MEDICAL STUDENT GOVERNMENT @ VCU
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Student Interest Groups

Don't see your group here or see something wrong? Email us!

A

ACADEMYHEALTH STUDENT CHAPTER AT VCU
​Purpose: 
AcademyHealth is a national professional organization for health policy and health services researchers focused on informing public policy, healthcare practice and translational sciences.
  • Opportunities for research collaboration, enhanced learning, and professional development
  • Connects students to the national organization and universities with related health programs across the country
Email: academyhealthvcu@gmail.com
Website: https://vcu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/academyhealthstudent



ADAM SOCIETY
​Purpose: 
To address the well-documented decline in empathy taught in medical education, specifically surrounding substance use disorders, by aiming to increase the perceived value of social medicine in clinical practice through multiple avenues such as interactive lunch lectures, community outreach events, and research opportunities.
Email: theadamsociety@gmail.com



AEROSPACE MEDICINE INTEREST GROUP
​Purpose: to be updated

Email: aeromedvcu@gmail.com



​ALPHA OMEGA ALPHA, BROWN-SÉQUARD CHAPTER AT VCU SOM
Purpose: Alpha Omega Alpha is a national medical honor society whose goal is to recognize and perpetuate excellence in the medical profession. 
  • Eligible: Top 25% of class. The remaining ½ of the AOA members are chosen after M3 year, once again from among the top 25% of the class after M3 (Senior AOA). This group is chosen by scholarship (50%) and other attributes (50%)
Faculty Advisor: Susan DiGiovanni, M.D.


AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROLOGICAL SURGEONS MEDICAL STUDENT CHAPTER @ VCU
Purpose: Our student chapter serves to encourage and support the professional development of aspiring neurosurgeons by connecting them with research and networking opportunities in neurosurgery. We work closely with the neurosurgery faculty, residents and staff here at VCU to put on activities such as: 
  • Quarterly journal club meeting
  • Annual research mixer with faculty and residents
  • Shadowing opportunities 
Faculty Advisor: Scott Graham, M.D.
Contact: aansvcu@gmail.com



AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION & MEDICAL SOCIETY OF VIRGINIA STUDENT SECTION
Purpose: With more than 48,000 medical students, AMA Medical Student Section is the nation’s largest medical student organization representing students from all medical schools.
What does AMA do on campus? Lunch lectures on topics covering:
  • Success in medical school, tips from current M2s and M3s
  • Healthcare policy and reform
  • Residency and career advice
  • Community Service events
  • Virginia White Coat Lobby Day
Email: amavcu@gmail.com

AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION (AMSA)
Purpose: Our mission is to engage students in matters of social justice through education and advocacy with the end goal of increasing the number of physicians that advocate for patient’s rights. 
  • Lobby Day: Lobby legislators on issues important to students such as graduate medical education funding
  • Lunch Lectures: Monthly lectures discussing issues of social justice pertaining to the healthcare field
  • ACLU Fundraiser: An extracurricular event for both M1's and M2's to practice their clinical skills while raising money for the VA chapter of the ACLU
Web site: www.amsa.org
Faculty Advisor: Mark Ryan, M.D.
E-mail: amsa.vcu@gmail.com ​
 ​AMERICAN PHYSICIAN SCIENTISTS ASSOCIATION AT VCU
Purpose: To provide support for physician-scientists at all stages of their careers through advancement opportunities, education, outreach, and building a stronger sense of the physician-scientist community. Workshops for the following:
  • Choosing a research mentor
  • Applying for funding and writing proposals
  • Presentations (Posters, abstracts and elevator pitches)
  • Dates to be provided soon
  • Services:
  • New database of research mentors in the works
​Website: www.apsa.vcu.edu
Faculty Advisor: Antonio Abbate, M.D.
Email: vcu.apsa@gmail.com


AMERICAN RED CROSS at VCU
Purpose: The Red Cross at VCU School of Medicine will learn, practice and exemplify humanitarian values through mission-related service projects.
  • Lunch lectures with speakers in various leadership positions with the Red Cross in the Greater Richmond area
  • Community-based volunteer opportunities related to Preparedness and Health and Safety Services, Biomedical Services, Disaster Services, and Service to the Armed Forces
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Sanford, M.D.
Email: redcrossvcusom@gmail.com


​
ANESTHESIOLOGY INTEREST GROUP

Purpose: The purpose of our organization is to provide a means for students to explore the field of anesthesiology and, ultimately, make more informed decisions when choosing a career path.​
Skills workshop: Dr. Burgner teaches us about an anesthesiologist's tools in the OR and then teaches us how to intubate using manikins and various tools
Lunch Lectures: (Topics subject to change)
  • Topic: General information about the medical specialty
  • Topic: The Match process and residency requirements
  • Topic: M4 Match Panel: advice from M4s who recently matched into anesthesiology 
Faculty Advisor: John Burgner, M.D.
Email: anesthesiavcu@gmail.com
​


ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION (APAMSA)
Purpose: To advocate for and increase awareness of Asian-Pacific Islander American health disparities and engage in initiatives/projects in addressing those needs. 
  • Lunch lectures on API health issues and topics such as: cultural/language barriers and access to care, mental health stigma, traditional medicine, Hepatitis B education, lack of diversity in clinical trials, implicit bias in healthcare, etc.
  • Opportunities to attend National and Regional APAMSA conferences with travel grants and research presentation 
  • Advocate for the API student body at VCU
Faculty Advisor: Ashlie Tseng, MD
Email: apamsa.vcu@gmail.com


​
​ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN SURGEONS
Purpose: Foster interest in surgery, provide network of female surgeon mentors, and facilitate open discussion of challenges women surgeons face in a setting where all members of medical community are welcome
  • Surgical residents panel
  • International Women's Day panel
  • Speed mentoring with women surgeons event
  • M4 surgery lunch lecture
  • Workshops to teach suturing, splinting, surgical robotics
  • Journal club
Faculty Advisor: Paula Ferrada, MD
Email: aws.mcv@gmail.com

B

BIODESIGN AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Purpose: Foster innovation and support entrepreneurhsip among medical students and biomedical engineers who are interested in designing novel healthcare solutions
  • We run the VCU HealthHacks and annual medically oriented hackathon for undergraduate, graduate, and medical students. Additionally, our Design Team works on a year long project to address a clinical challenge presented by a VCU health faculty. We also host lunch lectures covering healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship topics.
Faculty Advisor: Lewis Franklin Bost, MBA, IDSA
Email: gastonbt@vcu.edu

C

CAMP CARDIAC AT VCU
Purpose: Camp Cardiac is a week long medical student-run summer camp for high school students of the Richmond area interested in healthcare careers to learn about the heart and healthy living.
  • Leadership and teaching experience
  • Interacting with high school age students (Camp Counselors)
  • Interacting with and recruiting academic faculty
  • Building a curriculum
  • Promoting VCU’s MCV Campus to future health students
  • Complete development of Camp Neuro
Website: http://www.campcardiac.org
Faculty Advisor: Christopher Woleben, M.D.
​Email: campcardiacrichmond@gmail.com


CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To provide resources and opportunities for students interested in the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Faculty Advisor: Mohammed Quader, M.D.
Email: vcu.ctsig@gmail.com


CARDIOLOGY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The Cardiology Interest Group is a group organized by VCU medical students to promote cardiology as a career.
  • Attend lunch lectures to learn about the opportunities available in pursuing a career in cardiology and its various subspecialties
  • Hand on experience through interactive workshops for students to learn basics in skills such as cardiac ultrasound and electrocardiography
  • Make professional contacts through faculty networking
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jordana Kron ​
Email: cig.mcv@gmail.com



CARITAS CLINIC
Purpose: to be updated
Email: vcucaritas@gmail.com
CRITICAL CARE INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: CCIG exposes medical students to critical care medicine by providing opportunities to shadow in critical care and learn about the field my listening to experienced speakers from the field. 
  • Critical care shadowing: students can sign up to shadow in various critical care departments (ex: NICU) 
  • Lunch lectures held by physicians and patients that have been involved in critical care medicine
  • Simulations of medical techniques used in critical care medicine (ex: intubation) 
Faculty Advisor: Marjolein de Wit, M.D.
Email: 
vcuccig@gmail.com



CROSSOVER CLINIC
Purpose: Crossover Clinic provides medical students with the opportunity to practice their clinical skills and work with the underserved communities in Richmond, especially the Spanish-speaking communities.​
  • Practice history-taking skills, physical exam, "SOAP" notes, and engaging 1-on-1 with a physician about the patient
  • Available clinic dates are usually on weekday evenings. Food will be provided, and rides can be arranged. Watch out for an email and survey to sign up.
Email: crossoverclinic@gmail.com

D

DAVID HUMES SURGICAL SOCIETY
Purpose: The purpose of the David Humes Surgical Society is to introduce medical students to different surgical specialties. ​
  • Lunch lectures with speakers in various surgical specialties
  • Workshops to practice clinical skills
  • Provide resources to prepare students for the requirements of surgical residency programs.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DavidHumeSurgicalSociety/community/?ref=page_internal
Faculty Advisor: Rahul Anand, M.D.
Email: mcv.dhss@gmail.com

DERMATOLOGY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: Our purpose is to increase student awareness of the specialty of dermatology by offering shadowing opportunities, lunch lectures and dermatology related services opportunities.
  • lunch lectures
  • information sessions​
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Julia Nunley
Email: vcudig@gmail.com 
​

DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTION RADIOLOGY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To introduce medical students to the fields of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology through lunch lectures, community service activities, and workshops.
  • Lunch lectures with speakers that provide context to our didactic lectures
  • Workshops to introduce students to imaging techniques
  • Provide opportunities for research, shadowing, and networking
  • Community Service activities
Website: vcudxradwebsite.wixsite.com/home
Faculty Advisor
: Dr. Gordan Morano
Email: dxrad.vcu@gmail.com

E

EMERGENCY MEDICINE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (EMSA)
Purpose: The purpose of EMSA is to cultivate interest in and increase knowledge about a career in emergency medicine, with emphasis on learning skills, to assist with our current academic and clinical skills.​
  • Regular lunch lectures on topics including: Intro to Emergency Medicine, Shadowing opportunities in the VCU ED, Suture workshops, Emergency medicine case studies, Chest x-rays and how to read them, ECG interpretation, Performing and interpreting ultrasounds, Trauma and Critical Care Medicine, Residency applications; how to be a strong applicant
Faculty Advisor: Nathan Lewis, M.D.
E-mail: vcu.emsa@gmail.com




ENDOCRINOLOGY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The Endocrinology Interest Group serves to provide knowledge and sources pertaining to endocrinology in order to cultivate interest in the field.
  • Lunch Lectures: Intro to Endocrinology, Case studies, Review games for endocrinology block
Faculty Advisor: Diane Biskobing, M.D.
Email: vcu.eig@gmail.com


​
ENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To educate and promote the field of ENT. 
  • Lunch lectures, shadowing opportunities, connections for research, and workshops are made available to students through the interest group.
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Dodson, M.D.
Email: vcuentig@gmail.com

F

FARMWORKER HEALTH OUTREACH
Purpose: Promoting health for migrant farmworkers through health fairs and screenings, and engaging students in the welfare of America's vast migrant farmworker population.
  • Hold health fairs and screenings for migrant farmworkers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and other farmworker communities in the region.
  • Educate students on the importance of this underserved community, and the specific health needs of this community
Faculty Advisor: Steven Crossman, M.D.
Email: mcv.farmworker@gmail.com



FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Purpose: Seeks to empower medical students with evidence-based nutrition education to benefit their own lives as well as those of their future patients and the greater Richmond community.
Faculty Advisor: Puneet Puri, M.D.
Email: FFT.vcu@gmail.com
FREE MINDS UNITED
Purpose: We are a coalition of students devoted to raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. We form active peer support groups to provide emotional support for our community.
  • Biweekly peer support groups
  • Mental health advocacy seminars
  • Lectures on stress-reduction techniques and successful coping skills
  • Speaker series on mental health
Website: freemindsunited.com
Faculty Advisor: Susan Kornstein, M.D.
Email: freemindsunitedintl@gmail.com

G

GASTROENTEROLOGY STUDENT INTEREST GROUP (SIG) @VCU
Purpose: GSIG at VCU hopes to get students connected with faculty from the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition via lunch lectures, shadowing/research experiences, and workshops.
  • Lunch lectures (students learning about GI-related topics from faculty lecturers)
  • Shadowing experiences (connecting students and faculty to allow for observation of GI physicians)
  • Research experiences (connecting students and faculty for research purposes)
  • Workshops during which students get to be hands on with certain equipment in order to learn a technique while under the guidance of GI faculty
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Scott Matherly
Email: gsigatvcu@gmail.com


​​
GERIATRICS STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to learn more about geriatrics, the aging process, and issues related to caring for the elderly.​
  • Walk to End Alzheimer's
  • Geriatrics Workshop: learn how to assess mobility, cognition, etc.
  • Lunch Lectures: previous topics include Psychosocial Aspects of Aging, Medicare, and Interfaith Approaches to End of Life Care
  • GSIG Photo Contest
  • Volunteer and shadowing opportunities with the Richmond community
Faculty Advisor: Chuck Alexander, M.D.
Email: geriatricsIG@gmail.com


GLOBAL SURGERY STUDENT ALLIANCE
Purpose: To provide educational lectures for students about global surgery and provide networking opportunities with surgeons actively involved in global surgery.
  • Global Surgery Seminar Series
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Edgar Rodas
Email: globalsurgeryvcusom@gmail.com

H

HAROLD F. YOUNG NEUROSURGICAL INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To provide learning opportunities for students interested in the field of neurosurgery, and to provide a medium for faculty at VCU to interact with medical students, and vice versa.​
  • Lunch Lectures
  • Shadowing Opportunities
  • Research Opportunities
  • Suturing Clinics
  • Radiological Reading Clinics
Faculty Advisor: William Broaddus, M.D.
Email: hfyneurosurgery@gmail.com


HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: Allow medical students to interact with Heme/Onc physicians in an informal setting, increase awareness of unique aspects of the field, and promote student interest in the field.
  • Lunch lectures related to research, hematology/oncology career training, and days in the lives of hematologists/oncologists; 
  • Documentary screening on the medical and personal challenges and triumphs of cancer care
  • Cancer education booth at the Wellness Block Party serving the general Richmond community
Faculty Advisor: J. Christian Barrett, M.D. 
E-mail: mcvhemeonc@gmail.com 
HOMBRE
Purpose: Each year a group of first-year medical students are selected to work alongside VCU faculty providing medical services and healthcare education to underserved populations in Honduras and the DR​
  • The mission of HOMBRE is to improve the health of underserved communities in developing countries while enhancing the education of students. Members of the communities we visit give us their trust, and in return receive quality care that is respectful of their personal values, beliefs and way of life. Our students contribute their knowledge, skills, and compassion to those in need.
Website: http://www.medschool.vcu.edu/community/hombre/
Faculty Advisor: Sean McKenna, M.D.
Email: hombremcv@gmail.com

​

HPSP Students at VCU
Purpose: To connect medical students in Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP) to mentorship and support in a casual setting. Aims to provide peer-based education and resources about the HPSP journey to students of all branches of HPSP related programs. 

Faculty Advisor: Peter Moffett, M.D. 
E-mail: hpspstudentsatvcu@gmail.com


H:UMAN (Humanities: Understanding Man)
Purpose: A group that promotes a more profound understanding of the intersection that lies between the humanities and the path to becoming a physician.
  • Coffee talks: discussion-based events
  • Lunch lectures
  • VMFA Art tour: art tour hosted by VCU Graduate School of Arts at VMFA that is followed by a debrief session that discusses how art criticism can relate back to the medical profession. 
  • Children's Book: creating a children's book that is inspired by and written for the kids of VCU Pediatric Hospital
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Megan Lemay
Email: human.mcv@gmail.com

I

INFECTIOUS DISEASE INTEREST GROUP (IDIG)
Purpose: To educate students about infectious disease medicine and expose them to clinical experiences in the department
  • Lunch lectures
  • ID consult shadowing opportunities
  • Career Advice
  • & more!
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sangeeta Sastry, MD
Email: idig.mcv@gmail.com


​
INTERNAL MEDICINE INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: Our organization is focused on increasing student knowledge surrounding career opportunities in internal medicine, while providing opportunities to network with professionals in the field
  • Lunch Lectures: ie. IM career panel 
  • Internal Medicine Dinner Series: Dinner with various physicians and specialists in a smaller group setting 
  • Workshops: We hold a yearly workshop with IM residents about topics such as placing central lines and IV's in the sim center
  • Shadowing program: This year, we are going to set up a shadowing program across all IM specialties. 
  • Match Panel
Faculty Advisor: Stephanie Call, M.D.
Email: clubmed.mcv@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL TRAUMA SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT STUDENT LEAGUE
Purpose: Our mission is to provide students with the ability to design and implement public health programs in order to educate, empower, and improve the health of communities throughout the developing world.​​
  • We provide education, service, & research opportunities within VCU, Richmond, and around the world:
  • Domestic (VCU & RVA):
    • CPR for incoming M3s
    • Global Health, Trauma, & Emergency Medicine workshops, journal clubs, & seminars
    • Community CPR
    • EMS & EM research
    • Longitudinal mentoring opportunities
  • International (Ecuador, Rwanda...):
    • EMS & Trauma research
    • Clinical service
    • M3/M4 rotations
Website: http://wp.vcu.edu/itsdp/
Faculty Advisor: Sudha Jayaraman, M.D., M.Sc.
Email: vcusom.itsdp@gmail.com​

​

L

LATINO MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION (LMSA)
Purpose: The Latino Medical Student Association unites and empowers medical students through service, mentorship and education to advocate for the health of the Latino community.
  • Lunch Lectures with hispanic doctors, health professionals, and community leaders 
  • Spanish PCM class
  • Charlas
  • Hispanic Heritage month activities
  • LMSA Southeast Regional Conference
  • M2 Medical Spanish classes during the MS2a serve as preparation for the HOMBRE medical trips. 
  • Community outreach events with Una Vida Sana and the Sacred Heart Center 
Website: Facebook Page
Faculty Advisor: Donna Jackson
​Email: mcvlmsa@gmail.com

M

​MATTAPONI HEALING EAGLE CLINIC
Purpose: Mattaponi Healing Eagle Clinic offers free healthcare and medication to the uninsured, underserved Mattaponi community.
  • Generally, medical volunteers have split responsibilities. One person is assigned to the intake room, where weight, temperature, and medical history is taken. The other medical volunteer is in charge of the "nurses station" and is responsible for taking blood pressure, HR, and spO2. If there are no pharmacy students present, you can also choose to work in the pharmacy dispensing medications.
Email: mheclinic@gmail.com



MED WITH PRIDE
Purpose: To provide a support system and organizational unit for LGBT students at MCV.​
  • Provide LGBT focused social activities and increase LGBT visibility in the C3 curriculum.
Faculty Advisor: Christopher Woleben, M.D.
Email: medpridevcu@gmail.com

​
MEDICAL ETHICS IN CURRENT EVENTS
Purpose: To advance understanding of ethical issues related to medicine.
  • Monthly meetings to discuss an ethical issue. To facilitate each discussion, we view a documentary or debate, read an article or book, or listen to a podcast prior to the meeting. We use this material to structure our discussion. We encourage students with all viewpoints to present their option. We want our discussion to be a time where we seek to understand and challenge each other respectfully.
Email: Med.Ethics.VCU@gmail.com
MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR CHOICE - VCU CHAPTER
Purpose: MSFC aims to increase awareness around reproductive health issues and knowledge and ultimately hopes to encourage more medical students to become abortion providers and pro-choice physicians. ​
  • Introduction to MSFC lunch lecture: the purpose is to introduce the organization to the incoming M1s
  • IUD insertion workshop
  • Manual Aspiration workshop 
  • Adolescent pregnancy lunch lecture
Website: www.msfc.org
Faculty Advisor: Frances Casey, M.D., M.P.H.
Email: msfc.vcu@gmail.com

MICROBIOME SIG
Purpose: The Microbiome SIG will attempt to introduce the importance of the various microbiomes in the human body with an emphasis on the clinical impact of these microbiomes. 
Faculty Advisor:  Dr. Gregory Buck 
Email: microbiomesigvcu@gmail.com ​

MUSLIM HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Purpose: We partner with hospital faculty, undergraduate students, and local mosques in the community to build a professional and personal support network for our members.
  • Social events/ outings
  • Networking dinners
  • Community service projects
  • Mentoring opportunities
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Imad Damaj
Email: mhp.mcv@gmail.com

N

N2PATH
Purpose: To increase awareness/exposure to pathology, to generate interest in pathology as a career, and to provide opportunities for students to experience procedures supplemental to their classroom learning.
  • Introduction to Pathology Lunch Lecture
  • Forensic Pathology Lecture with Dr. Huddle (Assistant Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia)
  • Pathology Panel/Luncheon with Residents
  • Fine Needle Aspirate/Bone Marrow Biopsy Workshop
  • Pathology Panel/ Luncheon with Physicians
Website: http://www.pathology.vcu.edu/education/pathology-club/
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Sanford, M.D.
Email: n2pathvcu@gmail.com

O

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To promote women's health awareness, as well as obstetrics and gynecology as a career path to future physicians. ​
  • Birthing simulation workshop
  • OB/GYN themed book club
  • Ultrasound workshop
  • Treating HIV Positive Pregnancies Lunch Lecture
  • "A Day in the Life of an OB/GYN" Lunch Lecture
  • Movie screening of "Someone You Love" (documentary about HPV)
Faculty Advisor: Fidelma Rigby, M.D.
Email: vcu.obgyn.sig@gmail.com



OPHTHALMOLOGY INTEREST GROUP 
Purpose: The VCU Ophthalmology Interest Group promotes interest and awareness of the field of ophthalmology. ​
  • Lunch lectures from VCU ophthalmologists and ophthalmologists from the Greater Richmond area on topics related to the eye
  • Suture workshops with VCU ophthalmology residents
Faculty Advisor: Vikram Brar, M.D.
Email: vcu.ophthalmology@gmail.com 
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY & SPORTS MEDICINE INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The goal of this organization is to connect students who are interested in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine through lunch lectures, clinical skills sessions and other events.
  • Lunch Lectures 
  • Clinical Skills Sessions
Faculty Advisor: Michael Petrizzi, M.D.
Email: mcvossmig@gmail.com

P

PALLIATIVE CARE INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To increase awareness of palliative care medicine and educate students on career opportunities available in palliative care.
  • Lunch lectures given by palliative care physicians
  • Shadowing opportunities within the palliative care unit
  • Lunch documentary screenings and group discussions about palliative care topics
Faculty Advisor: Meera Pahuja, M.D.
Email: palliativecareinterestmcv@gmail.com


PEDIATRICS INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To foster and promote medical students' interest, experience, and opportunity within the field of pediatrics and the various sub-specialties.
  • Yearly pediatrics conference with speakers, panels, and workshops to foster student interest and knowledge about the field of pediatrics
  • Lunch lectures pertaining to the field of pediatrics and related sub-specialties
  • Workshops for medical skills related to pediatrics, such as intubation and splinting skills
Faculty Advisor: Drs. Clifton Lee and Marieka Helou
E-mail: vcusompig@gmail.com
PHYSICIANS FOR A NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAM (PNHP)
Purpose: Physicians for a National Health Program is a non-profit research and education organization of physicians, medical students who support single-payer national health insurance.​
  • Educate students on the importance of universal health care as necessary for the future of American healthcare.
  • Organize students in activism for the local, state, and national issues related to healthcare.
  • Develop regional conventions for local PNHP chapter.
  • Promote for broader health coverage in Virginia through organized student and physician activism.​
Faculty Advisor: Susan Miller, M.D.
Email: vcupnhp@gmail.com


​
PLASTIC SURGERY INTEREST GROUP

Purpose: Providing exposure to the plastic surgery specialty to medical students interested in surgery with tremendous variability of reconstructive procedures done involving cosmetics or injury.​
  • Lunch Lectures: Craniofacial/Pediatric, Burn, Hand, Reconstructive Microsurgery, Cosmetic, Q&A with Surgeons
  • Skills/Topics of Discussion in January: General Surgical Skills Workshop, Suture Clinic, Intro to Wound Care, Research Topics in Plastics
Faculty Advisor: Santosh Kale, MD
Email: plasticsurgery.mcv@gmail.com

​
PM&R STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The PM&R SIG is here to teach future physicians about the plethora of career possibilities that are available through the PM&R specialties!​
  • Lunch lecture with department chair Dr. David Cifu - learn the basics of what is available as a PM&R specialist
  • Resident panel with PGY's 1-4 - See what life is like in residency and what lead residents to make their choices.
  • Ultrasound workshop - Get exposed to Ultrasound diagnostics
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/pmrvcu/home
Faculty Advisor: William McKinley, M.D.​
E-mail: pmr.vcu@gmail.com

R

RADIATION ONCOLOGY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To introduce students to the field of radiation oncology, provide them with research and clinical opportunities, and help guide them toward a career in radiation oncology. 
Faculty Advisor: Matthew Schutzer, MD
Email: radoncsig@gmail.com


RADIOLOGY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose:  Introducing medical students to Radiology​
  • Residency focused lunch lectures
  • Workshops to introduce students to medical imaging techniques
Faculty Advisor: Malcolm Sydnor, M.D.
Email: rig@gmail.com


​
REACH 4 GHANA
Purpose: We endeavor to improve the health and well-being of rural Ghanaians through compassionate medical care, effective public health education, and collaborative community development initiatives.
  • Various fundraisers throughout the year including sweatshirt sales, drum circle dinners, and the annual REACH With Us Spring Gala to support the health care of local Ghanaians
  • Annual team trip consisting of medical, physical therapy, and pharmacy students to the Volta Region of Ghana in addition to residents and other health professionals from the Bon Secours Health System
Website: http://www.reach4ghana.org
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Powers, M.D.
Email: reach4ghana@gmail.com
RESEARCH STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To promote a community where students can learn about, explore, and get involved in research at the VCU School of Medicine.
  • Lunch lectures where medical professionals and researchers present their research projects
  • Panels on how various healthcare professionals incorporate research into their practice
  • Panels on how upperclassmen found research opportunities and their various experiences with them
  • Showcases where students can present the research that they have done through summer and capstone projects
  • Workshops in crafting research grants, abstracts, posters, presentations, and papers
Faculty Advisor: Michael Donnenberg, M.D.
Email: rsig.vcu@gmail.com


​
RICHMOND ACADEMY OF MEDICINE
Purpose: To create and sustain a dynamic and innovative physician community for the benefit of the Greater Richmond Area.​
  • Participate in legislative advocacy with experienced physician leaders at “White Coats on Call” at the General Assembly
  • Network with practicing physicians and hear acclaimed speakers on topics relevant to healthcare and the medical profession
  • Have fun at member socials & annual family event
  • Stay informed on local and national news of interest to physicians through our member communications
Website: http://www.ramdocs.org
Email: ramstudentchapter@gmail.com

S

THE SIMPLE SUNFLOWER
Purpose: The Simple Sunflower regifts fresh flowers from local Richmond weddings and events to patients at the VCU Medical Center on a weekly basis. Volunteer opportunities include:
- picking up flowers from local venues
- arranging bouquets for patients
- assisting with outreach efforts 

Faculty Advisor: Robin Foster, M.D.
Website: www.thesimplesunflower.com
Email: simplesunflower.rva@gmail.com

STUDENT FAMILY MEDICINE ASSOCIATION

Purpose: We aim to provide med students with exposure to family medicine and it clinical aspects of the field through lunch lectures, conferences, and hands-on workshops.
  • Hands-on workshops from learning how to do technical office procedures to encountering behavioral health cases
  • Guest lunch lectures about topics ranging from all the types of practice models to holistic medicine
  • Optional membership with the American Academy of Family Physicians
Faculty Advisor: Judy Gary, M.Ed.
Website: http://www.familymedicine.vcu.edu/education/student-programs/student-club/
Email: vcusfma@vcu.edu



STUDENT FREE CLINIC AT VCU-MCV
Purpose: We are a student run clinic affiliated with the Center for Healthy Hearts that holds clinics where medical students practice with an inter-professional team in a primary care setting.​
  • Clinics are student run, twice monthly, and take place at the Center for Healthy Hearts, a VCU School of Pharmacy run clinic during the daytime that usually serves patients with chronic problems such as heart disease and diabetes. 
Faculty Advisor: Alan Dow, M.D.
Email: mcvstudentfreeclinic@gmail.com


​
STUDENT INTEREST GROUP IN NEUROLOGY (SIGN) AT MCV
Purpose: To educate MCV students about the field of neurology and its subspecialties through lunch lectures, residency panels, and workshops.​
  • Lunch lectures: neuro-oncology, TBI, stroke, and pediatric neurology.
  • Physician panels comparing neurology to other overlapping fields in medicine
  • Workshops taught by physicians for students to learn techniques used in neurology, such as lumbar puncture and botox injection
  • Residency panels to learn about what residents did to prepare for their leap into neurology and experiences as residents
Faculty Advisor: Scott Vota, D.O.
Email: mcvsign@gmail.com
​STUDENT NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AT VCU (SNMA)
Purpose: Support underrepresented medical students, address the needs of the underserved community, and increase the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.
  • M1 Exam Study Sessions
  • Community Service Opportunities
  • Mentorship Opportunities
  • Partnership with MAPS
  • Regional and National Conferences
Faculty Advisor: Michelle Whitehurst-Cook, M.D.
Email: SNMAatVCUSOM@gmail.com


​
STUDENT PSYCHIATRIC SOCIETY
Purpose: Our mission is to increase general awareness about mental health and to increase student body involvement in various psychiatric fields.​
  • Careers in Psychiatry panel
  • Movie night with Dr. John Urbach
  • Mental health advocacy
  • Summer Pool Party at Dr. Silverman's house, Richmond Psychiatric Society meetings
  • Joint lunch lectures (Psychiatry in Medically Ill, Emergency Psychiatry, Postpartum Depression)
  • Coping skills workshops (stress management, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy)
  • Peer-run support groups
Faculty Advisor: Susan Kornstein
Email: mcv.sps@gmail.com



STUDENTS MAKING IT A LITTLE EASIER (SMILE)
Purpose: SMILE pairs medical students with pediatric patients currently being treated at VCU. This gives the children an opportunity to forget about hospitals, and engage in a fun activity.​
  • Each big buddy and little buddy pair define most of their own activities, depending on the health of the patient
  • Halloween party with all big and little buddies
  • activities in combination with other student interest groups, as opportunities present
Faculty Advisor: Katie Barber
Email: smile.mcv@gmail.com

T

THE UNDERDOCS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Purpose: 
To empower pre-med & medical students from underrepresented groups to thrive as future physicians through strong mentoring relationships that are enduring and personal.
Faculty Advisor: NA
Email: vcu.underdocs@gmail.com

TRAUMA SURVIVORS NETWORK @VCU
Purpose: To give students bedside experience with trauma patients and their families and to provide these hospital patrons with supportive services.
  • The group will only have one annual lunch lecture. Group member activities will consist of rotating bedside meetings with trauma patients and their families to provide them with Trauma Survivors Network resources.
Faculty Advisor: Karen Shipman
Email: tsnrounds@gmail.com

V

​VASCULAR STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
​Purpose: Our purpose is to educate students about vascular surgery and to promote awareness about the breadth of disease processes and novel procedures that are encountered in this evolving specialty.​
  • Lunch Lectures and Workshops relating to Vascular Surgery
  • Mentorship and Research Opportunities in Vascular Surgery
  • Opportunities to attend National Vascular Surgery Conferences
Faculty Advisor: Michael Amendola, M.D.
Email: vsig.vcu@gmail.com
VCU ULTRASOUND INTEREST GROUP (sonoRAMS)
​Purpose: SonoRAMS serves to introduce upcoming physicians to
ultrasound techniques, research, and skills that will be invaluable
for their careers as future physicians. We provide workshops that
focus on procedures otherwise not discussed in contemporary
pre-clinical medical education so that students may be better prepared
for and excited to use ultrasound for general exams and guided
procedures in the future. We work closely with faculty to demonstrate
such techniques and host lunch lectures regarding interesting topics
and upcoming research in the field of ultrasound.

Faculty Advisor: Michael Joyce, M.D.
​Email: vcusonorams@gmail.com

W

WILDERNESS MEDICINE INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The purpose of this organization is to advance healthcare, research, and education related to wilderness medicine.
  • Wilderness Weekends (camping and skills sessions)
  • MedWars: Wild Med competition
  • Lunch Lectures (Free Food!)
  • Skills Trainings
  • Group Outings
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Chopski
Email: wildmedmcv@gmail.com
iWOMEN IN MEDICINE STUDENT ORGANIZATION (WIMSO)
Purpose: WIMSO is a student organization committed to promoting women in medicine and discussion of women's health topics. ​
  • How to Treat a Woman Week : An annual series of one-hour lunch lectures focused on promoting women's health
  • Wine and Cheese Night: An opportunity for students to meet local physicians, scientists, and health advocates through a speed mentoring session
  • Hot Tips for Clerkships: An annual panel of clerkship directors giving tips on how to tackle 3rd and 4th year clerkships.
  • And more!
Faculty Advisor: Michelle Whitehurst-Cook, M.D.
Email: mcvwimso@gmail.com

Y

YOGA RX
​Purpose: To promote wellness through the practice of yoga and to share our knowledge of yoga with the VCU community.
  • Monthly yoga classes for medical students
  • Monthly "peds yoga" classes at local daycares - collaboration with peds interest group 
  • Other wellness events partnered with various SIGs.
Email: yogarxvcu@gmail.com
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