Welcome!

There is no sorting hat like in Hogwarts; but ever since 2009, students at VCU's School of Medicine have been sorted into 4 societies that bear the names of distinguished individuals with ties to the Medical College of Virginia:  Mary Baughman, who was among MCV’s first female graduates; Baruj Benacerraf, a medical school alumnus who went on to win the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology; Jean Harris, the first African-American student admitted to the medical school; and Augustus L. Warner, the medical school’s first dean.

The societies were created for multiple reasons. One, to counter the shortage of physicians, VCU has joined many schools in slowly expanding its class sizes. Yet having student societies offered a way to maintain a strong sense of community among students - especially first years when they first arrived. Societies have also evolved over the years in offering activities, following both new and old traditions, and building unique qualities and charms that characterize the students in each society. Last but now least, societies have been led by faculty advisors, who serve not only as leaders who inject energy, humor, and poise into our society proceedings; but also strive to be additionally accessible sources of guidance for medical students seeking miscellaneous advice.

Each society has had the opportunity to earn points throughout each academic year in hopes winning the coveted Strauss Cup Trophy. Traditional events have included attendance at events, winners of the in-class game of "Plague", food drive participation, and mini-competitions during the ever-fun field day event called Strauss Cup typically held in May.

Available Points

​To be updated

Current Points (updated May 9, 2019)

Baughman:  16
Benacerraf:   16
Harris:         15
​Warner:        10

DOCS: Day of Community Service

Every fall semester since 2012 , students from every class and society volunteer half a day to volunteer at various locations around their home city of Richmond, VA. From gardening to cleaning up trash; from reading to school kids to organizing donated books; and from playing with kids with disabilities to helping elderly residents with basic home repairs, each year has ventured into new opportunities to improved the community! 

Game Night

A new addition in the 2017-2018 year, game night is a casual way for students to have fun over board games or card games, mingle with others, and bond with each other as they strive to earn points for their society!

Halloween Social

Halloween Social is an opportunity to don fun costumes, snack, and partake in games as a study break! Who knows, maybe a surprise costumed guest may wonder through the lecture unannounced! The social has certainly evolved over time, once featuring pumpkin carving. But this 2017-2018 year, society leaders took social to a whole new level by hosting a Harry Potter themed event outside of school! Besides, where else do medical students get to learn potions and spells needed for saving muggle patients?

Food Drive

Each year, the 4 societies compete to donate the most items towards the Central Virginia Food Bank! And with this healthy competition, the total weight has continued to grow. In 2016 for example, a whopping 2,600 lbs was collected! Nom nom nom.

Holiday Social

To kick off the the holiday season, society advisors often like to host students in each society! No matter where, there is great company, fun and food! What could be a better way to spend a Friday evening before final exams and everyone going back home for the break?

Strauss Cup

Started in 2012, Strauss Cup is the culmination of a year worth of society activities where students across all classes and societies are invited to come out for a field day of food and outdoor fun! Each year has had a different spin on the event, with offerings such as flag football, tug-of-war, relay races, and dunk tanks - not to mention the sampling of many tasty food vendors! In 2017, Strauss Cup was re-imagined to feature bubble soccer and corn hole among other exciting additions! As the last society event of the academic year to earn points towards the actual coveted Strauss Cup trophy, it is also a time for each society to demonstrate full pride!