At WMed, our students come from all walks of life and regions of the world. Becoming actively engaged in campus life, is a great way to build new friendships, expand networks, explore interests with like-minded peers, develop leadership skills, and to help with feeling connected.
Student organizations are a fantastic way to build new connections outside of the classroom! The breadth of experiences is limitless -- from hobbies & interests, social activities, fitness, philanthropy, religion, to culture & affinity groups, academics, pre-professional organizations and beyond, there’s truly something for everyone!
The list below details some of the DEI-focused student interest groups and organizations, click here to see the full list of student groups.
- Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association
The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) at WMed aims to promote the health of the Asian Pacific Island American (APIA) community and help our future physicians learn how to care for the APIA patients in a culturally sensitive manner. In addition, APAMSA supports the continuation of Asian cultural traditions and celebrations. APAMSA will also provide an important and safe venue for medical students to meet, exchange experiences, and develop personally and professionally through leadership and service.
- Cross-Border/Canadian Student Interest Group
The Cross Border Student Interest Group (CBSIG) mission and goals are to offer a space that “feels as close to home as possible” for students who are Canadian and are studying in the US, educate our American friends about Canadian culture, and offer information about Canadian residency and working in Canada. We will hold Canadian cultural events to introduce WMed to Canadian culture to increase understanding of one of the many diverse cultures here at WMed.
- Indian Student Alliance
The mission of the Indian Student Alliance is to preserve the culture of the Indian community at WMed by celebrating the festivals native to vibrant India and spreading awareness of the culture to those who wish to learn about it.
- Latino Medical Student Association
The mission of LMSA at WMED is to promote the interests and support of those students who identify with Latino culture through social, cultural, educational, political and other activities.
- Maraheb Interest Group
“Maraheb” is the plural of “Marhaba” which means “hello” in Arabic, so many hellos to you all. As students with Middle Eastern/North African backgrounds, the Maraheb Interest Group would love to celebrate and share our culture with other students at WMed. Our goal is to create a space for medical students to meet, exchange perspectives and experiences, and develop personally and professionally. We aim to instill an appreciation of Arab traditions and educate fellow students about them to cultivate future physicians that are culturally aware and culturally sensitive when encountering Muslim/Arab patients.
- Medical Student Pride Alliance
MSPA is an activist and social organization committed to empowering sexual and gender minority medical students, residents, physicians, and allies, increasing the number of physicians trained in LGBTQIA-inclusive healthcare, and addressing the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQIA+ communities through research, advocacy, and service.
- Student Mental Health Alliance
The Student Mental Health Alliance (SMHA) is dedicated to offering peer support and de-stigmatization of mental illness. We create spaces for students with psychiatric conditions and neurodivergent students to share stories and support each other. We work to provide education to increase our peers’ understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with psychiatric conditions and neurodivergent individuals, and to promote greater understanding around the unique challenges of these conditions. We also advocate for policies and projects that support improvements within the WMed community for people dealing with psychiatric conditions and other disabilities. Above all, we encourage a welcoming and supportive community within WMed.
- Student National Medical Association and Minority Association of Premedical Students (SNMA/MAPS)
SNMA/MAPS 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.
- WMed Alliance for Disability Advocacy
The WMed Alliance for Disability Advocacy works to combat ableism and disability misconceptions in medicine. We advance health equity and social justice for people with disabilities through educational programming for future physicians, community outreach and partnerships, public advocacy for disability health policy initiatives and the cultivation of an inclusive, supportive environment for medical students with disabilities.