Clubs & Organizations

Alpha Omega Alpha

The Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society (AOA), was organized in 1902 to support scholastic achievement in the medical profession. Currently, there are 123 active chapters of AOA in the United States and Canada, with New York Medical College's Iota Chapter being formed in 1957. Students are elected either as Junior Members during their third year, based on their performance during the basic science courses and the first half of the third year; or as Senior Members during the fourth year, based on performance during the first three years of medical school. The total number elected may not exceed one-sixth of the class.

In addition to being an honor society, AOA was founded as a service organization. Towards this end, the Iota Chapter pursues many activities serving New York Medical College, the local community and beyond. Tutoring programs are held for first and second year students. The Iota Chapter publishes two guidebooks, the "Guide to the Clinical Years" and the "Guide to Residency Applications." Over the past few years, the AOA has collected thousands of donated textbooks and journals, which have been sent to the University of Tirana in Albania. Also, a food and clothing drive is held in December.

The highlight of the year for the Iota Chapter comes in the spring when the AOA brings to campus as a Visiting Professor, an individual who has made significant contributions to the medical profession. The Visiting Professor gives two lectures, one in Westchester, and one at a city hospital. The culmination of this visit is an annual AOA banquet in honor of newly inducted student, faculty, alumni and house staff members.


American Medical Association

The AMA-student section is one of the unique groups on campus in that members have the opportunity for active participation at both the community, state, and national level. Members can do anything: from organizing community service events here in Westchester to flexing their political muscle by pushing for reforms in the AMA policy at the semi-annual state and national meetings.

The AMA is the political voice of physicians, responsible for lobbying politicians to ensure that the practice of medicine remains at the high standards we expect. Student members of the AMA are encouraged to present legislative proposals as delegates of New York Medical College at biannual state and national AMA conferences. And if you don't agree with certain AMA policies, use this venue to challenge and debate their principles. Policy formation in the AMA is a very democratic process, which encourages contributions from its members regardless of position and experience. In fact, if you disagree with current AMA policy, then you have even more reason to become active. Without adequate student involvement, the AMA's views will not be representative of the entire medical student community.

You certainly don't have to have a political agenda or even be informed to get involved. Again, if you are interested, but you don't have an understanding of the political structure or issues, you have even more reason to get involved. Twice a year the Chapter attends national meetings, one in Chicago and the other at a designated location in December. Last year it was Hawaii and this year it will be held in Atlanta (places with better weather than NYC in December). You can go, sit back, learn a thing or two, or jump right in and contribute. Regardless there are always great social events where you can get to know other medical students from all over the country.

Locally, student members of the AMA have the liberty to create community service projects and get involved with the Westchester County Medical Society (WCMS), a great organization that provides access to many state and national legislators.

Some of the student member benefits include a Stedman's Medical Dictionary, JAMA subscription, discounts on travel to residency interviews, health and HIV insurance, and scholarship money to support students who take advantage of international opportunities. An extensive database of information on U.S. residency programs called FREIDA is available to AMA student members.

At the national level, the American Medical Association Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS) is dedicated to improving medical education, developing leadership and promoting activism for the health of America, as well as serving as a forum for national health policy development. Currently, some of the issues important in the AMA-MSS include medical student work hours, location and validity of the CSAE, and medical student tuition increases. This list is not all complete and YOU can be the one to add to it. To learn more about the AMA, its history, and current policies, you can visit www.ama-assn.org.


American Medical Student Association (AMSA)

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is the oldest and largest independent association of medical students in the country. AMSA was founded in 1950 as part of the American Medical Association and became a fully independent student organization in 1968. This move toward independence was due to a difference of opinion between AMSA and the AMA over the issues of Medicare, civil rights and community health care. With more than 40,000 medical students, pre-medical students, interns and residents, AMSA has a separate and very influential voice in healthcare delivery and policy on a national level.

Today, AMSA is a completely student-governed, national organization that is committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. These include increasing diversity in medicine, promoting medical student well being and working toward providing health care for everyone. To achieve these goals, AMSA organizes national letter-writing campaigns and candlelight vigils, and lobbies Congress for change. Students are also encouraged to write resolutions to change AMSA's national policy and bring attention to other areas that need to be addressed.

The NYMC chapter of AMSA focuses on community service and education. In the last year we have organized projects to sign up uninsured families in our area for free health care. We also organized food and clothing drives to deliver to homeless people in NYC. We collected money to help buy medicine for people in Africa and worked on the global AIDS crisis by raising awareness of the issue. We also bring in speakers to talk to our students about issues ranging from personal health while studying to universal health care. We have organized discussions on ethical issues ranging from the dog lab to the pharm-free campaign. We have organized panels to discuss specialties in medicine and how to choose the right one for you. In addition to these things, we organize an annual residency fair that attracts programs from all over the country. This huge undertaking provides our students with information on the different programs available to them and the options that these programs bring.

The NYMC chapter of AMSA also tries to get involved in national AMSA events by participating in national letter-writing campaigns and sending contingents to candlelight vigils outside of our area. We also attend the annual regional convention as well as the annual national convention. These weekend-long conventions provide programming that educates and promotes discussion about interesting and important issues in health care, healthcare reform and medical education. In addition, it gives our members the opportunity to network with fellow medical students from around the country and to meet national leaders of our organization.

AMSA is always looking for future leaders. Whether you want to get involved on a national level or a local level, AMSA has the right resources for you. - Felix Yu


American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)

The American Medical Women's Association at NYMC is the local chapter of the national organization. AMWA is dedicated to serving as a voice for women's health and furthering the career development of women in medicine. We are a dedicated and active group of female and male medical students. Our activities include speakers on various topics, such as Balancing Career & Family and Domestic Violence; fundraising walks/runs for breast cancer research; breast cancer awareness events; an annual Gender Equity Award voted on by students and given to a faculty member; and community outreach and service projects. If you are interested in women's health issues and/or learning more about the challenges and opportunities of your career as a female physician, come get involved! - Sara Keck


American Red Cross Corps of NYMC


Arrhythmias

NY Med's Own Arrhythmias

The Arrhythmias of New York Medical College is an a cappella singing group dedicated to counterbalancing the academic burdens of medical school. A well sought-after group, the Arrhythmias have performed for many events, including the singing of the national anthem for the Fall Convocation and White Coat Ceremony, Commencement, benefit fundraisers, the New York Medical College radio talk show, Student Holiday luncheons and other concerts. In the history of the Arrhythmias, professional recordings have also been made, the most recent recorded during a live concert in April 2003 entitled "Off the Beat." Composed of about 16 members (it varies each year) from the first and second-year classes, the Arrhythmias meet every week to practice popular songs arranged for a cappella. Although many members have some sort of musical background, no experience is necessary. For those who are interested, auditions are held each year at the start of the school year.

For more information on auditions, albums, or the group in general, you can email us at Arrhythmias@nymc.edu or visit our website at www.nymc.edu/arrhythmias. - Wesley Che


Asian Pacific-American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)

Founded in January of 1995, APAMSA's main mission is to bring together Asian Pacific Islander (API) American medical students and others interested in health issues that affect APIs. It seeks to promote awareness of topics such as cultural sensitivity, access to health care, alternative medicine and political activism
by offering educational and community service opportunities. APAMSA also provides an important forum for API medical students to network and exchange experiences that enhance their personal and professional development. - Pai-Jong Tsai


Basket Ball Club


The Book Club

The book club was founded in the fall of 2003 with the purpose of promoting non-medically-related reading. We meet approximately four times a year to discuss books that we have selected to read together. The discussions are informal and potluck in style. - Elizabeth Buescher


Boricua Latino Health Organization (BLHO)

The Boricua Latino Health Organization (BLHO) is a community service group targeting the Latino (Hispanic) community. All students are welcome and encouraged to join. We are a relatively new organization (it's our third year here on campus) and we need input to help diversify our services and increase our membership. Our mission is to recruit Latinos into higher education, educate the public and one another about Latino health issues, advocate for increased Latino representation in health-related areas, promote awareness about is- sues as they relate to Latino health, and disseminate information on culturally competent care. Our major events for the year are: Thanksgiving Food and Clothing Drive, annual Christmas party for disadvantaged children in Yonkers, and our annual fund-raising Salsa Party to establish a scholarship for college-bound high school students. We also hold workshops at a local high school in Yonkers on topics ranging from important public health issues to requirements for higher education. - Anandi Kotak


Cardiology Club


Catholic Students Association

The purpose of the Catholic Students Association (CSA) is to encourage and facilitate a deeper sense of community among Catholic students, and to provide opportunities for those who would like to know more about Catholicism. CSA enables students to maintain a spiritual focus in their lives, especially when facing new and often overwhelming academic challenges. CSA sponsors campus charity events as well as a yearly spring retreat, open to anyone on campus who is interested in decompressing from the normal rigors of medical school and exploring their growing spirituality. This usually takes place at a picturesque and serene location, such as the Mariapolis Luminosa Focolare Center in Hyde Park. - Jessica Brzana


Christian Fellowship

"...And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."-Hebrews 10:24-25

NYMC Christian Fellowship is a group of believers who come together to worship God through prayer, songs, His Word, and encouragement of one another. We seek to know God more through His Word and to grow in our personal relationships with Jesus Christ as we continue on our path to become physicians. Our weekly gatherings and small group meetings provide an opportunity for Bible study, prayer, accountability, and additional encouragement. Furthermore, we participate in conferences and activities organized by the Christian Medical Dental Association.

If you are seeking to grow in your relationship with Christ and in fellowship with other believers, or are simply interested in finding out more about who God is, we invite you to come and visit our group. Meetings are held every week in the Alumni House.  Mark Cheng


Climbing Club

The mission of this club is to aid students in relaxing from their medical studies by providing a fun, safe environment to learn about rock climbing and bouldering. The Climbing Club will help introduce new members to the sport of climbing by showing pop-culture videos (ex. Cliff Hanger, K2, Touching the Void), talking about some of the medical concerns with climbing, and taking them to nearby professionally run indoor rock climbing gyms. - Dan Knox


Dance Club


Emergency Medicine Club

EMC is a club organized in conjunction with the faculty in Emergency and Trauma Medicine at NYMC's major affiliated hospitals which include Metropolitan Hospital Center and Westchester Medical Center. It is open to anyone interested in learning more about the field and possibly participating in some hands-on experience.

Currently, there is a volunteer/shadow program with the Metropolitan Hospital Emergency Room. Two student members of EMC are permitted to team up one-on-one with an ER resident at Metropolitan every Saturday morning throughout the academic year. Sign-ups are first come, first serve. The shadow experience allows students to observe the tasks and responsibilities of an ER physician during a typical day in the ER (which can be anything but typical).

Each semester, the club also sponsors a clinical workshop taught by attendings and residents from Metropolitan Hospital's Emergency Department. The workshop consists of hands-on teaching in basic emergency and medical procedures including suturing, intubation, defibrillation, IV placement, and casting. These workshops have always been very popular and well received.

After match day at the end of the year, the club invites fourth-year students who have matched in Emergency Medicine to speak at an informal gathering about how they went about applying for such programs.

The club meets approximately once or twice a month to plan new and future activities. Upcoming events and notices are usually posted on e-mail to everyone. The current executive board members are Stephen Chen, Krishn Sharma, Sharmelle Highbloom and Vikram Rajan.


Fabulous Acting Medical Educators (FAME)


Family Medicine Interest Group

The NYMC Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) is the local chapter of a national network of FMIGs established by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Our goal is to encourage active learning and promotion of the specialty. Family Medicine is centered on lasting, caring relationships with patients and their families. Family physicians integrate the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences to provide continuing and comprehensive health care. The scope of practice encompasses all ages and sexes, each organ system and every disease entity.

We work to increase awareness and interest in the field through various activities. We host speaking events about the many aspects of Family Medicine, procedural workshops, blood pressure screenings and residency program dinners. We organize trips to state, regional and national conferences. We offer the opportunity to shadow local family physicians, to work with youths at a nearby runaway shelter, and to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. No matter what your career aspirations, all students are invited to join us! For more information see: www.nymc.edu/fammed/interestgrp.asp  - Katherine Shister


Forensic Pathology Club



NYMC News Publication - The Goose

Tired of the daily routine? Looking for something fun and meaningful (even good for the resume) while here in Valhalla, but you don't have the time? Look no further. The Goose, a completely student-run and uncensored newspaper provides ample opportunity to get away from anatomy and explore topics that interest YOU, not the professor. Started in 1994 with only two editors, we have expanded to a full- and part-time staff of more than 40 contributors. Some of the activities include investigative reporting, feature stories, creative writing, interviewing faculty and deans, restaurant, bar, and music reviews, photography, advertising, computer layout, and leadership roles. New activities become available as students create them! The Goose comes out weekly and we cover events here on campus, in the community (including NYC), and nationally. And we do not limit ourselves to just medical news. You can write about anything you desire. We are looking for something beyond the ordinary to prove to the world (or at least to ourselves) that we are not just one-track tunnel visionaries. Our paper is constantly changing as new students become involved every year. Almost everyone on campus and at our affiliated hospitals in NYC reads this paper. It is an excellent way to get to know the faculty members and deans, and for them to get to know you. You can't lose with The Goose, so join us in our quest to entertain and inform!


Genocide Awareness and Prevention

The Genocide Awareness and Prevention club (GAAP) is part of a nationwide student anti-genocide movement. In partnership with STAND, the official student-led anti-genocide organization, and The Genocide Intervention Network, GAAP is working to establish a permanent anti-genocide constituency that holds elected officials accountable for doing all that they can to prevent and end genocide. GAAP's current focus is primarily on ending the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan which has been existence since 2003. GAAP represents students from each school at NYMC, granting it the distinction of being the first inter-disciplinary club in the history of NYMC. GAAP actively organizes events to raise awareness and take action to stop genocide wherever and whenever it may occur. In 2007-2008, the first year of the club’s existence at NYMC, GAAP has held events such as fundraisers targeting civilian protection, documentary screenings, talks by prominent activists, and formal presentations to community high school students and parent associations.

The GAAP club is always welcoming new members and encourages anyone who is interested in this club and its mission, to contact our faculty advisor, Dr. Padmini Murthy at padmini_murthy@nymc.edu for more information, or visit the club website which will be live soon!.


Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is an integral component of the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences. Officers are elected annually and participate in a diversified program including student advocacy on a variety of social, academic and professional issues relevant to the graduate student members.

All graduate students belong to the GSA upon payment of the student activity fee. The GSA provides students with the opportunity to meet other graduate students and provides graduate students with a unified voice with which important issues concerning them can be addressed and brought to the school’s attention.

The GSA of the Basic Medical Sciences has representation on the Graduate Faculty Council and the Board of Trustees. The GSA maintains the BMS-GSA information bulletin board outside the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences office. The most significant contribution of the GSA is the running of the annual Graduate Student Research Forum.


High Notes

New York City is home to some of the world's best performing arts. Medical school may be demanding with your time and money, but High Notes is dedicated to making access to these performances as easy and affordable as possible. Throughout the year High Notes offers tickets and transportation for a group of approximately forty to sixty students to see Broadway shows, dance performances or orchestral works. Some of our recent trips have included Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, and American Ballet Theater's Romeo and Juliet at Lincoln Center. Take advantage of your time in the New York area, and join High Notes for a trip into the city! - Joshua Sahara


Hot Yoga


Infectious Disease Club


Internal Medicine Club/International Federation of Medical School Associations ( IMC/IFMSA)


Jewish Student Association

Ever wonder why the school closes for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover? Why not Purim and Chanukah too? What about Succos and Sh'vuos? Actually, what ARE Succos and Sh'vous? To find out the answers to these and many more HOLY questions make sure to stop by at the next Jewish Student Association meeting.

The Jewish Student Association was started by medical students with the common goal of organizing activities in order to increase Jewish awareness in the college community. Our main events have usually centered around the various holidays throughout the year. Past events have included organizing prayer services for the High Holy Holidays, "break-the-fast" after Yom Kippur, Chanukah celebrations, and Megillah readings for Purim. We are also interested in the interrelationship of Jewish Law and medicine. Past events have included an interdisciplinary open forum in which rabbis, physicians and lawyers have presented and discussed their views on such controversial topics as the definition of legal death.

We are open-minded and continually looking for new members and new ideas. The club is open to all students in the college community. - Babak Saedi


La Casita de la Salud

La Casita de la Salud is the New York Medical College (NYMC) Clinic Project and is a student-run clinic focused on meeting the needs of the uninsured and undocumented adult populations of East Harlem. Our goal is to improve health outcomes by providing quality culturally competent care regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, or ability to pay. We emphasize preventative medicine through patient-centered care and education. With the aid of quality indicators, we strive to be a model of efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the achievement of the aforementioned goals. Through our organization’s cultural competency and increasing of access to healthcare for uninsured and undocumented immigrants, we hope to help bridge the pervasive health disparity gap in our healthcare system.

Few can dispute the claim that health care in the United States has undergone changes in the last few decades that can best be described as a revolution. Many of these changes, like advances in biomedical science and the lightning-fast technology to which we are all accustomed, are recasting the mold of health care — generally for the better. Others, like soaring costs and foundering hospitals, are forcing providers to make compromises in order to continue treating an increasing number of patients without the means to pay.

La Casita de la Salud, which means “The Little House of Health” seeks to help.


Medical Student Research Committee


Medicine/Pediatrics Club


Music Performance Club


Muslim Students Association (MSA) of NYMC

The goal of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) of NYMC is to foster a Muslim community on campus through religious, social and civic activities. We also seek to promote an accurate awareness of the Islamic religion and culture within the university community. - Haatem Reda


NYMC Chapter of American Geriatrics Society (AGS)


NYMC Fitness Club

The NYMC Fitness Club focuses on motivating students and affiliates of NYMC to incorporate health and fitness activities in their daily lives. In addition to their annual 5K run on campus, the Fitness Club also sponsors strength training to learn how to use weights and workout for your ideal body type. It promotes outdoor activities in conjunction with other clubs on cam- pus. Furthermore, the Fitness Club is active in improving the existing gymna- sium with new equipment and technology.


NYMC Mac users Club


NYMC Softball Club


OB/GYN Student Club


The Ophthalmology Club

The goal of the Ophthalmology Club is to provide students with information about the field of ophthalmology and the subspecialties within ophthalmology. Additionally, important elements needed to prepare for matching in ophthalmology will be highlighted through discussions with faculty, residents and fourth-year students who plan to specialize in ophthalmology. Some of the key activities of the club include: attending weekly Grand Rounds at affiliated hospitals, volunteering as vision screeners for the poor in the NYC area, and annual information sessions with senior students who have matched in ophthalmology. - Sanjukta Sanyal


Orthopedics Surgery Club

The Orthopedics Club was founded in 1995 with the purpose of increasing students' awareness and exposure to the field of Orthopedic Surgery. With fewer than 620 residency positions available per year, orthopedics is one of the most competitive specialties in medicine. It is helpful, therefore, to involve oneself early with the field so that he or she will be best prepared for the application process.

The Orthopedics Club presents semi-monthly meetings where various topics of orthopedic surgery and residencies are addressed. Presentations include specific procedures in one of the seven subspecialities in orthopedic surgery as well as discussions concerning the future of orthopedics. Residents from NYMC as well as other medical programs discuss their experiences as well as offering strategies for surviving medical school and applying for residency. Meetings are presented in as informal a manner as possible, and student interaction with residents and attending surgeons is encouraged.

A unique feature of the Orthopedics Club is its annual spring research meeting. Research is invaluable for the student trying to obtain a residency position. In the spring, the research director for the Orthopedics Department at Saint Vincents Hospital and Medical Center discusses opportunities for students to participate in biomechanical research. This program has grown over the past three years, and is anticipated to continue growing in student involvement. Students who have participated have gained valuable experience in the process of laboratory work, abstract and paper writing, and presenting their work in NYMC-sponsored competitions. Most students who involve themselves with the program ultimately have their names associated with published research in major orthopedics journals.


Otolaryngology Club (ENT Surgery)

The purpose of this club is to expose first- and second-year students to the field of Otolaryngology. Otolaryngologists, commonly known as ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors, are surgeons who specialize in working with the head and neck. The field is unique among surgical subspecialities in that it involves not only diagnosis and surgery but also medical care and extensive patient interaction.

The Otolaryngology Club meets a couple times each semester. Typically each meeting will have a guest speaker who will discuss the field of Otolaryngology, opportunities for medical students (i.e., research), how to prepare for a residency in Otolaryngology, and examples of specific cases or surgeries. Speakers typically include Dr. Steven Schaefer, chair and professor of Otolaryngology, and other attendings and residents.

For more information contact Rick Roark, Ph.D., the Otolaryngology Club faculty sponsor and assistant professor of otolaryngology (Munger Pavilion, Rm. 170).


Pediatric Club

The Pediatrics Club is dedicated to helping students learn more about the general field of pediatrics, as well as pediatric specialties. This is accomplished through sponsoring workshops, lectures, and panel discussions with physicians practicing in the field. In addition, we encourage outreach by working with residents at the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, as well as the Children's Hospital Foundation.

For more information and to enroll in the club's list serve, please email current President Monique Gardner (monique_gardner@nymc.edu).


P.E.O.P.L.E. in Medicine

As a NYMC student organization, we actively work to improve healthcare delivery to GLBT patient populations through outreach activities, addressing community health issues and concerns, and participating in volunteer/mentoring opportunities within the GLBT community. Our organization communicates and collaborates with other health professionals, creating a positive, safe, and proactive environment for patients in which the highest quality of care can be delivered, and a safe, supportive atmosphere in which our fellow students can foster their personal and professional growth. We educate both current and future physicians on the special healthcare needs of GLBT patients through conferences, discussions, and focused educational experiences, creating competent and compassionate physicians.


Physicians for a National Health Program


Physicians for Human Rights


Project Sunshine


Racquet Sports Club


Radiology Club


Respite Care Program


Quill & Scope: The NYMC Medical Student Journal

Quill & Scope: The NYMC Student Medical Journal was founded in 2008 for the purpose of providing a platform for medical students of all years at NYMC to express their views on the contemporary issues in medicine.  Diversity and breadth of scope are core values of the journal, as is integrity and professionalism.  The journal is published annually in the spring, after submissions are evaluated by an editorial board consisting of student and faculty.  Students from any year are invited to contribute original pieces of work throughout the first half of each school year.  All forms of art and literature will be considered for publication; commentaries, reviews, research abstracts, poetry, and artwork have appeared in the past.  Topic choice is the contributors; all will be reviewed.  For more information email this year’s editors-in-chief, Sean_Kivlehan or Christine_Capone.  To view last year’s edition along with topic ideas and submission guidelines please visit our website.


Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)


Student Healthcare Executives Club

The NYMC Student Healthcare Executives Club  (StuHE) was established in the Spring of 1999 under the name ACHE and boasts student membership from a wide variety of disciplines. Students in good standing from any school of the NYMC are invited to join the club membership. The chapter was formed with the purpose of providing a network for students in healthcare administration to meet, exchange ideas on a local level. These goals include staying current on healthcare management issues, expanding healthcare management knowledge, and helping to shape the current and future environment of healthcare management. The chapter holds 4-5 meetings per academic year. These meetings, which are open to the entire NYMC community, are combined with lectures given by invited guests.


The Spirit and Wine Club

The Wine Club's purpose is to expose students, faculty and staff to wine and the enjoyment of tasting wines. Tastings are held every one-to-two months and each have a special theme (for example, wines from different regions or different types of wine). The club also promotes the health benefits of wine along with responsible drinking.


South Asian Medical Student Association


Scribe Service

At New York Medical College, scribes are the closest thing to a professional note taking service. The scribe service has six components: a chair, a treasurer, editors, stuffers, tapers, and members. The members of the service (which includes most of our class) take turns transcribing the taped lectures, which get edited and then stuffed into members' mailboxes. The service is non-profit, and all money collected from our members goes to pay for copying fees for a full year worth of scribes.

Oftentimes it is difficult to stay focused throughout every single lecture, and sometimes it may be difficult to make it to every single class. Most times it is almost impossible to write down every single thing the professor says. Do not fear, the scribe service is here!


Soccer Club

The World Cup has come to Valhalla—sort of. If you have aspirations of becoming the next Pele, feel like kicking the ball around, or just need to rejuvenate the cardiovascular system, come join the NYMC Soccer Club. We usually scrimmage on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during the fall and spring at Le Futbol Stadium De Grasslands (aka the grass field behind BSB). All skill levels are invited. If you are really into some competitive soccer, we also have a team that plays on Sunday mornings with ten other clubs in the Northern Westchester Soccer League. So, come on out!!


Student National Medical Association (SNMA)

The SNMA is the nation's oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Established in 1964, SNMA boasts more than 30 years of committed service, providing improved and culturally sensitive healthcare sciences and education to neglected and underserved populations. Although consisting primarily of African Americans, SNMA's membership includes Native Americans, West Indians, Latin Americans, Asians, Middle Easterners and Caucasians, all of whom bring a global perspective to the medical education and healthcare issues the organization addresses.

At NYMC, (Click here to visit our web site) SNMA strives to make students, faculty, and staff more aware of the cultural richness of the NYMC community. Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month are just two of the events that SNMA sponsors. Other activities include speakers/events that focus on current issues facing physicians and patients. SNMA also hosts events geared toward entertainment (gospel concerts, movie nights, socials, etc.). One of our most popular events, International Food Day, is a chance for the entire NYMC community to join together in celebration of our cultural richness. All are welcome to join.


Student Physicians for Social Responsibility

SPSR is the student wing of Physicians for Social Responsibility, an international group that has been recognized worldwide for their pioneering work on the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Using the themes of nonviolence, environmentalism, and community involvement, student chapters have organized a variety of projects in the northeast region. Examples include conflict resolution training in middle schools and recycling discarded OR equipment. The group gives students a chance to involve themselves in local and regional projects, as well as providing an opportunity to attend conferences with physicians and medical students from around the nation.


The Student Senate

Even at New York Med the ruling body of government for students is the Senate. Each class is represented by five senators, and the senate body itself elects the president, who has traditionally been a fourth-year student. The bottom line responsibility of a senator is to represent the class to the best of his/her capability, while also playing the integral role of an information relay station.

The Student Senate is an integral part of the college community and is involved at every level of its growth and development. Through the Senate, students are able to participate in the decision-making processes that affect not only the situation of present students, but also that of future students and alumni of New York Medical College. Under the Senate umbrella fall most of the associations and clubs associated with New York Med. A portion of the student activity fees provides the Senate with an independent treasury. This makes it possible for the Senate to sponsor a large number of events, including parties and social affairs, and to budget individual clubs and committees. Specific events that receive financial support include orientation, Follies, SPAD, Match party, post-boards cruise and several socials and parties throughout the year. The Senate also makes it financially possible for clubs and interest groups to have exciting agendas that benefit the entire New York Med community. Some of the many clubs that receive money from the Senate include AMSA, AMWA, SNMA, hockey and rugby.

On a more political note, the Senate elects student representatives to school and outside committees and organizations dealing with student-faculty relations, curriculum, graduation, financial aid, admissions, course evaluations, housing, student life improvement and relations with other medical schools.

Senate elections for the incoming class are usually held at the end of August or beginning of September, giving interested parties enough time to get to know the class a little and to make the decision to get involved. Medical school is basically what you make of it, so I hope to see you out there!


Students Helping Students

Members of this club serve as tutors for local high school students struggling in the subjects of math, science and/or English. The time commitment is very small (approximately one hour per week or less), and the gratification is large. During the first and second years, students become proficient in the basic sciences. However, their ability to communicate this knowledge to persons in the community is not tested until the clinical-oriented third and fourth years. This club affords students the opportunity to hone this skill and experience the gratification of having successfully communicated pertinent information to a child in need.


Surgery Club

The Surgery Club is available for any student who is interested in or would like to learn more about the field of surgery. The club has monthly meetings given by both WMC and NYMC affiliated hospital attendings. Topics presented have included "Q & A about the life of a surgeon," "The history of transplant surgery," and "Penetrating abdominal wounds." We also have an annual suture workshop assisted by surgical attendings and residents. At the end of the year we have a meeting with fourth-year students who matched in surgical fields to discuss the application and matching process. The club is a lot of fun and we encourage anyone interested to participate.


Women's Basketball Club

In addition to the regular basketball club, there is also a separate women's team that has in the past played against the nearby Marymount College women's team. If anyone is interested in continuing this tradition they should contact Gail Lazatto at the Marymount athletics department.


Unite for Sight


Volley Ball Club