudhry@gmail.com, sinhasp@umdnj.edu, changco@umdnj.edu
SIGN (Student Interest Group in Neurology) is the national student branch of the American Academy of Neurology. The mission of the NJMS chapter of SIGN is to bring together medical students who are interested in exploring neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry. Next year we plan to continue the SIGN shadowing program, in which students are matched with mentors based on their particular specialty interests. We will also continue the SIGN elective. Another goal for next year is to make sure that each of the 3 specialties is represented with specialty specific events. In addition, few students know that neurology has one of the greatest number of subspecialties available from a single specialty, so we plan to sponsor a subspecialty forum in which students will have the opportunity to learn about all the subspecialties. We also hope make NJMS' participation in the MS walk (which began this year and was a huge success) a yearly tradition. In addition, we want to provide an opportunity for students to relax, so we plan to host a couple of neuro-related movie nights next year.
Student International Medical Mission Interest Group (SIMMIG)
Group leader(s): Yuri Jadotte, Jhanelle AllenE-mail: jadottyu@umdnj.edu, allenjc@umdnj.edu
The Student International Medical Mission Interest Group is a new student organization with a fourfold purpose: 1) to offer a central means of assisting in the coordination of international medical missions in which NJMS students participate, 2) to support the continuity of opportunities for international medical missions at NJMS via dissemination of information to students, meetings, partnering with interested faculty supervisors and site directors, and building a database of available international opportunities, 3) to raise public awareness at NJMS of the importance of volunteering and research at international medical missions and 4) to facilitate fundraising activities that support the participation of NJMS students at international medical missions. As it is a new organization, our focus this year will be the successful completion of the 2010 medical mission to Ghana, in which nine 4th year students are currently scheduled to participate. Support for other medical missions will be considered with the participation of more faculty members and additional students. Meetings are held every two months to discuss various available opportunities, as well as to allow students, faculty and staff to present any relevant information that is pertinent to student participation in international medical missions. It is important to note that SIMMIG focuses on assisting students in participating in medical missions, whereas other groups focus on discussing international health issues. However, there is tremendous room for collaboration. It also offers all NJMS students the following: 1) the ability to learn the ropes of fundraising for medical missions, including medical supplies, equipment, transportation, room and board, 2) the opportunity to actually participate in clinical activities in a resident-like capacity as early as the beginning of the 2nd year and as late as the end of the 4th year, 3) the opportunity to participate in clinical research opportunities abroad, particularly looking at interesting medical or surgical cases rarely seen in the US given the difference in the access and level of care available, as well as quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) studies, 4) the joy of visiting a developing country and learning hands-on about their specific health care systems and cultures, 5) assistance from experienced students, usually 2nd years and 4th years, and faculty members who understand the requirements for successful completion of such missions, 6) 4th year students who are successful in securing their participation in a medical mission can also gain elective credit from the Registrar's, as an outside externship. The regular externship application process and formal evaluation by the site director are to be followed, as per the Registrar's policies. However, SIMMIG members will gain a competitive edge in this regard.