AIDS Educators

AIDS Educators is a student-run organization that works with the Westchester County Department of Public Health to organize talks and provide information to teens about AIDS and HIV infection. Students travel in small groups to area schools and group homes to teach junior high through college-aged kids about HIV and AIDS. We provide the information they need to be able to protect themselves, and we hope that this information will also help to combat AIDS and HIV phobia. Many of the teens are in potentially high-risk situations, and though they all have some information on AIDS already, their knowledge is often incomplete and incorrect. It is important to clear up the myths and misconceptions that exist regarding AIDS, and to emphasize how much power everyone has in protecting him or herself from AIDS. We also sponsor lectures here at New York Med to bring in speakers on various AIDS topics which are of interest to medical students.

AIDS Educators is a wonderful way to remind ourselves that we're not here just to learn biochemistry. By teaching kids how to avoid getting AIDS, we can save someone's life in our very first year of medical school!

Andrea Sullivan '99

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.

Jonathan E. Sonne '98

We are not the first to pass this way. We will be adding nearly 200 alumni every year to the existing 8,000. The medical school alumni association, with offices located in the Alumni Center, provides a link among students, the College and alumni. The Annual Fund drive reaches higher levels every year and supports the goals identified by the College.

The Alumni Center is a focus of College activities and provides a meeting place for student affairs. The association sponsors summer student scholarships, orientation week activities and other projects for which the Student Senate requests assistance. The highlight of Commencement weekend is the alumni banquet, when the entire graduating class is the association's guest.

The association has a president, an executive committee, a very active board of governors and an increasing number of chapters throughout the country. The ultimate goal of the Alumni Association is to build a stronger and prestigious medical college and to enhance the quality of the teaching environment for our medical students. Dennis Allendorf, M.D., Class of 1970, is the current president. Mrs. Julie Kubaska is the director of university alumni relations and can be reached at (914) 594-4555.

AMA

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 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 national meetings.

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.

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 the semi-annual national AMA conferences. And if you don't agree with certain AMA policies, use this venue to challenge and debate their principles.

You don't have to have a political agenda to enjoy the national meetings. We've enjoyed pulled-pork in Dallas, gotten out some of our medical school woes in the Chicago blues scene. Sit in on information sessions detailing legislative changes that will affect you when you finally become a physician. Meet students from other schools around the country. Or, if you are inclined, hobnob with the bigwigs.

Locally, student members of the AMA can get an early taste of physician-patient interaction by participating in NYMC AMA-organized blood pressure screenings to educate and inform the public.

Members are invited to attend meetings of the Medical Society of the State of New York special interest groups. In the past students were able to witness local physicians lambasting a well known health provider for dragging their feet in paying outstanding bills.

Our chapter can help bring your own ideas of community service, whether

Student members of the American Medical Association receive all of the benefits of AMA members, i.e. 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 is available to AMA student members. As student members we also get the added bonus of a complimentary drug reference book and an AMA/MSSNY scrub top, perfectly suited for Gross Anatomy.

The AMA-MSS has led the AMA to support some important changes, such as increasing the supply of primary care physicians through positive incentives while maintaining freedom of specialty choice for medical students. The AMA also supports continued federal funding for minority training programs while continuing efforts to increase the proportion of underrepresented minorities and women in medical schools and on medical school faculties. The AMA-MSS also initiated an AMA call for legislation protecting physicians against violence and for the development of educational resources to help physicians who are targets of such threats and harassment. Students also initiated the first AMA policy to ban cigarette smoking on commercial aircraft and continue to actively support a smoke-free society by the year 2000. They helped develop the major medical, disability and HIV insurance policies for medical students, established the AMA's commitment to a fair residency selection process that works to accommodate the best interests of medical students, and supported changes in the residency matching process to ensure it is student-optimal.

Brad Bissell '01 and Nils Guttenplan '01

AMSA (American Medical Student Association)

AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of medical students in the nation. Founded in 1950 as a branch of the American Medical Association, AMSA seceded from the AMA in 1968, so that it could better represent solely the concerns and interests of physicians in training. Today, AMSA is a fully student-governed organization with more than 40,000 national members, including pre-medical and medical students, interns and residents. On a national level, AMSA serves as a powerful lobby organization that expresses the concerns of its members about medical education reform, public health-care policy and various social issues. On a local level, the AMSA chapter at NYMC takes part in several school-wide projects to enhance our medical education and encourages a variety of community outreach programs. Such projects include hosting the Annual Residency Fair, organizing the sale of text and board review books at a discounted price to our students and supporting community outreach programs which serve to educate children and teenagers about various health topics (tobacco use, for example).

Wendy Zuccaro '00 and Neha Patel '00

American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)

Founded in 1915, AMWA is a national organization of physicians and students devoted both to the promotion of the centrality of women's heath issues as well as the advancement of the position of female physicians in the medical

Liz Renza '00

NY Med's Own

The Arrhythmias

The Arrhythmias are New York Medical College's own coed a cappella singing group. We were founded in 1993 when a group of first- and second-year medical students decided that there was no better way to relieve the stress of medical school than to get together and sing for a few hours each week. They began rehearsing, learned a few songs, and gave themselves a cute double-entendre for a name. The group quickly won critical acclaim, and since then, has grown and blossomed. In 1994, the Arrhythmias released their first album, "In Sync," followed by “Breaking Hearts” in 1996 and “Thrills, Rubs and Murmurs” in 1998. We just released our latest album “Ectopic Beats” in May of 2000. Our repertoire consists of current hits, old classics and an occasional parody on life at NYMC. Ever the philanthropists, the Arrhythmias donated proceeds from both of these recordings and from various “gigs” to charity.

Now that you're up to date on our history, here's a little more info on the group. The Arrhythmias is a mixed voice a cappella group consisting of approximately 16 first- and second-year students. Since Arrhythmias thrive on the white heat of the spotlight, and the roar of applause, we try to perform as frequently as possible. We've sung for audiences at NYU Med and Grand Central Station, The Taylor Care Center and AMA's House of Delegates. We've performed for the kids at Blythedale

Hospital, we hosted our own open-mike night in the BSB, we’ve caroled at the tree lighting at WMC and each year we rewrite a few of our songs for the annual Follies. Of course, our favorite performances are our lunchtime concerts in the BSB lobby, where we get to showcase all of our newest material for faculty and friends in the famed BSB Lobby.

It's plain to see that as New York Med's premier a cappella group, the Arrhythmias have more fun than should be allowed at medical school. If this sounds appealing to you, then you too can be an Arrhythmia!! We are always looking for new voices to keep the group going. No prior musical experience is necessary. All we require is a love of singing, a passion for music, and a brief and stress-free audition.

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.

Jason Ganz '98, Cathie Tingey '03 and

Turandot Catanese '03

ASAP

Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) is a program run by first- and second-year medical students to help sixth- and seventh-grade students deal with difficult decisions like peer pressure and drug/alcohol abuse. The medical students travel to a local middle school approximately once a month

Alberto Fernandez '00, Zachary Campbell '01, David Aamodt '01

Asian Pacific-American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)

APAMSA is a national organization founded in January 1995 to advocate Asian Pacific-American (APA) health issues in the United States. In addition to providing a forum for the education and support of future APA physicians, it seeks to draw attention to healthcare issues specific to people of APA descent. The NYMC chapter of APAMSA focuses on supporting APA health care by getting involved in the APA community. About once a month, students have the opportunity to volunteer in a local and/or city clinic providing health care for APAs. In addition, a variety of speakers will share their experiences and thoughts about challenges facing future APA physicians, as well as about roles and responsibilities of ALL physicians to the growing APA community in the U.S.

Derjung Tarn '99

Ballroom Dancing Club

The ballroom dancing club was founded in '96 to promote ballroom dancing at New York Medical College. Unlike college ballroom dancing clubs that usually meet often and offer weekly dance lessons to their members, the goal of the NYMC club is to promote dancing in the medical student community. In order to do so, the members of the club organize between one and four group lessons every year. The lessons take place at NYMC and are given by professionals from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, a famous nationwide chain. There is a small fee for each of the group lessons, and most of the people who attend are not actually members of the club. Couples are encouraged to sign up together, but singles are welcome as long as the number of men and women matches. The dances that are taught change from lesson to lesson, but usually include two of the following: swing, waltz, tango, foxtrot, rumba, cha-cha, salsa, and samba. The lessons are extremely popular and are always filled to capacity, so make sure to get your tickets as soon as they go on sale.

Sam Adams '01

Basketball Club

This club is for all students interested in running hoops! During the early fall and spring, games are usually organized at the BSB courts. During the winter months, the school has agreements with SUNY Purchase and Marymount College for students to use their gyms. The reservation process requires NYMC students to fill out forms and reserve times through Holly Baker in the student housing office.

Currently, Stephen Chen and Christopher Degn are responsible for organizing the tournaments and reserving the indoor courts at SUNY Purchase and Marymount College.

Stephen Chen '00

Chamber Music Society

The Chamber Music Society is devoted to providing a medium for musicians to continue playing music while in school. Because of the time constraints of medical school, we usually give one or two concerts each year. The club depends on student initiation. At the beginning of each year, the Chamber Music Society compiles a list of interested musicians. This list is then circulated among the various members. Should anyone decide to form a group it will be up to them to organize the ensemble. In the past, we have had quartets, trios, and duets. In 1997-98 we are proud to have organized a small baroque orchestra. Future projects include doing concerts in local nursing homes and hospitals, so it should be really exciting. The society enjoys broad support from the administration and faculty. So don't be afraid to bring your instrument to school, and hopefully we'll see you at our first meeting.

Charles Yoh '01

Christian Bible Study

"…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near."

Hebrews 10:24,25

NYMC Christian Fellowship is a group of believers who come together once a week to worship God through song, study His word, pray, and encourage and lift up one another. We seek to know God more through His word and to grow in our personal relationships with Jesus Christ. During our weekly meetings, we study passages from the Bible, which in the past have included the book of Philippians, Jesus' parables, and passages from Daniel. We have also had guest speakers who have addressed relevant issues, such as Creation vs. Evolution. Other group activities have included BBQ's and retreats.

If you are seeking to grow in your relationship with Christ and to 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 Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Karen Ludlow '99

Family Medicine Interest Group

This club was formed to address the interests and needs of NYMC students who are considering Family Medicine. The family physician is guaranteed a rewarding and satisfying lifestyle by virtue of the personal, continuing contact with patients, families, and the community. Family Medicine is a specialty of breadth, integrating all phases of medicine, and it turns out that 85 percent to

Byrd Cleveland '00

Friends of Medical Students

The Friends of Medical Students Club at New York Medical College wishes to extend a warm welcome to first-year students brave enough to begin this adventure, with an even braver spouse or companion! As the largest club on campus, the Friends Club is a group of students with "significant others" who are seeking a supportive, social outlet during medical school. A "significant other" can be a spouse, a fiancée, or even just a serious boyfriend or girlfriend. We gather to enjoy conversation and food, and to address the various needs and concerns of students who are no longer single. Though our primary function is social, the Club has become one of NYMC's best resources of experience and a wonderful opportunity to promote friendships within our community. We hold monthly dinners and activities to eat, drink, be merry and commiserate on the trials and tribulations of medical school life. We hope that you will join us.

Blake and Cherlyn Johnson '99, Robb and Cindy McCormick '99

Golf Club

The Golf Club's purpose is to promote the game of golf among those NYMC students who have already fallen in love with it, and to introduce it to those who have not yet been bitten by the golf bug. The Golf Club offers several outings per year to the local driving range where students can get together with other students and hit golf balls supplied by the club. These outings are perfect for the intermediate to advanced golfer to meet others and establish playing partners, and for the beginner, the perfect opportunity to receive a free lesson from members of the club and to be introduced to golf in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The Golf Club emphasizes a relaxed, fun environment and encourages anyone interested to participate. In the spring, a tournament is organized at one of the local county courses where players compete against one another according to handicap. The tournament always proves to be the highlight of the year, often producing inflated scores and stories that will last forever.

Adam Lazzarini '00

High School Enrichment Program

Over the past few years, we have built a strong relationship with Valhalla High School through both ASAP (Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention) and our basic sciences Tutoring Program. Our newest endeavor is the High School Enrichment Program, and it is designed to expose advanced high school

Our mission is two-fold. First, to provide ourselves a fun and important way to gain experience in the field of academic medicine; and second, to provide the high school with interactive enrichment opportunities not normally available to them. Second-year members of this program usually get involved in the lectures while the first-year members get their feet wet by running the small group module sessions with about four-to-six high school students at a time. Because of the amazing success of this program, we hope to expand its scope this year, and this may be a wonderful opportunity for new members to take on even more responsibility. If you love teaching, or if you have ever considered a career in academic medicine, then we truly hope that you stop by and check us out.

Daryn Reicherter '01, Phil Castillo '01

Ice Hockey

Do you enjoy chasing a small, flat, black, circular shaped object, all while effortlessly gliding on smooth white ice? Are you missing your front teeth? Do you have a tendency to say "Ehy?" after every sentence? If you do, you may be interested in NYMC's very own Ice Hockey Club! Experience ranges from the beginner to college level players. Skates, stick, gloves and a helmet are the only equipment needed. Play is friendly, and no checking or slap-shots are allowed. Games are usually scheduled in October_May, depending on ice rental availability. Sessions are usually scheduled once-to-twice a month around exam dates. The club is partially funded by the Student Senate and thus minimal fees are collected from each player per game. Also of interest, games are coed and the occasional Cell Bio professor has been known to drop by. Be careful, he plays dirty. So, if you love the game or just want to learn a new sport, stop on by and join the fun. Besides, what else are you going to do in the middle of winter in NY. Ehy?

John Hung '00

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

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

Elliott Einsenberger '00

MD/MPH Club

The NYMC MD/MPH Club is primarily targeted to students in the dual degree program, but it is open to anyone interested in the field of public health. The club seeks to raise awareness of the utility of a public health degree and expose students to different career options as clinicians in the field of pubic health. As a student advisory group, the club encourages communication and coordination between the administration of both the School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Health Sciences. It also, and perhaps most important, provides words of wisdom from upperclassmen concerning strategies and tips on how to successfully mange both degrees. Throughout the year, the club sponsors several events such as lectures by prominent MD/MPH professionals and group discussions on current public health issues. Students can also attend national and international conferences in the northeast region on topics related to public health.

Monique Thiryzaragoza '01

Medical Spanish

Each year students organize one or more sessions of Conversational Spanish classes. Instructors come from El Taller Latinoamericano, a really cool non-profit educational organization in NYC. The teaching style is very dynamic with emphasis on speaking, listening, and building a core vocabulary of essential verbs and terms describing the human body, including medical terminology. Traditionally, a beginning level course has been offered in the spring when first-year students are taking Behavioral Science. The course is also great for people who speak some Spanish, and additional courses at various levels can be arranged if enough students are interested. There is a small fee per student to pay for the instructor. In addition, there has been a great deal of interest in regular meetings to practice conversational Spanish.

Byrd Cleveland '00

Med-SHOP

In past years this club has organized various volunteer activities in the area surrounding the college. The club did not do much during the 97-98 school year but could easily be returned to its old level of activity if an enthusiastic student took charge of it.

Frank Ciminello '00

Men's Rugby

The NYMC rugby team is composed of medical, graduate and physical therapy students from all of the schools. Practices are one-to-two times per week, with games on various Saturdays throughout the fall to spring season. The professional school league we play in allows us to compete with other

Chris Hoyt '00 and Eric Su '00

Neuroprofessions Club

The Neuroprofessions Club is not just for the "neuro-buffs" out there. Whether you are considering one of the neuro-specialties, enjoy the neurosciences, or are simply curious about the various careers, this club is for you. The meetings include lectures on clinical approaches to neurological disorders, visits to hospital floors, and discussions about matching in a neuroprofessional residency program.

Earl Bueno '00

The NYMC Student Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives was established in the Spring of 1999 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 chapter membership once they have submitted their application for membership to ACHE.  The chapter was formed with the purpose of providing a network for students in healthcare administration to meet, exchange ideas, and advance the goals of the American College of Healthcare Executives 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, usually ACHE members.

Patrick Sevcik

NYMC News

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. NYMC NEWS, 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! NYMC NEWS comes out four-to-six times a year 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. Time commitment is minimal and students involve themselves at their own pace. 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 NYMC NEWS, so join us in our quest to entertain and inform!

Eric Gerber '00

Orthopedics 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

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.

Adam Lazzarini '00

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).

Douglas Colson '00

Outdoors Club

The group gathers local Information for students about hiking, biking, and other ways of enjoying the outdoors. It also organizes various events for students to partake in as a group. Some of these events include whitewater rafting, skiing and mountain climbing. With our senate budget, we plan to establish a "library," and our future plans include subsidizing some trips or purchasing equipment that students can rent or borrow.

Deepali Raguru '00

Pediatric Society

The Pediatric Society 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. Another purpose of the society is to help students

Susan Trocciola `01

St. Luke's Medical Society

St. Luke's is a charitable and philanthropic organization that has been active in the community and on campus for 15 years. The basic mission of St. Luke's is to present an opportunity for NYMC students to participate in volunteer activities which serve the community and the school. St. Luke's sponsors several student activities throughout the year including the Annual Welcome Back BBQ, a Halloween visit to the WCMC pediatric ward, a toys for tots dinner in December, and a spring basketball tournament. We also trek into Manhattan for New York Cares Day to clean up public schools. Members of St. Luke's have the opportunity to attend White Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and to participate in Convocation Mass and Commencement Mass.

St. Luke's offers students an outlet to interact with each other outside of the scope of a purely academic environment. Although St. Luke's was founded on Catholic ideals, we are open to any and all students and faculty who wish to participate.

Paige Moore '00 and Michael Panutich '00

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!

Sam Siddighi '01

Semi-Formal

The annual NYMC semi-formal gives students an opportunity to relax and socialize while looking our finest. This past year's semi-formal was attended by a large portion of first- and second-year students. The event included dinner, complimentary drinks, and happiness. Seeing classmates all dressed up, dancing, eating, and drinking the night away was a nice change of pace. No one left disappointed.

See you at the semi-formal next year.

Glenn Gandelman '99

Sign Language Club

The aim of the Sign Language Club is to enhance communication between doctors and patients by enabling medical students to learn how to communicate with the hearing impaired. Meetings will include the teaching and

Anyone interested in learning sign language, as well as anyone who already has skills in sign language, is encouraged to come to meetings.

Jacqueline Bender '99

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!!

Addi Rizvi '00

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.

Claudia Johnson '00

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.

Eric Lubliner '01

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!

Sam Adams '01

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.

Wendy Zuccaro '00 and Neha Patel '00

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

Scott Abel '99

Trauma and Emergency Medicine (TEMS)

TEMS 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 TEMS 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.

Stephen Chen '00

The 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.

Robert Darzynkiewicz '99

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.

Deepali Raguru '00