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Student Affairs
The Office of Student Affairs provides oversight to more than 50 medical student organizations, from the Women in Medicine Student Organization to the Cardiology Interest Group to everything in between.
The Office of Student Affairs provides oversight to more than 50 medical student organizations.
[View Image]Register a Student Organization
All student organizations must register with the Office of Student Affairs. This not only recognizes that the organization has agreed to abide by the VCU School of Medicine’s guidelines, but also makes the organization eligible to apply for funding through the Medical Student Government.
Find a Student Organization
Search the A to Z index below to find a specific VCU School of Medicine student organizations.
This list is updated annually after the September 30 registration deadline for currently established student organizations.
New or reactived oganizations may submit student organization registration forms anytime during the academic year. These organizations will be added to the list once the request has been processed and approved.
Click the panels below to see Student Organizations categorized alphabetically.
Click the panels below to view student organizations categorized alphabetically.
Adam Society
Purpose: The Adam Society is an organization that educates medical students on ways to address and empathize with family members, friends, or patients with an addiction.
E-mail: adamsociety1@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Curtis Reiber
Treasurer: Pavan Krishnan
Faculty Advisor: Omar Abubaker, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Aerospace Medicine
Purpose: Provide information about aerospace medicine residency programs and the field
E-mail: aeromedvcu@gmail.com
President: Ronil Vaghjiani
Treasurer: Bharath Peddibhotla
Secretary: Vinh Dao
Members: Nilan Vaghjiani, Vatsal Lal
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Scott Matherly
Updated Summer 2020
All 'Bout Couples and Families (ABC)
Purpose: To provide support to medical students with partners, spouses and/or children
Email: abc.vcu@gmail.com
Presdient: Kaitlin Daff
Treasurer: Rebecca Hill
Members: Jessica Williams, Tiffany Tsay
Faculty Advisor: Leila Brinegar
Updated Summer 2020
Allergy and Immunology Student Interest Group
Purpose: To expose students to the field of allergy and immunology
Email: vcu.aisig@vcu.edu
President: Snehdeep Hanspal
Treasurer: Ruchita Parekh
Secretary: Brenton Elliot
Faculty Advisor: Wei Zhao, M.D.
Alumni Connect at VCU/MCV
Purpose: To strengthen VCUSOM/MCV Alumni relations
Email: alumniconnectmcv@gmail.com
President of Outreach: Waleed Ahmad
President of Operations: Viraj Sharma
Treasurer: Krishna Ravindra
Secretary: Malika Gill
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Woleben
Updated Fall 2020
American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
Purpose: To increase interest and networking opportunities for students interested in Neurosurgery by providing access to a national association.
Email: aansvcu@gmail.com
President: Deki Tsering
Vice President: Kimaya Council
Secretary: Chris Pais
Faculty Advisor: Scott Graham, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
AMA Medical Student Chapter
Purpose: The purpose of the Chapter shall be to provide medical student participation in the activities of the AMA/MSV-MSS and AMA and MSV as a whole, to improve medical education, professional excellence, medical leadership and to promote activity with inorganized medicine on the local, state, and national levels.
E-mail: amavcu@gmail.com
President of External Affairs: Steven Meas
President of Internal Affairs: Jineet Patel
Vice President of External Affairs: Caitlin Womack
Treasurer: Tiffany Tsay
Faculty Advisor: Jenny Young, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
Web site: www.amsa.org
Purpose: AMSA is a student-run organization that aims to engage students in health-related matters of social justice through education and advocacy, with the goal of increasing the number of physicians that advocate for patient's rights. Our organization empowers medical students to use their political voice to stand up for their patients and makelasting impacts on the political environment that influences our patients' health.
E-mail: amsa.vcu@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Anusha Sadda, Eisha Jain
Treasurer: Lucy Jin
Legislative Chair: Gaby Obedoza
Faculty Advisor: Mark Ryan, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
American Red Cross Club of VCU SOM
Purpose: Guided by the fundamental principles of the American Red Cross and its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the VCU SOM Red Cross Club will learn, practice and exemplify humanitarian values through mission-related service projects.
E-mail: redcrossvcusom@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Kathryn Hobbs, Rebecca Hill
Vice President: Alexander Goggins
Treasurer: Ricardo Moscoso
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Sanford, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Anesthesia Interest Group (AIG)
Web site: www.studentorg.vcu.edu/soaig
Purpose: To provide medical students exposure to the field of anesthesiology and networking with VCU anesthesiologists.
E-mail: aigvcu@gmail.comPresident: Nathaniel Miller
Vice President: Andrew Nguyen
Treasurer: Alexandra Vagonis
Faculty advisor: John Burgner, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) at VCU
Purpose: To advocate for and increase awareness of Asian-Pacific Islander (API) American health disparities and engage in initiatives/projects in addressing those needs. Encourage student engagement through education as well as participation in events to benefit the targeted population.
E-mail: apamsa.vcu@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Nicole Ng and Gerald Corondo
Treasurer: Meagan Shinbashi
Project Coordinator: Karen Lo
Faculty advisor: Dr. Ashlee Tseng
Updated Summer 2020
Association of Women Surgeons
Purpose: To foster interest in surgery, provide medical students a network of female surgeon mentors, and facilitate open and guided discussion of the challenges many women surgeons face in a setting where all members of the medical community are welcome.
E-mail: aws.mcv@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Rebecca Uber, Christina Kontzias
Treasurer: Mrudula Bandaru
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Goldberg
Updated Fall 2020
Cardiology Interest Group
Purpose: To provide information and career development opportunities for students in the field of cardiology.
E-mail: cig.mcv@gmail.com
President: Krishna Ravindra
Treasurer: Avneesh Sharmar
Vice President: Mathew Alexander
Faculty Advisor: Jordana Kron, MD
Updated Summer 2020
CARITAS Clinic and Outreach
Purpose: CARITAS is an interprofessional organization in which medical, pharmacy, and dental students work alongside licensed providers at various shelters to provide free health screenings to individuals who are in emergency shelters and experiencing homelessness.
E-mail: vcucaritas@gmail.com
Clinical Coordinator: Jill Patel, Hailey Hampton, Amy He
Faculty advisor: Mary Lee Magee, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Catholic Student Association at MCV
Purpose: To provide a spiritual home away from home for medical students of VCU. We hope to provide opportunities for prayer, worship, Bible Study, fellowship, and lectures on the Catholic faith as it relates to professional life.
E-mail: CGSOatVCUSOM@gmail.com Co-Presidents: Sarah Barrett, Caitlyn Syptak
Secretary: Andrea Nguyen
Treasurer: Brian Engelhardt
Faculty advisor: Fidelma Rigby, M.D
Updated Summer 2020
Christian Medical and Dental Association
Web site: www.cmdarichmond.org
Purpose: CMDA Richmond facilitates gatherings for students to fellowship with likeminded peers and with Christian graduate professionals to build relationships that promote growth professionally and personally.
E-mail: CMDAinRVA@gmail.comCommunity Service Chair: Abigail Hewitt
President: Thomas Siff
Vice President: Jerry Onyeador
Treasurer: Lola Adelakun
Faculty advisor: Scott T. Armistead, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Critical Care Interest Group
Purpose: Expose medical students to the field of pulmonology and critical care through shadowing experiences in ICUs, lunch lectures, and simulations
E-mail: vcuccig@gmail.com
President: Travis Cuddy
Vice President: Chuck Siegel
Shadowing Coordinator: Cassie Bienert
Faculty advisor: Marjolein de Wit, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Cross Over Clinic
Web site: www.crossoverministry.org
Purpose: To provide free health care to the uninsured in Richmond.
E-mail: crossoverclinic@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Vashali Jain, Alex Hirsch, Nicole Ng
Treasurer: Nicole Ng
Faculty Advisor: Vivian Bruzzese, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
David Hume Surgical Society
Purpose: The David Hume Surgical Society (DHSS) provides students at MCV with opportunities to learn about General Surgery and interact with VCU General Surgery faculty. We organize lunch lectures with speakers from different levels and backgrounds within the General Surgery Department, hands-on workshops to practice clinical skills, and provide resources and connections to students to find mentors and further explore their interests within surgery.
E-mail: mcv.dhss@gmail.com
Co-presidents: Manaswitha Thota, Alexandra Vagonis
Treasurer: Rebecca Hill
Faculty Advisor: Rahul Anand, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Dermatology Interest Group
Purpose: DIG's purpose is to raise awareness, fosterinterest, and provide resources for studentsinterested in specializing in dermatology or anyrelated field. Networking and exposure topractitioners and medical residents is also alarge goal of the organization.
Email: vcudig@gmail.com
President: Aref Moshayedi
Vice President: Davis Moore
Treasurer: Sindhuja Koppu
Faculty Advisor: Julia Nunley, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology Interest Group
Purpose: The Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology Interest Group is a student-run organization that aims to foster interest in these rapidly growing specialties. Generally, the club's activities consist of frequent lunch lectures given by seasoned radiologists who are experts in their respective fields, skill workshops, and opportunities to shadow. Additionally, we have been fortunate enough to have the support of several faculty members who are open to mentoring students which is an excellent way to further explore radiology.
E-mail: dxrad.vcu@gmail.com
President: Josh Kang
Vice Presidents: Yasir Al-Dojaily
Treasurer: Janan Leppo
Faculty Advisor: Gordon Morano
Updated Fall 2020
Do No Harm Coalition
Purpose: We are healers, clinicians-in-training, health workers, and activists that believe that health is a human right and we have a collective duty to eradicate systems of oppression which threaten that right.
E-mail: donoharmvcu@gmail.com
President: Amélie Nkodo
Treasurer: Amy Coffin
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Meera Pahuja
Updated Fall 2020
Emergency Medicine Student Association (EMSA)
Purpose: 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.
E-mail: VCU.EMSA@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Jill Patel, Kevin Parham
Faculty advisor: Nathan Lewis, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Engineering and Medicine at VCU
Purpose: To increase collaboration between the MCV and VCU Engineering with the goal of innovation and problem solving
E-mail: EngineeringMedicineVCU@gmail.com
President: Tariq Ayubi
Vice President: Palak Sanghvi
Treasurer: Catherine Nguyen
Secretary: Alarmel Sira
Faculty Advisor: Robert Dahlberg, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
ENT Student Interest Group
Purpose: To introduce medical students to the field of otolaryngology/ENT, establish connections with ENT specialists on behalf of students, and cultivate students' interest in the ENT specialty.
E-mail: vcuentig@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Akshay Murthy, Joshua Kang
Treasurer: Jineet Patel
Faculty Advisor: Kelley Dodson, MD
Updated Summer 2020
Farmworker Health Outreach
Purpose: To increase awareness of farmworker health issues and organize outreach events.
E-mail: mcv.farmworker@gmail.com
President: Alexandra Tee
Treasurer: Nehal Naik
Faculty advisor: Steve Crossman, M.D.
Geriatrics Student Interest Group - American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Student Chapter
Purpose: To spread awareness of how aging impacts healthcare and how we, as healthcare professionals, can best prepare for working with an aging population. With seminars, skills workshops, and community service opportunities, we are committed to bringing together graduate students across several interdisciplinary programs and providing educational, engaging, and inspirational events which spotlight important issues related to aging.
Email: vcugeriatrics@gmail.com
President: Tiffany Tsay
Vice President: Rhea Sharma
Treasurer: Rachel Stevenson
Members: Miranda Savioli, Lindsey Vu
Faculty Advisor: Chuck Alexander
Updated Summer 2020
Global Surgery Student Alliance at VCU
Purpose: To educate, inspire, and unite students trhrough engagement and mentorship in global surgery, including anesthesia and OB/GYN.
Email: vcuglobalsurgerystudents@gmail.com
President: Anna Gibson
Treasurer: Oumaima Bougazzoul
Members: Mary Namugosa, Hunter Hewlet
Faculty Advisor: Edgar Rodas, M.D.
Updated Fall 2018
Hematology/Oncology Interest Group
Purpose: Our goal is for 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. We will host lunch lectures that provide insight into cancer research, hematology/oncology careertraining, opportunities to volunteer in the Richmond area.
E-mail: mcvhemeonc@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Corey Williams, Punit Barot
Treasurer: Corey Williams
Faculty advisor: John Christian Barrett, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Humanities: Understanding Man) H:UMAN
Purpose: To promote more profound understanding of medicine through activities that shed a new light on the nature of medicine.
E-mail: human.mcv@gmail.com
President: Rhea Sharma
Internal Vice President: Muhammad Junaid
External Vice President: Teresa Elmore
Treasurer: Noah Feld
Faculty Advisor: Megan Lemay, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Internal Medicine Interest Group
Purpose: To expose M1 and M2 students to the wide variety of career opportunities that Internal Medicine residencies provide, put on procedural clinics, and help students make connections with Internal Medicine faculty.
Co-Presidents: Caitlin Womack, Vahnee Garimella
Treasurer: Ezana Girmai
Faculty Advisor: Nathaniel Warner, M.D., Danielle Johnson, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
International Trauma System Development Program
Purpose: To improve and support the training of medical students interested in pursuing careers in the trauma field, trauma systems, and injury prevention programs.
E-mail: vcusom.itsdp@gmail.com
President: Gillian Gardiner
Treasurer: Oumaima Bougazzoul
Faculty advisor: Edgar Rodas, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Jewish Association of Medical Students (JAMS)
Purpose: To support the studies and faith involvement of Jewish students at VCU's School of Medicine
E-mail: schwartzea@vcu.edu
President: Evan Schwartz
Treasurers: Kelsey Rupp
Faculty advisor: Deborah Lebman, Ph.D.
Journal Club for Medical Students
Purpose: To give medical students practice with EBM based research prior to reaching their clinical years.
E-mail: inquiries.vcumed@gmail.com
President: Ariel Nash
Vice President: Joanne Chiao
Treasurer: Zachary Kimball
Faculty advisor: Marieka Helou, M.D.
Updated Fall 2017
There are currently no student organizations that begin with the letter K.
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
Purpose: The Latino Medical Student Association unites and empowers medical students through service, mentorship, and education. Through these efforts, we hope to improve and advocate for the health of the Latino community.
Email: mcvlmsa@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Antonio Dominguez, Matt Olocco
Treasurer: Rose Sanchez
Volunteer Chair: Robert Jones
Faculty Advisor: Donna Jackson
Updated Summer 2020
Lifestyle Medicine Student Interest Group
Purpose: THe mission of this organization is to empower health professional students with evidence-based education regarding healthy lifestyle habits (i.e. nutrition and exercise) 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.
Email: LMSIGatVCU@gmail.com
President: Caitlyn Syptak
Treasurer: Nicholas Guiot
Members: Lauren Hanley, Maggie Rossano
Faculty Advisor: Puneet Puri
Updated Summer 2020
Mattaponi Healing Eagle Clinic
Purpose: Mattaponi Healing Eagle Clinic offers free healthcare and medication to the uninsured, underserved Mattaponi community.
E-mail: mheclinic@gmail.com
Volunteer Director: Meagan Shinbashi
Operations Manager: Wendy Woo
Patient Advocate: Jill Patel
Faculty Advisor: Diane Garrison, MD
Updated Summer 2020
Medical Ethics in Current Events Interest Group
Purpose: Bring current and modern medical ethics concernsto the table for discussion.
E-mail: Med.Ethics.vcu@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Vashali Jain, Rosellen Provost
Vice President: Viktoriya Zelikson, Karishma Popli
Treasurer: Rosellen Provost
Members: Sindhuja Koppu, Lucy Jin
Faculty Advisor: James Levenson, MD
Updated Summer 2020
Medical Genetics Student Interest Group
President: Maheen Khan
Treasurer: Sindhuja Koppu
Faculty Advisor: Hind Al Saif, MD
Updated Summer 2020
Medical Students for a Sustainable Future at VCU SOM
Purpose: Medical Students for a Sustainable Future (MS4SF) is a network of medical students in the United States who recognize climate change as an urgent threat to health and social justice. Motivated to protect our future patients and the communities we love, we catalyze action to prevent and address the health harms of climate change.
E-mail: ms4sfvcu@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Genevieve Gilson and Lillian Singer
Faculty advisor: Michael Donnenberg, MD
Updated Fall 2020
Medical Students for Choice
Purpose: The purpose of MSFC is to educate and engage students about reproductive healthcare, including but not limited to contraception and abortion. We work to ensure that medical students realize all of the possibilities in engaging with this work as future physicians, including through lunch lectures, hands-on workshops, and training inadvocacy.
E-mail: msfc.vcu@gmail.com
President: Deborah Druckerman
Treasurer: Maryam Farooqui
Faculty advisor: Frances Casey, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Medical Students for Eye Care
Purpose: Provide free screening for ophthalmologic diseases to Richmond area residents
E-mail: medstudents4eyecare@gmail.com
President: Rahul Majumdar
Treasurer: Meghan Ellwood
Faculty advisor: Dr. Vikram S. Brar, M.D
Updated Fall 2020
Muslim Health Professionals
Purpose: To connect and empower current and aspiring Muslim health professionals at MCV and the greater Richmond community through service-based events, mentoring opportunities, and multicultural and interfaith education in order to positively impact those underserved in our communities
Email: mhp.vcu@gmail.com
Presidents: Mavra Masood
Vice President: Oumaima Bougazzoul
Treasurer: Haseeb Mahmud
Faculty Advisor: Imad Damaj, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
N2Path
Purpose: The aim of N2Path (Pathology Interest Club) is to promote awareness of and exposure to the field of Pathology.
Email: n2pathvcu@gmail.com
President: Deki Tsering
Treasurer: Kristen Lospinoso
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Sanford, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Ob/Gyn Student Interest Group
Purpose: To promote women's health awareness as well as obstetrics and gynecology as a career path to future physicians.
E-mail: vcu.obgyn.sig@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Duru Ergun, Geetika Reichmann
Treasurer: Duru Ergun
Faculty advisor: Fidelma Rigby, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Ophthalmology Interest Group
Purpose: To generate interest in the field of ophthalmology, organize speakers and shadowing, and assist those who plan to pursue a career in the field.
E-mail: vcu.ophthalmology@gmail.com
Co-President: Ryan Brown, Pushpak Pondugula
Treasurer: Hailey Hampton
Faculty Advisor: Evan Silverstein
Updated Fall 2020
Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Interest Group
Purpose: To expose students to opportunities in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, finding a balance between the surgical aspect of Orthopedics and the primary care side of Sports Medicine.
E-mail: mcvossmig@gmail.com
President: Andrew Azdell
Treasurer: Thomas Siff
Members: Jill Patel, Pushpak Pondugula
Faculty Advisor: Jibanananda Satpathy, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Palliative Care Interest Group
Purpose: To increase awareness and provide education about palliative medicine.
E-mail: palliativecareinterestmcv@gmail.com
President: Amy He
Treasurer: Huzaifah Qureshi
Faculty advisor: Meera Pahuja, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Panamerican Trauma Society at VCU
Purpose: To increase student research and engagement in the area of global surgery and trauma management.
E-mail: pts.vcu@gmail.com
President: Kevin Parham
Treasurer: Oumaima Bougazzoul
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Paula Ferrada
Updated Fall 2020
Pathways Service
Purpose: Help attending physicians take vitals, HPI, medical, family, social Hx, or any other treatment that the attending is willing to display to medical students. Present educational materials and literature reviews for reference of attending physicians relevant to common practices in the clinic. Provide pts with more quality time interacting with medical professionals in the clinic.
E-mail: pathwaysvcusom@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Broc Miller, Kim Farland
Vice President: Shanté Barnes
Treasurer: Rebecca Pilkington
Members: Amy He, Brooke Hess
Faculty advisor: Alan Dow
Updated Summer 2020
Pediatric Interest Group
Purpose: To foster and promote medical students' interest, experience, and opportunity within the field of pediatrics and the various sub-specialties.
E-mail: vcusompig@gmail.com
Presidents: Kelly McNult, Kimberly Ngo, Ananya Venkatesh
Treasurer: Vashali Jain
Faculty advisor: Clifton Lee, M.D. and Marieka Helou, M.D.
Updated Fall 2018
Physicians for Culinary Medicine
Purpose:The purpose of the Physicians for Culinary Medicine group shall be to provide informationabout the new evidence-based field in medicinethat combines food and cooking with the scienceof medicine. through education, service, andadvocating for change.
E-mail: culinarymedicine.vcu@gmail.com
President: Jean Wu
Vice-President: Alexis Antonucci
Members: Phuong Dao, Shivani Gaur
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Deborah Koehn
Updated Summer 2020
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Student Interest Group (PM&R)
Purpose: To educate medical students on Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and explore career opportunities in the field.
E-mail: pmr.vcu@gmail.com
President: Deepika Babu
Vice President: Anne Marcinkowski
Treasurer: Mallory White
Faculty advisor: Russel Lacey, M.D.
Members: Matthew Alexander, Haseeb Mahmud
Updated Summer 2020
There are no student organizations that start with the letter Q.
Radiation Oncology Interest Group
Purpose: To introduce students to the field of radiation oncology and provide interested students the research and clinical opportunities necessary to guide them on the best path toward becoming a radiation oncologist.
Email: RadOncSIG@gmail.com
President: Evrosina Isaac
Treasurer Maheen Khan
Members: Michael Keiter, Manasi Mahashabde
Faculty Advisor: Matthew E. Schutzer, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
REACH for Ghana
Purpose: To serve the people of rural Ghana through compassionate medical care, effective public health education, and collaborative community development initiatives. We also aim to provide experiential service-learning opportunities to those interested in making a difference in Ghana.
Email: reach4ghana@gmail.com
President: Kristin Boakye
Vice President of Team Operations: Trevor Hyland
Vice President of Development: Ashley Hadjis
Treasurer: Nicole Karikari
Faculty Advisor: Jelisa Timmons, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Refugee Connect
Purpose: A student run organization in collaboration withlocal refugee organizations that holdseducational lectures and fundraisers as well aswellness clinics where medical students can workalongside physicians and translators to providescreening services and healthcare information tolocal refugees in the Richmond area.
Email: refugeeconnect.vcu@gmail.com
President: Jacob Raskin
Vice President: Lucy Jin
Treasurer: Sophia Gumas
Community Chair: Aref Moshayedi
Faculty Advisor: Mark Ryan, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Research Student Interest Group
Purpose: RSIG is a student-run interest group with the goalof promoting a community where students can learnabout, explore, and get involved in research atthe VCU School of Medicine.
E-mail: rsig.vcu@gmail.com
President: Meagan Shinbashi
Vice President: Hardy Ding
Treasurer: Nicole Ng
M.D.-Ph.D. Liaison: Kijoon Kim
Faculty Advisor: Micheal Donnenberg, MD
Updated Summer 2020
SAFE at VCU
Purpose: To enable student to organize to combat the ever-present public health crisis of gun-violence.
Email: smrisney@gmail.com
President: Scott Risney
Treasurer: Amber Domako
Faculty Advisor: Tiffany Kimbrough, MD
Updated Summer 2020
The Simple Sunflower
Purpose: Regift flowers from weddings to hospitalizedpatients.
Email: simplesunflower.rva@gmail.com
President: Eleanor Love
Vice President: Katherine Yu
Treasurer: Katherine Klein
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robin Foster
Updated Summer 2020
SonoRAMS
Purpose: SonoRAMS serves to introduce upcoming physicians to ultrasound techniques, research, and skills that will be invaluable for their careers as future physician. We provide workshops that focus on procedures otherwise not discussed in contemporary pre-clinical medical education so that students maybe 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.
Email: vcusonorams@gmail.com President: Rebecca Pilkington
Treasurer: Corey Williams
Event Coordinators: Cassie Beinert, Kevin Parham
Comminications Officer: Hunter Hewlett
Faculty Advisor: Michael Joyce, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Student Family Medicine Association
Purpose: The mission of SFMA is to provide all students with a positive exposure to Family Medicine. The goals are to inform and engage students in experiences that expose them to the values, breadth and scope of Family Medicine, its value in the health care system, and the roles and functions family physicians provide for patients, families and communities.
E-mail: vcusfma@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Sarah Beaverson, Caitlyn Syptak
Treasurer: Tiffany Tsay
Membership Coordinator: Lola Adelakun
Faculty advisor: Judy Gary
Updated Summer 2020
Students Fighting Human Tracfficking
Purpose: Students Fighting Human Trafficking is an interest group composed of VCU students who are interested in furthering our understanding of the widespread human trafficking problem both in our community and in others. Our goals as an organization are to raise awareness and educate healthcare professionals on human trafficking, while encouraging collaboration amongst healthcare professionals to better combat trafficking. We also hope to coordinate education, advocacy, and research on human trafficking.
Email: studentsfighttinght@gmail.com
President: Gurjas Bajaj
Vice President: David Branson
Secretary: Benjamin Blake
Treasurer: Caroline Shadowen
Members: Sarah Shapiro, Nidhi Agrawal
Faculty Advisor: Fidelma Rigby
Updated Summer 2020
Students for Injury and Violence Prevention
Purpose: During our medical school preclinical training, we are taught about various forms of violence to which our patients may be exposed in their daily lives. Trauma-informed care and violence prevention are strategies in which all healthcare providers shouldbe well-versed. For that reason, in order to supplement the foundation provided by our preclinical curriculum, we have created the Violence Prevention Student Interest Group.
E-mail: sivpvcu@gmail.com
Co-President (Activities and Education): Alvin Chang
Co-President (Volunteering): Miranda Sullivan
Co-President (Research): Sarah Beth
Treasurer: Saba Ali
Faculty Advisor: Nicholas Thomson, PhD
Updated Fall 2020
Student Free Clinic at VCU-MCV
Purpose: The Student Free Clinic at MCV provides a unique opportunity for medical students to work ininterdisciplinary teams to care for underserved and uninsured individuals at the Virginia Center for Healthy Hearts. M1/M2s form teams with M3/M4s and pharmacy students to evaluate a patient and present to an attending physician.
E-mail: MCVstudentfreeclinic@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Nate Miller, Joshua Kang, Robert Jones
Treasurer: Rebecca Uber
Faculty advisor: Alan Dow, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)
Purpose: To foster interest in neurology and support opportunities for medical students to develop a career in neurology.
E-mail: mcvsign@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Bharath Peddibhotla, Emma Parolisi (Rhodenizer)
Treasurer: Sahil Chawla
Faculty advisor: Alicia Zukas, M.D. and Jon Snider, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Students Making It A Little Easier (SMILE)
Purpose: Pair groups of medical students with pediatricpatients to provide social support to children while they are in the hospital and receiving treatment.
E-mail: smile.mcv@gmail.com
Presidents: Sarah Barrett, Vashali Jain
Treasurer: Sid Kundal
Faculty advisor: Katie Barber, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Student National Medical Association at VCU
Purpose: Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is a national organization committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.
E-mail: snmaatvcusom@gmail.com
President: Shante' Barnes
Vice President of Academics: Amir Hobson
Vice President of Community Service: Maya Johnson
Treasurer: Victoria Ngo
Faculty advisor: Donna Jackson, Ed.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Student Psychiatry Society
Purpose: Provide information and insight into the field of psychiatry to medical students
E-mail: mcv.sps@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Natalina Contoreggi, Sophia Gumas
Treasurer: Sophia Barakat
Faculty advisor: Susan Kornstein, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Trauma Survivors Network at VCU
Purpose: Trauma Survivors Network connects students at VCU with patients in the hospital and their families who have experienced recent trauma. We provide packets of information about services at the hospital during the patient's stay and resources for after they are discharged. Student volunteers have the opportunity to gain bedside experience with patients and are encouraged to have meaningful dialogue during their visits.
Email: tsnrounds@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Abigail Hewitt, Annapoorani Narayanan, Lena Bless, Rhea Sharma
Treasurers: Lena Bless, Rhea Sharma
Faculty Advisor: Karen Shipman, M. D.
Updated Summer 2020
Vascular Surgery Interest Group
Purpose: To educate medical students and general surgery residents about the field of vascular surgery.
Email: vsig.vcu@gmail.com
President: Michael Andrews
Vice president: Brian Pok
Treasurer: Bharath Peddibhotla
Secretary: Mallory White
Members: Anne Marcinkowski, Deepika Babu
Faculty Advisor: Michael Amendola, M.D.
Updated Summer 2020
Wilderness Medicine Student Interest Group
Purpose: Student Interest Group with the purpose of exploring careers, opportunities, and ideas of medicine in low resource environments
E-mail: wildmedmcv@gmail.com
President: Danny Walden, Matt Morris
Treasurer: Matt Nestler
Outreach Coordinator: David Lester
Faculty Advisor: Benjamin Chopski, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Women in Medicine Student Organization (WIMSO)
Purpose: This organization serves to mentor and support young women entering the field of medicine through networking events and informative lunch lectures. We also advocate for women in science and medicine through various panels and events that foster relationships and contribute essential wisdom forsetting goals in a career in medicine. We work closely with the local WISDM organization.
E-mail: wimsomcv@gmail.com
Co-Presidents: Rebecca Pilkington, Lauren Calvert
Treasurer: Dima Malkawi
Faculty advisor: Michelle Whitehurst-Cook, M.D.
Updated Fall 2020
Yoga Rx
Purpose: To promote wellness through the practice of yoga and to share our knowledge of yoga with the VCU community.
Email: yogarxvcu@gmail.com
President: Beth Mangin
Treasurer: Katherine Klein
Outreach Coordinator: Christina Kontzias
Updated Spring 2020