Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Medical Student Organizations

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is proud to support chapters of national medical student organizations.

Student National Medical Association (SNMA)

Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is 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.

SNMA chapters based at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools throughout the nation, and some colleges, implement our programs and activities locally. SNMA programs are designed to serve the health needs of underserved communities and communities of color. In addition, SNMA is dedicated both to ensuring that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations and to increasing the number of African-American, Latino, and other students of color entering and completing medical school.

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Mentor Program is designed to support underrepresented, minority pre-medical students as they pursue their education. The program provides encouragement to future students through relationships with current medical students.

Mentors encourage and guide the participants, showing them important aspects of life in Medical School, and recommend activities that will help them create a competitive application. At the same time, mentees learn about the admissions process, gaining the skills needed for successful matriculation into medical school.

Co-Presidents: Eunice Suberu '27, Jake Ayisi '27

Contact: vermontlarner@snma.org

Minority Association of Premedical Student (MAPS)

The Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS), UVM chapter, serves students from underrepresented groups through mentorship and activities. Group members explore opportunities within the health profession through informational programs, networking, and volunteering.

MAPS organizes several workshops throughout the year,including a simulation center tour, a mixer with SNMA medical student mentors, and sessions which give pre-med students a preview of the admissions process. Membership is open to all undergraduate and pre-medical students.

This pipeline program is sponsored by Student National Medical Association.

Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)

The Latino Medical Student Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to represent, support, educate, and unify US Latino(a) medical students. Our network of latino(a) medical students is composed of 5 regions spanning the United States: Midwest Region, Northeast region, Southeast region, Southwest region, West region. The network was created through collaboration between regional Latino medical student groups and the need for a central national core for unified targeted efforts. Finally, in 1987, the union formalized into the concept of NNLAMS. As the regions became more developed, the complexity of the network demanded further sophistication. Thus, national officer and board member positions were created.

Co-Presidents: Joselvin Galeas '27, Estefania Obando '27

Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association (APAMSA)

The Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association (APAMSA) is a national organization of medical and pre-medical students committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) communities. APAMSA serves as a forum for student leaders to engage these health issues and develop initiatives and projects addressing those needs. The local, regional, and national activities of APAMSA aim to promote the health of the APIA community and help healthcare workers understand how to care for APIA patients in a culturally sensitive manner. Finally, APAMSA provides an important venue for medical students to meet, exchange experiences, and develop personally and professionally through leadership and service.

Social Justice Coalition

Mission Statement

The Social Medicine Curriculum at the Larner College of Medicine seeks to train a cohort of future physicians that understands the underlying social causes of disease in a diverse and globalized patient population. This curriculum establishes from day one that health education cannot be separated from history, compassion, and justice, and seeks to use diverse social science and humanities training to equip physicians with the Social Medicine foundation necessary to become advocates for a preventive and equity-driven model of healthcare. Recognizing that burnout is a symptom--rather than a cause--of disengagement, a comprehensive Social Medicine training will enhance physicians’ ability to practice compassion for their patients and to address underlying causes of illness.

Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

The purpose of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance is to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, and ally students, and to ensure all students have the skills and resources to become skilled health care providers for people of all genders and sexual orientations.