Student Organizations: Boonshoft
Chapters of National Organizations
The Boonshoft School of Medicine hosts active chapters
to several national medical associations ranging from honor and service
societies to advocacy groups.
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA)
Alpha Omega Alpha is the only nationwide
medical honor society. It was founded in 1902 to recognize and promote
excellence in the medical profession. Eligibility for election to the
fraternity requires a ranking in the upper 25 percent of the class. No
more than one-sixth of the class may be elected. In addition to outstanding
academic achievement, the student must demonstrate leadership, integrity,
and compassion. Election to AOA occurs at the end of the third and fourth
years.
The American Geriatrics Society
The American Geriatrics Society exists to encourage interest in geriatrics
among faculty, and residents in the various medical specialties and in
nursing who are likely to be involved in the health care of older persons.
Educational activities regarding aging and the care of older persons
for professionals and the public in Miami Valley, Ohio, is promoted.
Another purpose is to increase our knowledge of the geriatric population
through community involvement. Wright State's Geriatric Club has developed
an Adopt-A-Grandparent program where a senior citizen is paired with
a medical student.
American Medical Association (AMA)
Founded over 150 years ago, AMA's strategic agenda remains rooted in
our historic commitment to standards, ethics, excellence in medical education
and practice, and advocacy on behalf of the medical profession and the
patients it serves. AMA's work includes the development and promotion
of standards in medical practice, research, and education; a strong advocacy
agenda on behalf of patients and physicians; and a commitment to providing
accurate, timely information and discourse on matters important to the
health of America. The AMA strives to serve as the voice of the American
medical profession. Being that voice is our mission. Our most valuable
resource, our members, address the changes that surround them in today's
health care environment through the debates that occur at annual and
semi-annual House of Delegates meetings. The end result is the creation
of policies that direct AMA's immediate work activities, as well as provide
progress toward reaching our long-term vision. As a member of AMA you
will receive JAMA, as well as discounts on books and other learning
material.
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent
association of physicians in training in the United States. It was founded
in 1950 under the auspices of the American Medical Association with the
goal of engaging medical students to participate in organized medicine.
AMSA has since then become a fully independent, student-run organization
with a membership of more than 30,000 medical students, pre-medical students,
interns, and residents from across the country.
The Boonshoft School of Medicine chapter is a prominent and active organization,
sponsoring such activities as the annual medical instrument fair and
hosting guest speakers and offering opportunities to attend workshops
through the national chapter internships. In addition, the year usually
culminates in the annual AMSA convention, during which medical school
representatives from all over the country undertake an intense lobbying
effort for specific issues ranging from the institution of a patient's
bill of rights to diversity in medicine. For more information, visit
the National AMSA Web Site.
American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)
AMWA is a national network of nearly 11,000
female physicians and medical students who share many professional and
personal values and concerns. The Wright State Chapter meets once a month
and provides a range of interesting speakers and topics pertinent to
women in medicine.
Wright State’s AMWA chapter has developed a directory that lists
women faculty members who are willing to serve as mentors to students
and colleagues at Boonshoft School of Medicine. You may review this directory
in a .pdf format listed by either department or
by last name.
Christian Medical Society
The members of the Christian Medical Society meet during lunch on Thursdays
to discuss issues of health care and, especially, how to incorporate
their faith into medical careers. CMS also sponsors guest speakers from
the community who address a variety of medical concerns and/or share
their personal experiences. These talks are open to all. In addition
to these activities, CMS sponsors regular Bible study sessions and intercessory
prayer meetings. Parties and other social events are planned throughout
the year.
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)-
Dayton Affiliates
The aim of this group is to deal with the social and professional problems
that confront medical professionals who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual
and to address issues of prejudice and fear that exist within the medical
community towards gay colleagues and patients. Monthly meetings vary
from open rap groups to potluck get-togethers, fostering a feeling of
cohesiveness and support. For information, contact Robert
Brandt, M.D., or (937) 208-7070; Mary
White, Ph.D., at (937) 775-3167; or Cynthia
Olsen, M.D., at (937) 767-6965.
Medical Students for Choice
Medical Students for Choice is part of a national organization of pro-choice
medical students that works to ensure women receive comprehensive reproductive
health care. The organization originated in response to a declining number
of medical professionals trained to perform abortions and to the lack
of information on abortion within medial education. In order for reproductive
choice to be a reality, future physicians need to be well trained to
provide all reproductive health services, including abortion.
The group's goals are to improve abortion and reproductive health education
for medical students and residents and to support others in the pro-choice
medical community. Some activities sponsored by MSFC include educational
workshops, political updates, petition campaigns, clinic escort and voter
registration. The group has considerable support form organizations such
as Planned Parenthood of the Miami Valley and National Abortion Rights
Action League (NARAL) which helps to facilitate MSFC projects.
Medical Students for Life
Medical Students for Life is affiliated with Dayton Physicians for Life,
a group of over 90 area pro-life physicians. Medical Students for life
was established to provide interested medical students with information
on ways to integrate one's pro-life values into future medical practice,
as well as to establish contacts with local pro-life physician mentors.
Medical Students for Life seeks to provide positive answers to the abortion
dilemma and networks with other pro-life organizations such as Dayton
Right to Life Society, Feminists for Life of Ohio, and Black Americans
for Life. Reprints of journal articles, news of relevant legislation,
and other items of interest are distributed in a quarterly newsletter.
Meetings are at least once a quarter and feature local physicians an
other health professionals. Students are also welcome at Dayton Physicians
for Life meetings.
Phi Rho Sigma
Phi Rho Sigma is a social and community service organization
open to all medical students. It gives students a chance to be involved
in socially redeeming projects while spending time with classmates and
upper class students. Lifetime membership costs $45. Major projects during
the year include producing the SOM student telephone directory, volunteering
at the Special Olympics swim and track meet, the Halloween party at Children's,
pumpkin painting at local nursing homes, a clothing drive, and ushering
at hooding ceremonies. PRS also donates to chosen charities. Social events
are planned according to the wishes of members.
Physicians for Human Rights
Physicians for Human Rights mobilizes health professionals to advance
health, dignity, and justice and promotes the right to health for all.
Harnessing the specialized skills, rigor, and passion of doctors, nurses,
public health specialists, and scientists, PHR investigates human rights
abuses and works to stop them. National site link.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
The SNMA, Inc., was established in 1964
as a nonprofit association which boasts 3,100 members and 122 chapters.
SNMA was born from a need to produce sensitive physicians dedicated to
providing quality health care to African-American, Latino, Native-American,
disadvantaged, and indigent communities. On the local level, the organization
initiates and participates in several community based activities which
include the Gem City Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Society; Dr.
Martin Luther King Memorial Program; the Senior Recognition Banquet;
and various local health fairs. The organization also has an active involvement
with pre-health undergraduates at the four local colleges. SNMA welcomes
all medical students to share in the organization's goals and activities.
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