Student Physician Awareness Day (SPAD) is an annual day of seminars addressing areas of interest in medicine chosen by the students. The purpose of this day is to supplement the medical school curriculum with information not usually found in textbooks. It is also a great opportunity for discussion between students, faculty, administrators, and clinicians.

SPAD, which began in 1985 is unique to NYMC. It is run entirely by first-year students with guidance from the previous year’s committee. All students are given the day off as encouragement to attend. This is a great opportunity to get a better understanding of the non-academic side of medicine.