Welcome!Welcome to the home page of the Medical School Government of VCU School of Medicine. We hope to use this site to keep you informed of all events concerning the Medical Student Government including social functions, community service events, publications, resources, and any other activities.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact our government email address, and the appropriate person will respond: medstudentgovernment@gmail.com. |
Class of 2026Welcome to the M1s. We hope your transition to medical school is going well, and we're so excited to have you here.
With love, Medical Student Government |
Announcements from the Weekly Scoop
Sunday, October 9th
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Humanitarian Outreach Medical Brigade Relief Effort (HOMBRE). Interested in becoming more involved in global health as a medical student? Wanting to make the most out of your summer? Fill out this application (DUE 10/16 at 11:59 PM) to be considered to be a part of our medical brigades to Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras! Email <hombremcv@gmail.com> for more information! We look forward to reading your applications!
Women in Medicine Student Organization (WIMSO). Join us for our annual Wine & Cheese event for a chance to network with physicians in various specialties while snacking on some creations by Picnic RVA! This event will take place on Wednesday, October 19th from 5-8pm. RSVP soon, as space is limited! This event will be business casual attire. Reach out to <mcvwimso@gmail.com> with any questions or to be added to our email list! This event will be capped at 50 students so please look out for a confirmation email if you plan to attend. Please RSVP here.
YogaRx ZOOM Guided Meditation. Does your mind feel scattered and stressed? Is it hard for you to focus in class or fall asleep at night? Meditation is an evidence based practice that can help improve sleep, focus, mental health, and more. The YogaRx SIG invites you to join us in a weekly Guided Meditation: Sundays at 9 PM via Zoom. The meditation will be 10-15 minutes long and will incorporate breathing and mindfulness techniques. All students of all experience levels are welcome!
Submit SIG, SOM, or Class Event Pictures! Please submit your event pictures here to be featured on the SCOOP and the MSG Website. Any pictures from medical school associated events are accepted!
University Counseling Services. Students can contact university counseling at 804-828-6200 and schedule a telehealth appointment. Please see this website for more information.
Interested in recruiting student volunteers for your organization? Contact the MSG, <medstudentgovernment@gmail.com>.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday (10/10)Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN): Q&A- Patient Advocacy and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
12-1PM [MMEC 6-102] Join us as we host Emily Reilly, a healthcare provider engagement manager at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a woman living with MS. This is a great opportunity to learn about the role of patient advocacy groups in improving quality of life for people living with chronic diseases. Lunch will be provided from Noodles & Company. Please RSVP here. See you there! Contact Erin Kelly at kellyee@vcu.edu or msgsign@gmail.com with any questions
Tuesday (10/11)Global Health Seminar Series
12-1PM [MMEC 5-101 or via Zoom] Guest speaker Dr. Gary Tye will be discussing his experiences in global pediatric neurosurgery. Please join us in person (with pizza provided) or via Zoom. For any questions, please email <globalsurgeryvcusom@gmail.com> for the Global Surgery Student Alliance. The Zoom link may be found here.
Friday (10/14)Medicine with Pride and Medical Students for Choice - Planned Parenthood Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 3-101] Join MedPride and MSFC to hear Melissa Irene-Jackson talk about her work for Planned Parenthood, the transgender community, and patient advocacy. Pizza will be provided. RSVP here. Reach out to medpridevcu@gmail.com or vcu.msfc@gmail.com with any questions.
Monday (10/17)
OB-GYN/Students for Injury & Violence Prevention Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 7-102] How the Pandemic made Valentine’s Day dangerous. Are you interested in learning about how COVID-19 has impacted survivors of IPV (intimate partner violence)? Come join the OBGYN and SIVP for our first joint lecture, featuring Kathryn Wyckoff, MPH from Emory University to talk about her research on how COVID-19 has impacted survivors of IPV. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP here. Contact sivpvcu@gmail.com or vcu.obgyn.sig@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
Monday (10/17)Physicians as Laborers: Taking Back Control for You and Your Patients
12-1PM [MMEC 6-101] Join Do No Harm Coalition to hear Dr. Joe Fields-Johnson talk about his work in primary care and physician activism within his practice. Lunch will be provided for attendees. RSVP here!
Tuesday (10/18)
Catholic Student Association Annual White Mass
12 - 1PM [VCU Health Main Hospital Chapel, Floor 2 Room 209] The CSA invites all healthcare professionals and students to celebrate the annual White Mass to pray for and bless those who serve and heal the sick and vulnerable in our community. This Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Tony Marques and Fr. Maxwell Appiagyei. All healthcare professionals and students are welcome! More details and RSVP here by 10/14. Contact Grace at <cgsoatvcusom@gmail.com> with any questions.
Thursday (10/20)Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 6-102] Are you interested in issues related to health disparity? Come out for a lunch lecture hosted by the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association. Dr. Trang Le, who is the co-course director for endocrinology, will be presenting on how type 2 diabetes is affecting Asian Americans, one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the US. Food will be provided and please sign up here. If you have any question, please contact apamsa.vcu@gmail.com
Thursday (10/20)History and Health Equitable Access to Care series: VCU Health Transplant Program from a Quality and Access Lens
11:30AM – 1PM [MMEC Theater] In 1957, the Medical College of Virginia completed the first organ transplant in Virginia and shortly after created the nation's first Clinical Transplant Program which was the foundation for what is now the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. Join moderator Rev. Marilyn Barnes, Dr. Marlon Levy, Cherron Gillmore, and Dr. Jim Childress, as they discuss the intersection of the organ transplant industry with quality and access to such life-saving procedures.This event, co-sponsored by University College’s Common Book Program and the Office of Health Equity, will be held in-person and streamed. This event is free and open to the community, but space is limited. Registration and panelists information can be found here. Contact Tammy Tran at trantm4@vcu.edu with any questions.
Thursday (10/20)Radiology Oncology Panel hosted by Radiology Oncology SIG
12-1PM [MMEC 3-101] Join us to hear about the field of Radiology Oncology, day-to-day life, and the residency process. We will be joined by Dr. Fields and a current resident. RSVP here and reach out to radoncsig@gmail.com with any questions.
Friday (10/21)Vascular Surgery Interest Group (VSIG): Intro to Vascular Surgery Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 5-101] The Vascular Surgery Interest Group, headed by 3 faculty leaders, Dr. Amendola, Dr. Lavingia, and Dr. Newton, is hosting its annual lunch lecture to informally discuss the field of vascular surgery. They will also talk about the numerous surgical research opportunities available for interested students. Make sure to RSVP here. Lunch will be available on a first come first served basis -- we look forward to seeing you there! Please email questions to vsigatvcu@gmail.com.
Friday (10/21)Suturing, Knot Tying, and Endovascular Skills Simulation Workshop (VSIG)
1-2PM [MMEC 5-101] The Vascular Surgery Interest Group at VCU invites students interested in surgery to take part in a suturing and endovascular skills workshop. Students will rotate through 6 skills stations, including various suturing, knot tying, and endovascular approaches. You must RSVP here. Spots are limited to the first 24 people who sign up! Selected people will be notified through email the week of the event. Please email vsigatvcu@gmail.com if you have any questions.
SERVICE and RESEARCH
The Underdocs Mentorship Program. Recruiting Mock Interview Volunteers; looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that is flexible to your schedule? We are recruiting med students (M1's - M4's) to offer free virtual 50-min mock interviews to our premed friends applying this cycle. You decide the date(s), time(s), and the number of interviews you want to provide! A guide on conducting mock interviews will be provided. Sign-ups are open from now until February 28, 2023. For questions, please email projects.underdocs@gmail.com.
OSIG Ophthalmology Shadowing Signups. OSIG has released the Fall ophthalmology shadowing signup sheet! This semester we have 4 subspecialties to choose from: retina, pediatrics/strabismus, glaucoma, and oculoplastics. You can sign up here if you are interested in shadowing a physician. Please contact vcu.ophthalmology@gmail.com if you have any questions!
CrossOver Clinic. Help us support a free clinic for Richmond residents by volunteering side-by-side with providers! This opportunity includes taking patient histories, performing physical exams, documenting findings, and presenting patient information to providers - so it is a great chance to get some practice in while helping the community! Spanish-proficiency is helpful, but by no means required! Our next clinic date is Thursday, August 18th from 5:00pm-9pm. Each clinic date can support 3-4 student volunteers. For this first clinic, we will only be selecting M2s or higher. Email <crossoverclinic@gmail.com> to indicate your interest and to be added to our email list for future clinic dates (which will permit M1s volunteers).
Volunteer with LiftPD. Are you interested in helping those with Parkinson's in a fun and active way? Come volunteer at LiftPD! You'll have the opportunity to work directly with individuals with PD through small group physical exercise classes designed for all levels, while learning from their experiences and insights. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at RVA Performance Training. Sign-up and learn more here. Feel free to reach out to AGS Leadership at <vcugeriatrics@gmail.com> with any questions!
Derm Free Clinic. The Derm Free Clinic is a monthly clinic run by VCU dermatology residents and attendings at the Crossover Clinic. It is an opportunity to obtain clinical dermatology exposure and to give back to the community. If interested in volunteering (M1s-M4s welcome), please contact Jessie Pixley (pixleyjn@vcu.edu) or Aref Moshayedi (moshayedia@vcu.edu) to be added to the listserv.
Food Drive for Latinx Communities. The Sacred Heart Center is a non-profit organization in Richmond that works with Latinx families in the city, providing ESL classes, health screenings, childcare, and more. Currently they are operating a drive-through food bank serving the Latinx community. They need volunteers to help with packaging food orders, organizing donations and distributing food to families. The food bank is open several days a week at 1400 Perry St in Richmond, with shifts lasting 2 hours. Spanish fluency is not required. If interested, sign up using this link. Contact mcvlmsa@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Jacob's Chance: River City Buddy Ball. This is a program that provides full-season athletics in an inclusive setting where participants with physical, developmental, or intellectual differences are able to play alongside volunteers, or as we call them, “buddies.” Because our sports are non-competitive and supportive of unique abilities, our athletes are able to gain confidence, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. With a focus on adapting the sport to the athlete, anyone can play! Sports coming up this fall: soccer, football, and basketball. Sign up to volunteer here. Check out jacobschance.org/volunteer to learn more, or contact Sadie at jacobschancesports@gmail.com with any questions
Trauma Survivors Network. With TSN, you have the opportunity to visit trauma patients and provide them with resources for what to expect during and after their stay at VCU. This is an awesome opportunity to gain familiarity with the hospital system that you will be rounding in during your third year and a chance to connect with patients as they begin their recovery process. Volunteers must attend a short training to go over what to expect during rounds, as well as a brief tour of the hospital so that you are familiar with the main areas we see patients in. Please email tsnrounds@gmail.com with any questions!
Foster Animals. The Richmond SPCA and the Richmond Animal League are in need of foster homes for their animals! You can sign up to either foster an animal now or be part of Richmond SPCA's Emergency On-Call Foster Care, in case foster care is needed on short-term notice. Find out more here: Richmond SPCA and Richmond Animal League. These organizations will provide you with the supplies you need; you just provide the home, love, care, and time for the animal!
HandsOnRVA. Interested in helping out in the community non-clinically? HandsOnRVA is the largest community organizer in the Richmond area for onsite and remote volunteer events. There are virtual as well as in-person volunteer opportunities. Sign up here.
Humanitarian Outreach Medical Brigade Relief Effort (HOMBRE). Interested in becoming more involved in global health as a medical student? Wanting to make the most out of your summer? Fill out this application (DUE 10/16 at 11:59 PM) to be considered to be a part of our medical brigades to Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras! Email <hombremcv@gmail.com> for more information! We look forward to reading your applications!
Women in Medicine Student Organization (WIMSO). Join us for our annual Wine & Cheese event for a chance to network with physicians in various specialties while snacking on some creations by Picnic RVA! This event will take place on Wednesday, October 19th from 5-8pm. RSVP soon, as space is limited! This event will be business casual attire. Reach out to <mcvwimso@gmail.com> with any questions or to be added to our email list! This event will be capped at 50 students so please look out for a confirmation email if you plan to attend. Please RSVP here.
YogaRx ZOOM Guided Meditation. Does your mind feel scattered and stressed? Is it hard for you to focus in class or fall asleep at night? Meditation is an evidence based practice that can help improve sleep, focus, mental health, and more. The YogaRx SIG invites you to join us in a weekly Guided Meditation: Sundays at 9 PM via Zoom. The meditation will be 10-15 minutes long and will incorporate breathing and mindfulness techniques. All students of all experience levels are welcome!
Submit SIG, SOM, or Class Event Pictures! Please submit your event pictures here to be featured on the SCOOP and the MSG Website. Any pictures from medical school associated events are accepted!
University Counseling Services. Students can contact university counseling at 804-828-6200 and schedule a telehealth appointment. Please see this website for more information.
Interested in recruiting student volunteers for your organization? Contact the MSG, <medstudentgovernment@gmail.com>.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday (10/10)Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN): Q&A- Patient Advocacy and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
12-1PM [MMEC 6-102] Join us as we host Emily Reilly, a healthcare provider engagement manager at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a woman living with MS. This is a great opportunity to learn about the role of patient advocacy groups in improving quality of life for people living with chronic diseases. Lunch will be provided from Noodles & Company. Please RSVP here. See you there! Contact Erin Kelly at kellyee@vcu.edu or msgsign@gmail.com with any questions
Tuesday (10/11)Global Health Seminar Series
12-1PM [MMEC 5-101 or via Zoom] Guest speaker Dr. Gary Tye will be discussing his experiences in global pediatric neurosurgery. Please join us in person (with pizza provided) or via Zoom. For any questions, please email <globalsurgeryvcusom@gmail.com> for the Global Surgery Student Alliance. The Zoom link may be found here.
Friday (10/14)Medicine with Pride and Medical Students for Choice - Planned Parenthood Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 3-101] Join MedPride and MSFC to hear Melissa Irene-Jackson talk about her work for Planned Parenthood, the transgender community, and patient advocacy. Pizza will be provided. RSVP here. Reach out to medpridevcu@gmail.com or vcu.msfc@gmail.com with any questions.
Monday (10/17)
OB-GYN/Students for Injury & Violence Prevention Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 7-102] How the Pandemic made Valentine’s Day dangerous. Are you interested in learning about how COVID-19 has impacted survivors of IPV (intimate partner violence)? Come join the OBGYN and SIVP for our first joint lecture, featuring Kathryn Wyckoff, MPH from Emory University to talk about her research on how COVID-19 has impacted survivors of IPV. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP here. Contact sivpvcu@gmail.com or vcu.obgyn.sig@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
Monday (10/17)Physicians as Laborers: Taking Back Control for You and Your Patients
12-1PM [MMEC 6-101] Join Do No Harm Coalition to hear Dr. Joe Fields-Johnson talk about his work in primary care and physician activism within his practice. Lunch will be provided for attendees. RSVP here!
Tuesday (10/18)
Catholic Student Association Annual White Mass
12 - 1PM [VCU Health Main Hospital Chapel, Floor 2 Room 209] The CSA invites all healthcare professionals and students to celebrate the annual White Mass to pray for and bless those who serve and heal the sick and vulnerable in our community. This Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Tony Marques and Fr. Maxwell Appiagyei. All healthcare professionals and students are welcome! More details and RSVP here by 10/14. Contact Grace at <cgsoatvcusom@gmail.com> with any questions.
Thursday (10/20)Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 6-102] Are you interested in issues related to health disparity? Come out for a lunch lecture hosted by the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association. Dr. Trang Le, who is the co-course director for endocrinology, will be presenting on how type 2 diabetes is affecting Asian Americans, one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the US. Food will be provided and please sign up here. If you have any question, please contact apamsa.vcu@gmail.com
Thursday (10/20)History and Health Equitable Access to Care series: VCU Health Transplant Program from a Quality and Access Lens
11:30AM – 1PM [MMEC Theater] In 1957, the Medical College of Virginia completed the first organ transplant in Virginia and shortly after created the nation's first Clinical Transplant Program which was the foundation for what is now the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. Join moderator Rev. Marilyn Barnes, Dr. Marlon Levy, Cherron Gillmore, and Dr. Jim Childress, as they discuss the intersection of the organ transplant industry with quality and access to such life-saving procedures.This event, co-sponsored by University College’s Common Book Program and the Office of Health Equity, will be held in-person and streamed. This event is free and open to the community, but space is limited. Registration and panelists information can be found here. Contact Tammy Tran at trantm4@vcu.edu with any questions.
Thursday (10/20)Radiology Oncology Panel hosted by Radiology Oncology SIG
12-1PM [MMEC 3-101] Join us to hear about the field of Radiology Oncology, day-to-day life, and the residency process. We will be joined by Dr. Fields and a current resident. RSVP here and reach out to radoncsig@gmail.com with any questions.
Friday (10/21)Vascular Surgery Interest Group (VSIG): Intro to Vascular Surgery Lunch Lecture
12-1PM [MMEC 5-101] The Vascular Surgery Interest Group, headed by 3 faculty leaders, Dr. Amendola, Dr. Lavingia, and Dr. Newton, is hosting its annual lunch lecture to informally discuss the field of vascular surgery. They will also talk about the numerous surgical research opportunities available for interested students. Make sure to RSVP here. Lunch will be available on a first come first served basis -- we look forward to seeing you there! Please email questions to vsigatvcu@gmail.com.
Friday (10/21)Suturing, Knot Tying, and Endovascular Skills Simulation Workshop (VSIG)
1-2PM [MMEC 5-101] The Vascular Surgery Interest Group at VCU invites students interested in surgery to take part in a suturing and endovascular skills workshop. Students will rotate through 6 skills stations, including various suturing, knot tying, and endovascular approaches. You must RSVP here. Spots are limited to the first 24 people who sign up! Selected people will be notified through email the week of the event. Please email vsigatvcu@gmail.com if you have any questions.
SERVICE and RESEARCH
The Underdocs Mentorship Program. Recruiting Mock Interview Volunteers; looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that is flexible to your schedule? We are recruiting med students (M1's - M4's) to offer free virtual 50-min mock interviews to our premed friends applying this cycle. You decide the date(s), time(s), and the number of interviews you want to provide! A guide on conducting mock interviews will be provided. Sign-ups are open from now until February 28, 2023. For questions, please email projects.underdocs@gmail.com.
OSIG Ophthalmology Shadowing Signups. OSIG has released the Fall ophthalmology shadowing signup sheet! This semester we have 4 subspecialties to choose from: retina, pediatrics/strabismus, glaucoma, and oculoplastics. You can sign up here if you are interested in shadowing a physician. Please contact vcu.ophthalmology@gmail.com if you have any questions!
CrossOver Clinic. Help us support a free clinic for Richmond residents by volunteering side-by-side with providers! This opportunity includes taking patient histories, performing physical exams, documenting findings, and presenting patient information to providers - so it is a great chance to get some practice in while helping the community! Spanish-proficiency is helpful, but by no means required! Our next clinic date is Thursday, August 18th from 5:00pm-9pm. Each clinic date can support 3-4 student volunteers. For this first clinic, we will only be selecting M2s or higher. Email <crossoverclinic@gmail.com> to indicate your interest and to be added to our email list for future clinic dates (which will permit M1s volunteers).
Volunteer with LiftPD. Are you interested in helping those with Parkinson's in a fun and active way? Come volunteer at LiftPD! You'll have the opportunity to work directly with individuals with PD through small group physical exercise classes designed for all levels, while learning from their experiences and insights. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at RVA Performance Training. Sign-up and learn more here. Feel free to reach out to AGS Leadership at <vcugeriatrics@gmail.com> with any questions!
Derm Free Clinic. The Derm Free Clinic is a monthly clinic run by VCU dermatology residents and attendings at the Crossover Clinic. It is an opportunity to obtain clinical dermatology exposure and to give back to the community. If interested in volunteering (M1s-M4s welcome), please contact Jessie Pixley (pixleyjn@vcu.edu) or Aref Moshayedi (moshayedia@vcu.edu) to be added to the listserv.
Food Drive for Latinx Communities. The Sacred Heart Center is a non-profit organization in Richmond that works with Latinx families in the city, providing ESL classes, health screenings, childcare, and more. Currently they are operating a drive-through food bank serving the Latinx community. They need volunteers to help with packaging food orders, organizing donations and distributing food to families. The food bank is open several days a week at 1400 Perry St in Richmond, with shifts lasting 2 hours. Spanish fluency is not required. If interested, sign up using this link. Contact mcvlmsa@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Jacob's Chance: River City Buddy Ball. This is a program that provides full-season athletics in an inclusive setting where participants with physical, developmental, or intellectual differences are able to play alongside volunteers, or as we call them, “buddies.” Because our sports are non-competitive and supportive of unique abilities, our athletes are able to gain confidence, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. With a focus on adapting the sport to the athlete, anyone can play! Sports coming up this fall: soccer, football, and basketball. Sign up to volunteer here. Check out jacobschance.org/volunteer to learn more, or contact Sadie at jacobschancesports@gmail.com with any questions
Trauma Survivors Network. With TSN, you have the opportunity to visit trauma patients and provide them with resources for what to expect during and after their stay at VCU. This is an awesome opportunity to gain familiarity with the hospital system that you will be rounding in during your third year and a chance to connect with patients as they begin their recovery process. Volunteers must attend a short training to go over what to expect during rounds, as well as a brief tour of the hospital so that you are familiar with the main areas we see patients in. Please email tsnrounds@gmail.com with any questions!
Foster Animals. The Richmond SPCA and the Richmond Animal League are in need of foster homes for their animals! You can sign up to either foster an animal now or be part of Richmond SPCA's Emergency On-Call Foster Care, in case foster care is needed on short-term notice. Find out more here: Richmond SPCA and Richmond Animal League. These organizations will provide you with the supplies you need; you just provide the home, love, care, and time for the animal!
HandsOnRVA. Interested in helping out in the community non-clinically? HandsOnRVA is the largest community organizer in the Richmond area for onsite and remote volunteer events. There are virtual as well as in-person volunteer opportunities. Sign up here.