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Student Interest Groups

Below is a list of active Student Interest Groups. To request a new Interest Group, contact the SOM Office of Student Affairs for a Student Interest Group Registration Form.

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American Cancer Society at UMMC

Purpose: Our purpose is to empower and inspire medical students of all interests by providing them with meaningful volunteering and fundraising opportunities related to ACS efforts like the Hope Lodge and Relay for Life, as well as local initiatives. We are committed to fostering a sense of community, compassion, and service in future healthcare professionals, enabling them to give back to the Jackson community, gain invaluable experience, and contribute to causes that align with their passions in medicine. Through our initiatives, we aim to cultivate a network of medical students dedicated to making a positive impact in healthcare.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Anna Katherine Herrington Thomas
• Vice President: Hanna Watson
• Secretary: Collin Crawson
• Treasurer: Holman Taylor
• Volunteer Coordinator: Logan Thomas
• Event Coordinator: Austin Frisbee
• Internal Affairs Coordinator: Erin Matthews
• Public Relations: Rachel Roberts
• Outreach Coordinator: Isabelle Garza
• M3 Representative: Kathryn Carpenter
• M2 Representative: Zach Flattmann

Advisors:

• Dr. Amanda Strobel
• Dr. Erin Norcross

Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG)

Purpose: The purpose of the Anesthesiology Interest Group, University of Mississippi School of Medicine Chapter, is to provide education and guidance to the medical students of UMMC in their journey to becoming Anesthesiologists. To serve as a foundation for the bridge between faculty and student, creating networks to ensure the field of Anesthesiology prospers as an organization.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Dee Rhymes
• Vice President: Josuf Turnipseed
• Secretary: Tiara Mayfield
• Treasurer: Connor Morgan
• SIM Lab Coordinator: Coleman Tate
• ASA Delegate: Rhea Arora
• Social Media Chair: Maddie Beth De Gruiter
• Research Coordinator/Mentor: Nicky Rugnath
• M4 Representative: Megha Patel
• M3 Representative: Jacob Hearin
• M2 Representative: Cooper Hathaway
• M1 Representative: TBD

Advisors:

• Dr. Michelle Smith
• Dr. Latoya Mason 

Association of Women Surgeons (AWS)

Purpose: To encourage female medical students to pursue a career in surgery, to provide surgical education to all genders, and to engage in clinical outreach with laypeople.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Emily Tomey-Meals
• Vice President: Anna Renfroe
• Secretary: Brooklyn Howe
• Treasurer: Maggie Jackson
• Chapter Historian: Kendall Pitre
• Trauma Night Coordinator: Ashton Swader
• Faculty Liaison: Jasmine Calisette
• Resource Manager: Haley Rooks
• Outreach Coordinator: Allyson
• M1 Representatives: TBD

Advisors:

• Dr. Felicitas Koller 

Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group

Purpose: The purpose of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group is to support increasing the talent pool of students considering the field. We hope to provide students with a guide to help exposure to the field, mentorship, and garner curiosity in cardiothoracic surgery.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Lillian Sisson
• Vice President: Grace Howell
• Secretary: Manshi Patel
• Treasurer: Dave Myatt

Advisors:

• Dr. Pierre de Delva

Cardiovascular Interest Group

Purpose: The purpose of the Cardiovascular Interest Group is to introduce students to the fields of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and vascular surgery and demonstrate how these fields work closely together to better patient outcomes. Students will be introduced to surgeons and cardiologists who will speak on interesting cases and personal experiences in their field. UMMC fellows will be invited to speak on ways for students to better their applications and understand the pathways to each subspecialty. The hope is to prepare students from an early point in their medical school curriculum to both make an informed decision on their career path and have the tools necessary to achieve their goals.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Chris Hood
• Vice President: Addison Stevens
• Secretary: Carson Spruiell
• M4 Representative: Nazm Rahat
• M3 Representative: Alka Ghadiyaram
• M2 Representative: Eli Hannon

Advisor: Dr. Mike McMullan

Club Med

Purpose: To promote communication among members and faculty. To obtain information about careers in internal medicine. To promote the profession of internal medicine. To serve the medical school and campus public. To promote student membership in the American College of Physicians (ACP).

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Nelson Howell
• President-Elect: Taylor South
• Vice President: Blake Waldrip
• Secretary: Sabrina Walia
• Treasurer: Tyler Holland
• Special Events Director: Carson Spruiell
• Community Service Chair: Dave Myatt
• Social Media Chair: Anna Katherine Herrington Thomas
• Shadowing Chair: Nicki Lawson
• ACP Recruitment Chair: Daniel Kerr
• M4 Representative: Dylan Usry
• M3 Representatives:
  • Stephen Azar
  • Camille Martin
• M2 Representatives:
  • Eli Hannon
  • Daniel Kerr

Advisor: Dr. Savannah Duckworth

Dermatology Interest Group (DIG) 

Purpose: To foster interest in dermatology as a career among students, connect students with dermatology faculty and residents as mentors, and educate students about dermatological conditions.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Kailey Clinton Ryan
• Vice President: Morgan Claire Bell
• Secretary: Virginia Kate Gammon
• Education and Research Chair: Kate Purdom
• Mentorship Chair: Sarah Hayek
• Outreach Co-Chairs:
  • Cece Cottone
  • Audrey Eckerson
• Social Media Chair: Ramya Sarna
• M4 Representative: Sanders Goode
• M3 Representative: Akshaya Vijayasankar
• M2 Representative: Sukhbir Sohal

Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Jackson

Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)

Purpose: To foster interest and involvement in Emergency Medicine.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Nick Missel
• Vice President: Shakyra Beasley
• Treasurer: McKenzie House
• Sim Lab Coordinators:
  • Skip Corales
  • Alex Turner
• M4 Representatives:
  • Hannah O’Bryan
  • Serena Stephens
• M3 Representatives:
  • Mary Michael Evans
  • Michael Pitts
• M2 Representatives:
  • Collin Haute
  • Haaris Patel

Advisor: Dr. Joshua Norman

Family Medicine

Purpose: To provide medical students opportunities of engagement in the field of family medicine; to network among fellow students interested in primary care; to offer opportunities of engagement in various philanthropic efforts in our community; to further expand clinic skills through workshops and learning opportunities and to bolster the interest of family medicine among students.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Matt Burke
• Vice President: Khadeejah Franklin
• Secretary: Erin Goodman
• Treasurer: Exa Havard
• Chapter Engagement Officer: Emily Rigney
• Community Service Chair: McKayla Rankin
• Student Liason of MAFP: Bailey Lynch
• M4 Representative: Madison Klim
• M3 Representative: Shakyra Beasley
• M2 Representative: Sukhbir Sohal

Advisor: Dr. Sheree Melton

Financial Literacy for Physicians

Purpose: The UMMC Financial Literacy for Physicians Interest Group empowers medical students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to achieve financial success throughout their medical careers. While financial literacy is essential for everyone, medical students face unique financial challenges that require specialized guidance. From budgeting during school and residency to managing student loan debt and negotiating physician compensation, these crucial topics are often overlooked in standard curricula. The Financial Literacy Interest Group bridges these gaps by fostering peer discussions and hosting expert-led educational sessions. We invite you to join us in building a financially informed medical community and leveraging these valuable resources to supplement your medical education.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Conner Morgan
• Vice President: Cooper Hathaway
• Secretary: Nickolas Murray
• Treasurer: Skip Corales
• Social Media Chair: Dylan McClain

Advisor: Dr. Charles Grogan

First Generation Medical Students

Purpose: Our goal is to create a supportive community where incoming FGLI students can find mentorship, guidance, and encouragement. Additionally, upperclass students have the opportunity to give back by helping the
next generation navigate medical school. This group will serve as a space where FGLI students can recognize their full potential and gain the tools needed to succeed. Some of the topics we will address include the culture shock of medical school, building professional networks, preparations for residency, and provide resources to support mental well-being. Beyond mentorship and peer support, this group encourages collaboration with students and faculty from all backgrounds to foster a greater understanding of the strengths and perspectives FGLI students bring to medicine. By working together, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students as they embark on their medical careers.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Courtney Detwiler
• Vice President: McKayla Rankin
• Secretary: Savannah White

Advisor: Dr. Amanda Rice

Gastroenterology Student Interest Group

Purpose: To promote and provide exposure to the field of gastroenterology through educational lecture/meetings and shadowing opportunities to medical students.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Parker Jones
• Vice President: Megan Dallas
• Secretary: Timothy Martin
• Treasurer: Sunny Patel

Advisor: Dr. Nathan Tullos

Golf in Medicine Interest Group

Purpose: To bridge the relationships between medical school classes and provide opportunities outside the SOM to discuss the field of medicine centered around a common interest.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Wes Miller
• Vice President: Barnes Benton
• Secretary: Morgan Washam
• Treasurer: Tal Redhead
• Social Media: David Thaggard
• Graphic Design: Dale Stratton
• M3 Representative: Joseph Price
• M2 Representative: Collin Hautle
• M1 Representative: Baileigh Miller

Advisor: Dr. John Winscott

Health Career Collaborative (HCC)

Purpose: HCC is designed to bring to life the possibilities of further studies and careers in medicine and the allied health sciences. HCC gives an exciting link between high school students and medical students and other medical professionals.

2025-2026 Officers:

• Co-Directors:
  • Lauryn Hooker
  • Jerrian Reedy
• Assistant Director: Ta'quoris Newsome
• Secretary: Meredith Johnson
• Treasurer: De'Arrius Rhymes
• Curriculum Coordinator: Natasha Burrell

Advisors:

• Dr. Praise Matemavi
• Dr. Dan Coleman

Healthy Inside and Out

Purpose: This group aims to teach children in local schools about sun protection, acne, heart health, and other general health practices. We use interactive demonstrations and activities to promote health awareness and early disease prevention.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Madison Ferris
• Vice President: Kaitlyn Anderson
• Community Outreach: Michael Pitts
• Social Media: Parker Jones

Advisor: Dr. Jarrett Morgan

High Value Care Student Interest Group

Purpose: To provide interactive, clinical education regarding improving patient health, avoiding harms, and eliminating wasteful practices throughout the healthcare system. Further, to provide unique examples of approaches to affordable healthcare through the appropriate use of diagnostic testing and treatments.

2025-2026 Officers:

• Presidents:
  • Camille Couey
  • Micaela Shields
• Vice President: Logan Lamar
• Secretary: Camille Martin
• Treasurer: John Hollis Tackett
• Faculty Liaison: Preston McWilliams
• M3 Representative: Matt Burke

Advisor: Dr. Brett Jeter

Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (MPIG)

Purpose: The Med-Peds interest group seeks to advance UMMC Medical students' knowledge in the field and specialty of internal medicine/pediatrics (Med-Peds), give opportunities for medical students to work with Med-Peds residents in clinical and community service settings and provide guidance, knowledge and resources for medical students applying to Med-Peds residencies.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Sara Lynn Sligh
• Vice President: Austin Lane
• Secretary: Morgan Williams
• Treasurer: Aaron Goldman
• Community Service Chair: Timothy Martin
• Social Media Chair: Erin Goodman
• M3 Representative: Carly Kendrick
• M2 Representative: Russ Upton

Advisor: Dr. Jasmine Kency

Interventional Radiology Interest Group

Purpose: The Interventional Radiology Interest Group (IRIG) was created to increase medical student interest and awareness of interventional radiology and prepare students applying to the field of interventional radiology.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: John Hollis Tackett
• Vice President: Chanu Cherukuri
• Secretary: Jack Green
• Shadowing Coordinator: Bryan Rivers
• Research Coordinator: Logan Lamar
• M4 Representative: Andrew Roux
• M3 Representative: Lillian Sisson
• M2 Representatives:
  • Kamal Kota
  • Aaron Kwag
  • Riyan Siddiqui

Advisor: Dr. Jason H. Williams

Jackson Free Clinic (JFC)

2025-2026 Officers:

• Chief Operations Officer, Chair of Executive Board: Chris Hood
• Chief Financial Officer: Chanu Cherukuri
• Chief Education Officer: Akshaya Vijayasankar
• Chief Outreach Officer: Natasha Burrell
• Chief Specialty Services Officer: Eric Humphries

Medical Director: Dr. James Anthony Cloy

Latino Medical Student Association - UMMC Chapter

Purpose: The purpose of LMSA UMMC chapter is to promote the interests and support of those students who identify themselves as underrepresented minority students of the University of Mississippi Medical Center through social, cultural, educational, political, and other activities.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: David Uribe Sanchez
• Vice President: Nancy Duarte-Sanchez
• Secretary: TBD
• Treasurer: TBD

Advisor: Dr. Licy Yanes Cardozo

Medical Spanish Interest Group 

Purpose: To create a fun environment for medical students to learn and speak Spanish with an emphasis on its use within a clinical setting.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Jamey Cobb Martin
• Vice President: Mila Patino
• Secretary: Ronald McCall
• Treasurer: Russ Upton
• Event Coordinators:
  • Reid Bain
  • Kamal Kota
• M4 Representative: Priya Patel
• M3 Representative: Taylor South
• M2 Representative: Jack Loome

Advisor: Dr. Dakota Bibbs

Neonatology Interest Group 

Purpose: The Neonatology Interest Group aims to inspire and engage medical students by increasing awareness of the neonatology specialty and providing early exposure to this unique and rewarding field. Through a combination of shadowing opportunities, specialty-focused lectures, procedural simulations, and professional mentoring, the group seeks to cultivate a passion for neonatal medicine. By connecting students with experienced neonatologists and offering hands-on experiences, the group helps students explore the unique challenges and rewards of caring for critically ill newborns. Our goal is to broaden students' perspectives on career possibilities and equip them with valuable skills and knowledge to guide their future in medicine.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Karen Wong
• Vice President: Makala McAlpin
• Secretary: Kaya Marascalco
• Social Media Director: Andrea Bonner

Advisors:

• Dr. Sumana Ramarao

Neurosurgery Interest Group 

Purpose: To garner and support interest in the Neurological Surgery Specialty for medical students.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Evan Bowen
• Vice President: Olivia Patch
• M2 Representative: Alexandra Cullom

Advisors:

• Dr. Joaquin Hidolgo
• Dr. Zach Smalley
• Alexandra Waterbury

OB-GYN Student Interest Group

Purpose: The OB-GYN student interest group serves to foster an interest in the field and to facilitate a better understanding of the practice and its subspecialties. This will be achieved through professional contacts, exposure to clinical experience, and interaction with the department. The OB-GYN interest group will strive to meet the interests and needs of all medical students at UMMC who are interested in a career in this field.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Christen C. Thompson
• Vice President: Isabella Webb
• Treasurer: Gabrielle Morris
• Secretary/Meeting Coordinator: Hannah Grace Talbot
• ACOG Representative: Sabrina Walia
• Research Liaisons:
  • Maggie Joe Everett
  • Klara Missling
• Volunteer Coordinators:
  • Francesca Patawaran
  • Kaylen Taylor
• Events Coordinators:
  • Andrea Milton
  • Mary Lindley Tharp
• Social Media Coordinator: Hetal Shingrani
• Fundraising Coordinator: Deshauntra Green
• Advocacy Chair: Ashya Richardson
• M4 Representative: Caleb McCreary
• M3 Representative: Madison Burton
• M2 Representative: Ali Dupree
• M1 Representative: Amelia Ladner

Advisor: Dr. Rachael Morris

Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG)

Purpose: To provide exposure and resources of the field of ophthalmology to interested medical students.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Jacob Beard
• Vice President: Farel Hathaway
• Secretary: Anna Clare Colson
• Philanthropy Chair: Zahra Naveed
• Research Chair: Nathan Thomas
• M4 Representative: Emily Pickich
• M3 Representative: Tal Redhead
• M2 Representative: Victor Yen

Advisors:

• Dr. Jay Craddock
• Dr. Taylor Coleman

Orthopaedic Preparation Program (OPP) 

Purpose: This group was created to engage students interested in orthopaedic surgery. Meeting topics consist of introduction to orthopaedics, how to get involved in research, how to stand out as a medical student, away rotation tips, etc. We also offer mentorship, service opportunities, and orthopaedic skills workshops.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Tyler Morton
• Vice President: Alice McCraney
• Secretary: Holman Taylor
• Treasurer: JD West
• Event Coordinator: Hayden Sikes

Advisors:

• Dr. Izuchukwu Ibe

Pathology Interest Group

Purpose: To expose students to Pathology and foster academic excellence, research opportunities, and networking with the larger Pathology Community. This organization is here to reveal how future clinicians can properly consult the Department of Pathology and to create passionate Pathology residency applicants. 

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Leah Brown
• Vice President: Reagan McDevitt
• Treasurer: McKayla Rankin

Advisors:

• Dr. Robert Brodell
• Dr. Ramya Velagapudi

Pediatric Interest Group

Purpose: Aims to provide medical students with exposure to pediatrics through community service, monthly speakers, and shadowing/hands-on procedural events.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Makenzie Baker
• Vice President: Bailey Britt
• Secretary: Camille Couey
• Treasurer: Molly Fontenot
• Outreach and Events: 
  • Collin Crawson
  • Audrey Eckerson
  • Taylor Lampkin
• Batson Liaison: Claire Wilbanks
• AAP Representative: Rachael Roberts

Advisor: Dr. Claire Gilliam 

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group 

Purpose: To provide exposure and insight into the field of PM&R for medical students in an effort to build understanding and interest in the specialty.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Aaron Plunkett
• Vice President: Nathan Thomas
• M3 Representative: Tyler Trussell
• M2 Representative: Victor Yen

Advisors:

• Dr. Hyung Kim

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group 

Purpose: The goal of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group is to expose students early in their medical education to plastic and reconstructive surgery. Our goal is to provide knowledge about plastic surgery, which includes craniofacial, hand, microsurgery, and aesthetics. We additionally aim to facilitate interactions between students, residents, and faculty in order to create opportunities for mentorship and research.

2025-2026 Officers:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Ron McCall
  • Kendall Pitre
• Vice President: Caroline Slay
• Secretary: TBD
• Research Liaison: TBD
• M3 Representative: TBD
• M2 Representative: TBD
• M1 Representative: TBD

Advisors:

• Dr. Benjamin McIntyre
• Dr. Laura Humphries

Preventive Medicine Interest Group

Purpose: Our Preventive Medicine Interest Group serves as a hub for medical students passionate about shifting healthcare paradigms from treatment to prevention. We hope to create opportunities for students to explore the multifaceted discipline of preventive medicine through educational workshops, community outreach, research initiatives, and networking with specialists. By focusing on primary prevention strategies, early detection methods, and population health management, we aim to equip future physicians with the knowledge and skills to address health issues before they develop into disease states. Our organization bridges the gap between traditional medical education and the growing demand for prevention-oriented healthcare, fostering an environment where students can develop a preventive mindset that will enhance patient care regardless of their eventual specialty choice.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Sarah Hayek
• Vice President: Hayden Tucker
• Research Chair: Erin Mathews
• Event Chair: Hayley Murphey
• M3 Representative: Jalexis Evans
• M2 Representative: Emily Rigney
• M1 Representative: Caden Cutshall

Advisors:

• Dr. Brian Williams 

Psychiatry Student Interest Group (PsychSIG)

Purpose: To nurture the psychiatric interests of our membership and to facilitate broader student education and understanding of psychiatry across campus.

2025-2026 Officers:

• Co-President: 
  • Neha Piracha
  • Colton Watson
•  Vice-Presidents: Reena Thara

Advisors:

• Dr. Theodora Brown 

Radiology Interest Group (RIG)

Purpose: To increase exposure to radiology early in medical school to encourage participation in the radiology curriculum and prepare students applying to the field of radiology.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Chanu Cherukeri
• Vice President: Andrew Roux
• Secretary: Jamesia Kenney
• Research Co-Chairs:
  • Bryson Brister
  • Shailyn Miller
• Shadowing Coordinators:
  • Logan Lamar
  • Mary Madison Pevey
• Event Chairs:
  • Sterling Bailey
  • Bryan Rivers
• M3 Representatives:
  • Jack Green
  • Lillian Sisson
• M2 Representatives:
  • McKenzie House
  • Kamal Kota
  • Aaron Kwag
  • Piper Lind
  • Nellie Massey
  • Sara Matheson
  • Ramya Sarna
  • Riyan Siddiqui

Advisor: Pamela McElroy

Rural Medicine Interest Group

Purpose: The purpose of the Rural Medicine Interest Group (RMIG) is to advocate for the medically underserved rural populations of Mississippi while educating medical students about rural medicine and equipping them for a future as a rural physician. Additionally, RMIG believes it is important to shed light on all of the medical needs in rural Mississippi, including the need for primary care and specialty doctors, screening and preventative medicine, and more. RMIG aims to foster collaborations with students and rural physicians in the area in order to further conversations for expanding adequate medical care for all individuals in underserved populations in Mississippi. 

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Brice Utley
• Vice President: Matt Burke
• Secretary: Royce Swayze
• Treasurer: Andrea Milton
• Community Outreach Chair: Kadeejah Franklin
• M4 Representative: Dylan Usry
• M3 Representative: Taylor Lampkin
• M2 Representative: Tyra Lockett
• M1 Representative: Savannah White

Advisor: Dakota Bibbs

Student Health Coalition of Mississippi

Purpose: The Student Health Coalition (SHC) is a student-led, non-profit (501-c3) created to promote public health, improve health literacy, and provide health professional students with an opportunity to connect to their communities. We provide free health screenings to adult and child Mississippians at festivals, places of worship, schools, and housing authorities. Adult screenings include blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMI measurements. Screenings for children mainly consist of vision and hearing. We address food deserts in our state with our Dollar General Cookbook, a collection of health-conscious recipes written by students and approved by registered dietitians with ingredients entirely sourced from Dollar General. SHC works to meet people where they are and help them take the next steps toward improving their health.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Alka Ghadiyaram
• Vice President: Emma Roberts
• Secretary: Faith Brown
• Treasurer: Sunny Patel
• Communications Chairs:
  • Addison Stevens
  • Morgan Williams
• Data:
  • Aswin Arunachalam
  • Jayanti Shukla
• Hometown Initiative: Madison Ferris
• Executive Team Leaders:
  • Sarah Grace Brownlee
  • Arko Dhar
• Executive Pediatric Director: Isabella Webb
• Research Director: Kaitlyn Anderson
• Supplies Director: Madison Burton
• Nutrition Director: Timothy Martin

Advisor: Dr. Brian Williams 

Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)

Purpose: To make medical students aware of opportunities available in the field of Neurology. To further neurological knowledge of medical students. To provide opportunities for medical students to participate in activities related to the field of Neurology including: discussions by Neurologists, patient presentations, seminars, journal clubs, learning materials, and arranged shadowing of Neurologists in the workplace.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Sydney Bhopatkar
• Vice President: Allegra Latimer
• Secretary: Maddie Griffin
• Treasurer: Cody Gressett
• Event Coordinator:  Logan Thomas
• Research Coordinator: Tyler Trussell
• Shadowing Coordinator: Haven Howell
• Social Media Chair: Emilee Ly
• M4 Representative: Shade Smith
• M3 Representative: Taylor Jefferson
• M2 Representative: Jasmine Butler

Advisor: Dr. Sukriye Damla Kara

Surgery Interest Group (SIG)

Purpose: To foster an interest in the field of surgery and to facilitate a better understanding of the practice of surgery and its subspecialties through professional contacts, exposure to the operative experience, and an accurate representation of the lifestyle of a surgeon. The Surgery Interest Group will strive to meet the interests and needs of all medical students at UMMC's School of Medicine who are interested in the field of surgery.

2025-2026 Officers:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Caleb Bloodworth
  • Grace Howell
• Vice President: Lillian Sisson
• Secretary: Micah Diener
• Treasurer: Maggie Jackson
• M4 Representative: Dustin Bishop
• M2 Representative: Haley Rooks

Advisor: Dr. Felicitas Koller

The VITAL Signs Initiative (Victim Identification Through Advocacy & Learning)

Purpose: To be an advocacy group dedicated to combating human trafficking through the lens of healthcare. As providers are often critical lifelines for individuals who may require protective custody, placement in safe houses, or access to trauma-informed resources, it's essential that future clinicians are prepared to respond. We aim to equip students with the knowledge and tools to recognize red flags and provide compassionate patient-centered care at every point of contact. Our work includes raising awareness, advocating, engaging in service, and working in collaboration with local organizations to strengthen and expand access to care of human trafficking victims.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Maddie Beth de Gruiter
• Vice President: Xavier Person

Advisor: Dr. Sarah Sterling

UMMC Gift of Life

Purpose: Per Gift of Life: "Improve the quality of life of patients awaiting transplantation by maximizing the availability of donor organs and tissues while upholding the highest medical, legal, ethical, and fiscal standards."

The UMMC Chapter aims to establish a new donor population, including students from all of UMMC's affiliated schools. We plan to start a yearly donor drive directed at people between the age of 18-35. After firmly establishing donor drives on UMMC campus, we plan to expand drives to local colleges and high schools.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Darian Raucher
• Vice President: Flannery Voges-Haupt
• Secretary: Advait Praveen
• Treasurer: Brice Utley
• Social Media Chair: Shade Smith

Advisor: Dr. Vince Herrin 

UMMC Global Brigades Medical Chapter

Purpose: To support Global Brigades’ mission as an international, student-led nonprofit by empowering members to participate in medical brigades that deliver sustainable healthcare and infrastructure to resource-poor communities.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Akshaya Vijayasankar
• Fundraising Chair: Morgan Claire Bell
• Social Chair: Anna Clare Colson

Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Jackson 

UMMC Metaphysicians

Purpose: Metaphysicians is a discussion, interest, and friendly support group for any students interested in ethical, philosophical, and psychological issues in medicine. Started by students and committed to open, genuinely exploratory discussion without preconceived conclusions, the group meets monthly in a casual, low-key venue to talk about topics of morality, philosophy, policy, self-development, personal growth, and life goals. The group chooses its own subjects for discussion and sometimes watches relevant movies, plays relevant games, or goes on short relevant field trips. Intended to be a place where students can think and talk about the deeper meaning of medicine and a life in medicine, Metaphysicians welcomes any interested student.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Stephen Azar

Advisor: Dr. Patrick Hopkins

UMMC Pacemakers (Running Group) 

Purpose: To establish a fun and rewarding experience for medical students to engage with the Jackson community. In doing so, this organization aims to bring runners together through competition and camaraderie in hopes of creating a healthy and enthusiastic atmosphere. We will strive to move Mississippi in a positive direction one step at a time!

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Virginia Kate Gammon
• Vice President: Aaron Plunkett
• Event Coordinator: Skip Corales
• M4 Representative: Matthew Weeks
• M3 Representative: Lillian Sisson
• M2 Representatives:
  • Jake Harthcock
  • Alp Sarigul
• M1 Representatives:
  • Garrett Harper
  • Tyler Kirk

Advisor: Dr. Michael McMullan

Urology Interest Group 

Purpose: To introduce medical students to the surgical specialty of Urology. We strive to promote communication among members and Urology faculty. We will discuss careers in Urology, advancements in Urology, and the Urology residency application process. We will also work closely with the Department of Urology to connect students with shadowing, mentoring, and research opportunities.

2025-2026 Officers:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Balie Crim
  • Reid Fracchia
  • Camille Grady
• Vice President: Jack Ligon
• Secretary: Railey Mayatt

Advisors:

• Dr. Christopher Bean
• Dr. Charles Pound

Vascular Surgery Interest Group

Purpose: We strive to equip aspiring medical professionals with the knowledge and insight necessary to navigate the intricate landscape of vascular health and surgery.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Lillian Sisson
• Vice President: Grace Howell

Advisor: Dr. Mrinal Shukla

Wilderness Medicine

Purpose: To improve management of remote and improvised care of patients with routine or exotic illness/trauma with limited resources and delayed evacuation to definitive care.

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: J. Mike Comer
• Vice President: Anja Diercks
• Treasurer: Reid Bain
• Event Coordinator: Alex Reichle
• Fundraising: Serena Stephens
• M3 Representative: Dave Myatt
• M2 Representative: Henry Stanley

Advisor: Dr. John McCarter

Women in Radiology

Purpose: The purpose of the Women in Radiology group is to increase exposure to radiology early in medical school in order to encourage participation in the M3 radiology elective. The goal of this group is to increase early exposure to the field for women and anyone else who may be part of a population considered to be underrepresented in radiology. We typically do at least one meeting per semester and plan to have more interactive sessions, either virtual or in person, where women can receive advice from female mentors within radiology. 

2025-2026 Officers:

• President: Jamesia Kenney
• Vice President: Shailyn Miller
• Secretary/M3 Representative: Mary Madison Pevey
• Event Co-Chairs:
  • Nelley Massey
  • Sara Matheson
• M2 Representatives:
  • McKenzie House
  • Piper Lind
  • Ramya Sama

Advisor: Dr. Charlotte Taylor