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A

AANS MEDICAL STUDENT CHAPTER
​Purpose: The purpose of this organization is to foster professional growth and career development of members of the VCU School of Medicine student body who are interested in the field of neurosurgery by providing them with early support and leadership training in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery at VCU Health. This organization will provide a forum for students to organize professional, educational and research activities.
Advisor: R Scott Graham, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

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: Nicole Deiorio, M.D.

ALUMNI CONNECT 
​Purpose: We are Alumni Connect at VCUSOM, a student-interest group hoping to build connections with our alumni that are stronger and more accessible to medical students.
Advisor: Christopher Woleben, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY STUDENT CHAPTER AT VCU
Purpose: To spread awareness of how aging impacts healthcare and how we can best prepare to work with older adults.
Advisor: Sarah Hobgood, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: Meera Pahuja, M.D.
E-mail: [email protected] ​

 ​ANESTHESIA STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To provide medical students with exposure to the field of anesthesia and the opportunity to network with anesthesiologists
Email: [email protected]


ASIAN AMERICAN HEALTH INITIATIVE
Purpose: Our primary purpose is to provide underserved Asian American community members with the opportunity to receive regular screening access and empower them to take a proactive approach in managing health care through advocacy and education. Our secondary purpose is for VCU SOM students to become immersed in diverse cultures and foster their development into becoming culturally-competent physicians.
Faculty Advisor: Trang Le, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Purpose: The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) is a national organization of medical and pre-medical students committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
Faculty Advisor: Ashley Tseng, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

​ASL IN MEDICINE
Purpose: To spread awareness about the deaf culture and to teach the basics of ASL applicable to medicine
Email: [email protected]

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN SURGEONS
Purpose: The purpose of this organization is to help bridge the gap between students and female physicians by connecting them with shadowing/research/mentoring opportunities as well as learning about current issues. We hope to hold lectures and events that will inspire students to consider surgical fields as possibilities in the future and learn about how they can pursue that path.
Faculty Advisor: Kandace McGuire, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

B

C

COMPASSION-ATE AT VCU
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: Robin Foster, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group (CTSIG) at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine aims to increase medical student exposure, awareness, and access to the dynamic field of cardiac and thoracic surgery. We acknowledge that the training pathways in cardiothoracic surgery are consistently challenging and rapidly changing. Notable among these new demands by residency program directors include an increased emphasis on early exposure and commitment to the specialty. Thus, the VCU SOM CTSIG seeks to serve as a gateway to this career and a major resource to interested medical students in a variety of ways: Provide mentorship opportunities. Provide educational enrichment. Provide research engagement. Provide residency resources and support. Provide networking and sponsorship opportunities. Most importantly, the VCU SOM CTSIG aims to help cultivate lasting professional relationships between medical students and the CT Surgery faculty members and fellows at VCU Health. We aim to do this by facilitating increased access to observership and research opportunities. The officer board and interested students plan to host monthly small group meetings to discuss current research projects, shadowing opportunities, applying for residency, and other topics related to the specialty. Our CTSIG also aims to organize a series of events throughout the year to achieve our aforementioned goals
Faculty Advisor: Josue Chery, M.D. and Zubair Hashmi, M.D.
Email: [email protected] ​

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: [email protected]

CARITAS CLINIC
Purpose: The VCU Department of Family Medicine & Population Health will partner with the schools of Pharmacy, Dentistry and the CARITAS Shelter program to provide free health screenings to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and participating in emergency shelter services. CARITAS is a nonprofit organization that works with local congregations to provide year round shelter for homeless adults and families in the greater Richmond area.
Email: [email protected]

CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Purpose: CSA at VCU is an organization for Catholic or non-Catholic VCU students where they can find a community of faith that is centered around preparing to become healthcare professionals and fostering community while in school. We do this through learning seminars, discussion groups, fellowship events, and service opportunities to grow as students and members of our community at large.
Faculty Advisor: Fidelma Rigby, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

CHRISTIAN MEDICAL AND DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Purpose: To meet together for bible studies and other social events.
Faculty Advisor: Scott Armistead, M.D.
Email: [email protected]​

CLIMBING CLUB AT MCV
Purpose: The mission of this organization is to encourage students to live an active and healthy lifestyle through rock climbing. We are here to provide coaching, encouragement, and an avenue for medical students to learn the basics of rock climbing. Many students would benefit from a group that introduces them to climbing risk-free. We believe climbing provides an important benefit for both mental and physical wellbeing and is a great way to reduce stress.
Email: [email protected]

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: Curtis Sessler, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

D

DANCING DOCS
Purpose: Our mission is to provide a safe space for students to explore a new creative medium, experiment through dance, and relieve stress through this physical outlet. 
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected] ​

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: [email protected]

E

EMERGENCY MEDICINE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (EMSA)
Purpose: To teach students about emergency medicine as a specialty, the lifestyle, ways to get involved, and to bring current residents and attendings to share their experiences in the field. The goal is to helps students investigate emergency medicine as a potential specialty choice.
Faculty Advisor: Nathan Lewis, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

EMPOWER THROUGH HEALTH AT VCU
Purpose: The VCU chapter of Empower Through Health (ETH) hopes to teach students about global mental health and provide a first hand opportunity for students to go to Uganda. We hope to engage students in the larger ETH organization, which is a US and Uganda based organization that provides medical access to rural parts of Uganda, conducts research on psychiatric diseases afflicting local communities, and engages students who are interested in learning about global health.
Email: [email protected]

ENT SPECIAL 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: [email protected]

F

G

GASTROENTEROLOGY STUDENT INTEREST GROUP 
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: [email protected]

GIVING A BOOST
Purpose: Giving a Boost is an organization that provides mentorship to pre-medical students, especially disadvantaged applicants from all backgrounds. We provide free guidance on applications, host mock interviews to boost applicant confidence and provide overall support throughout the medical school application process.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Woleben
Email: [email protected]

GLOBAL RESEARCH PARTNERS
Purpose: Global Research Partners is a volunteer organization consisting of mainly Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) medical students who are dedicated to global collaboration. We strive to help researchers and physicians abroad who need help editing their research papers/abstracts/posters in English to submit to journals.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sarwat Hussain
Email: [email protected]

GLOBAL SURGERY STUDENT ALLIANCE AT VCU
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: [email protected]

H

HEALTHCARE INNOVATIONS STUDENT INTEREST GROUP 
Purpose: The Healthcare Innovations Student Interest Group is dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and healthcare. Our mission is to enlighten and inspire the next generation of medical professionals by emphasizing the pivotal role of technological advancements in modern medicine. Through interactive sessions, lunch lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities, we provide a platform for students to explore, understand, and contribute to the evolution of healthcare through innovation.
Faculty Advisor: Aamer Syed, M.D.
Email: [email protected]



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: [email protected] 

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: Mark Ryan, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

​
HOOKED ON MEDICINE
Purpose: Our purpose is to foster a community of crafters and have a time and a space to create beautiful projects. We aim to use our skills to give back to the community by creating and donating items such as scarves, hats, and toys to hospitals, schools, and shelters. We also aim to help indviduals learn skills that have therapeutic potential.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Biskobing and Dr. Deiorio
Email: [email protected]

HPSP
Purpose: To provide a place for HPSP students to meet and form connections that can help them with navigating our military service components during and after medical school. Additionally, offer advice to any students interested in the scholarship.
Email: [email protected]​

I, J, K

INFECTIOUS DISEASE INTEREST GROUP 
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: [email protected]


​
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: Nathaniel Warner, M.D. and Danielle Johnson, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL TRAUMA SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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/
Email: vcusom.[email protected]​

​​
JEWISH MEDICAL STUDENT INTEREST GROUP 
Purpose: Allow Jewish students to celebrate holidays away from home and find comfort in the community.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Goldberg
Email: [email protected]
​
KOREAN AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION 
Purpose: Korean American Medical Student Association strives to foster a strong and supportive community among medical students of Korean heritage as well as those interested in Korean culture and healthcare issues.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Lee
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Lifestyle Medicine Student Interest Group 
Purpose: The mission of this organization is to empower Health Professionals students with evidence-based education regarding healthy lifestyle habits (i.e. exercise, nutrition, sleep) and the budding field of lifestyle medicine in order to benefit their own lives as well as those of their future patients and the greater Richmond community.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Puneet Puri
​Email: [email protected]

Love of Learning 
Purpose: VCUSOM is full of many creative and passionate people who have fun ideas to make learning more enjoyable and effective. However, many of these individuals lack the organizational capacity and reach to make their ideas come true. The Love of Learning SIG seeks to be a space for coordinating and organizing learning events to make the educational environment at VCUSOM a more engaging and effective space.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stacey Wahl
​Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]
​
MED-PEDS INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: Med-Peds Interest Group is a student-run organization that aims to increase interest in and promote exposure to Med-Peds residency programs. We hope to provide networking opportunities and help students explore their interest in Med-Peds through lunch lectures, workshops, shadowing, and volunteer events.
Email: [email protected]

MEDICAL EDUCATION INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The purpose of the group is to exposure students to a career in medical education through panels, journal clubs, research opportunities, and teaching opportunities within VCU and the community.
Email: [email protected]

​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: [email protected]
​
​MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR ACCESS FOR CARE
Purpose: Promoting the health of underserved communities in Richmond through ventures such as Narcan trainings and donation drives.
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

MEDICINE IN THE MUSE
Purpose: Promote bridging of the humanities in medicine
Email: [email protected]

MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR MATERNAL HEALTH EQUITY
Purpose: Provide opportunities for students to engage with vulnerable members of the community via volunteering, learn more about equitable healthcare during lunch lectures and partner with advocacy groups to offer the medical student perspective to legislators.
 Faculty Advisor: Lambert Giles, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

​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: [email protected]

MUSLIM HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (MHP)
Purpose: To connect Muslim health professionals and students across MCV and host service events and mentoring opportunities that impact the greater Richmond community.
Faculty Advisor: Imad Damaj, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

N

N2PATH PATHOLOGY STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: To provide lunch lectures and hands-on activities for medical students, as a way to raise awareness and interest in the medical field of pathology
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

PANAMERICAN TRAUMA SOCIETY
Purpose: We aim to continually expand students’ understanding of the challenges and ethical considerations for providing healthcare in both global and low-resourced settings. We do so through holding monthly journal clubs – we have a different theme each month and send out two papers 3-5 days prior to the meeting for attendees to review. Each meeting is led by two M4s in the ACCESS program, who can integrate what they have learned and seen through their medical education and clinical training to provide wider perspectives to lower classmen.
Faculty Advisor: Edgar Rodas, M.D.
Email: [email protected]


PATHWAYS CLINICS
Purpose: This SIG works with Pathways Clinics situated in Petersburg and provides medical student volunteers to help out with free clinics that serves the local community.
Faculty Advisor: Allan Dow, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

PEDIATRICS INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: The purpose of PIG is: To introduce the medical field of pediatrics to interested students.To provide students with opportunities to engage with and learn more about the pediatric field. To provide students with information about the residency and career of a pediatrician. To connect students, faculty, physicians, and community members who share the common interest of pediatric medicine.
Faculty Advisor: Clifton Lee, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

PHYSICIANS FOR CULINARY MEDICINE
Purpose: The purpose of the Physicians for Culinary Medicine SIG shall be to provide information about the specialty of Culinary Medicine through education, service, and advocating for change.
Faculty Advisor: Deborah Koehn, M.D.
Email: [email protected]
​
PMR AT VCU
Purpose: The purpose of our organization is to raise awareness of PMR to the medical students at VCU.
Faculty Advisor: Makinna Moen, MD
Email: [email protected]

PICKLEBALL AT MCV
Purpose: Wellness, community gathering, stress-relief through pickleball
Faculty Advisor: Clifton Lee, MD
Email: [email protected]

​

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: Emma Fields, MD
Email: [email protected]

RAM BIKES AT MCV
Purpose: The purpose of the organization is to promote and encourage sustainable transportation options, particularly among students, faculty, and staff on the MCV campus. The organization aims to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and increase the adoption of alternative forms of transportation, such as biking, walking, and carpooling.
Faculty Advisor: Sera Erickson (Program coordinator of RAM Bikes)
Email: [email protected]

REFUGEE CONNECT
Purpose: In partnership with local Richmond organizations including the Virginia Department of Health, International Rescue Committee, and YMCA, the objective of this group is to educate medical students on refugee health needs and regularly connect them with opportunities to help refugees in a clinical setting
Faculty Advisor: Jacqueline Britz, MD
Email: [email protected]
​
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: [email protected]

​RHEUMATOLOGY STUDENT INTEREST GROUP
Purpose: Our organization’s purpose is to increase awareness of rheumatology amongst our peers.
Faculty Advisor: Beth Rubinstein, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

​RICHMOND CHILD SAFETY COLLABORATION
Purpose: The Richmond Child Safety Collaboration is focused on addressing social disparities of healthcare in children in the greater Richmond area. We have focused our efforts on at-risk populations in the area and created specific clinical and research initiatives to understand and solve these issues. Through our Child Abuse and Neglect, Juvenile Justice, and Foster Care Initiatives, we hope to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the Richmond pediatric population.
Faculty Advisor: Robin Foster, M.D.
Email: [email protected]
​
​RVA MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE
Purpose: To foster community outreach for mental health
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Prom-Wormley, Ph.D.,MPH
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

SONORAMS ULTRASOUND INTEREST GROUP 
Purpose: The purpose of the organization is to expose students to ultrasound through lunch lectures and hands on practice.
Faculty Advisor: Michael Joyce, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

STUDENT FAMILY MEDICINE ASSOCIATION 
Purpose: To increase awareness and appreciation of family medicine as a specialty and connect students to volunteer, research, mentorship, and educational opportunities within the field of family medicine.
Faculty Advisor: Judy Gary, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

STUDENTS FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING 
Purpose: Students Fighting Human Trafficking is a student organization at VCU School of Medicine aiming to raise awareness and educate healthcare professionals on human trafficking, and encourage collaboration amongst healthcare professionals from all disciplines to better combat trafficking.
Faculty Advisor: Faye Chelmow, M.D.
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]


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: Donna Jackson
Email: [email protected]

STUDENT PSYCHIATRIC SOCIETY AT VCU
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: [email protected]



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: [email protected]

T

TECHNOLOGY IN MEDICINE
Purpose: To showcase innovations in technology across all fields of medicine.
Faculty Advisor: NA
Email: [email protected]

TENNIS STUDENT INTEREST GROUP 
Purpose: Bringing together the students and faculty of VCU SOM to get out and relieve stress, promote exercise, and have fun by playing tennis. This SIG will hopefully be a great way for not only students of our medical school class to bond, but also for students to meet faculty / doctors who love the sport as well.
Faculty Advisor: Nicole Deiorio, MD
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

U, V

UROLOGY STUDENT INTEREST GROUP 
​Purpose: Our student interest organization strives to provide medical students the ability to learn about urology, as well as network with other medical students and providers in the field of urology through lunch lectures and other events.
Faculty Advisor: Rebecca Zee, M.D.
Email: [email protected]
​
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: [email protected]

VCU OPHTHALMOLOGY STUDENT 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: [email protected] ​

VOICES AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE
​Purpose: Sexual violence is rampant and ubiquitous in our society. this SIG will help train future healthcare workers to be on the lookout for sexual violence wherever they go.
Faculty Advisor: NA
Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]