Student Interest Groups

Below is a list of available student interest groups. Contact the SOM Office of Student Affairs for a student interest group registration form.

Anesthesia

Purpose: The purpose of the Anesthesiology interest group, University of Mississippi School of Medicine Chapter, is to foster interest in the field of Anesthesiology. Additionally, we strive to provide medical students with hands-on experience and shadowing opportunities to let medical students experience first-hand the day in/day out activities that make Anesthesiology one of the most enjoyable and rewarding fields of Medicine.

• President: Wesley Youngblood
• Vice president: Ritesh Patel
• Secretary: Victoria DeBardeleben
• Simulation coordinator: Casey Spell

Advisors:

• Dr. Douglas Bacon
• Dr. Latoya Mason

Association of Women Surgeons (AWS)

Purpose: The mission of the Association of Women Surgeons is to inspire, encourage, and enable women surgeons to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Officers:

• President: Ana Gayle Christian
• Vice president: Skylar Rogers
• Secretary: Chelsey Smith
• Treasurer: Haley Schrock
• M1 representative: Hali Peterson
• M2 representative: Kelly Bonner
• M3 representative: Lizzy Wicks
• M4 representative: Savannah Stockton

Advisors:

• Dr. Felicitas Koller
• Dr. Shuntaye Batson

Biannual African American Visit Day Organization

Purpose: The purpose of this organization is to address an article written by the AMA in 2015 that addressed the problem of the decrease of African American males in the medical profession. We are dedicated to doing things to help increase the number of minorities interested/attending medical school. Our biggest event is our AA Visit Days that we hold in the fall and spring of every academic year in which we bring college and high school student to UMMC and introduce them to medicine and assist them in overcoming any barriers that may exist between them and pursuing a career in medicine.

Officers:

• Past organizer: Jamarius Waller
•  Co-organizers:
  • Jared Vaughan
  • Lorenzo Spencer

Advisor: Dr. Desmond Haynes

Black Representation in Medicine (BRIM)

Purpose: The purpose of the Black Representation in Medicine (BRIM) program is to increase the number of African-American men and women who apply, gain admission, and successfully matriculate into graduate programs related to healthcare professions, specifically medicine.

Officers:

• President: Anissa Butler
• Vice president: Breland Crudup
• Secretary: Kandice Bailey
• Social media coordinator: Skiey Hardin
• Mentoring coordinator: Jazmyn Shaw

Advisors:

• Dr. Stephen Manuel

Climate and Health Advocacy Group

Purpose: Climate change presents a clear and present threat to human health. We as physicians are responsible for the health of our patients, and we believe that it is out responsibility to educate our peers and patients on both how climate change will affect them and how they can reduce their impact on our planet.

Officers:

• President: Jack Culbertson
• Vice president: Walker Stayer
• Treasurer: Aleysh Alejandro
• Secretary: Hasna Khandekar

Advisor: Dr. Alan Penman

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).

Officers:

• President: Melinda Talley
• Vice president: Taylor Moore
• Treasurer: Ben Matthews
• Secretary: Sara Parks
• Community service chairs:
  • Gracie Hubacek
  • Priyanka Parajuli
  • Bijal Patel
  • Flight Taylor
• M4 class representatives:
  • Stephen Amann
  • Yassmin Hegazy
  • Bethany Summerford
  • Sami Whitwell
• M3 class representatives:
  • Nathan Usry
• M2 class representatives:
  • Summer Morrisette
  • Nathan Rhodes
  • Jessica Williams
• M1 class representatives:
  • Banks Carlisle
  • Riley Alef
  • Jasmine McNair

Advisor: Dr. Savannah Duckworth

Dermatology

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.

Officers:

• President: Drew Desrosiers
• Vice president: Hannah Badon
• Treasurer: David Duff

Advisor: Dr. Robert Brodell

Doctors Without Borders Student Chapter

Purpose: The purpose of the student chapter is to mirror the goals of this great humanitarian organization. DWB/MSF has treated tens of millions of people around the world since its inception in 1971. It is a non-partisan, independent humanitarian organization that aims to bring health care to the far corners of the globe where it is most needed. As a student chapter, we will support the mission of DWB/MSF by hosting meetings, fundraisers, educational events, guest speakers, etc., throughout the year. The ultimate goal is to foster in trust in DWB/MSF at UMMC and bring attention to current issues facing global/public health.

Officers:

• President: Mark Lewis
• Vice president: Andrew del Castillo
• Events coordinators:
  • Tracey Le
  • Kevin Varghese
• Treasurer: Henry Nguyen
• Marketing/Publicity chairs:
  • Emily Lewis
  • Sarah Duiske
• Fundraising chair: Aram Seo

Advisor: Dr. Alan D. Penman

Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)

Purpose: To educate and familiarize UMMC medical students about a career in Emergency Medicine.

Officers:

• President: Cooper Overton
• Vice president: Alex Meyer
• Secretary: Alexandra Bensel
• Treasurer: Damian Mercier
• Shadowing coordinator: Austin Southern
• Activities coordinator: William Salaun
• SIM/Fly coordinator: Jazmyn Shaw

Advisors:

• Dr. Allison Barrett
• Dr. Jonah Gunalda

ENT Student Interest Group

Purpose: To advise and guide future otolaryngologists through the application and Match process.

Officers:

• President: Savannah Stockton
• Vice president: J'undra Pegues
• Secretary: Trace Palmer
• Volunteer coordinator: Sarah Farmer
• Class representative: Luke Vincent

Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Carron

Family Medicine

Purpose: To inform medical students about the practice of family medicine and to have a central organization that allows students interested in the field of family medicine to meet and encourage one another.

Officers:

• President: Weston Eldridge
• Vice president: Ethan Collier
• Secretary: Lily Fran McCrory
• Co-treasurers:
  • Charlie Dean
  • Lane Williamson
• Community service coordinators:
  • Daulton Newman
  • Jeni Kate Miles
• Event coordinators:
  • Jordan Jackson
  • Kaylie Bradshaw
• MAFP liaison: Shelby Swede
• M3 representative: Katie Cranston
• M2 representatives:
  • Daulton Newman
  • Lane Wilson
• M1 representatives:
  • Aubrey Smyly
  • Richard Easterling

Advisors:

• Dr. Sheree Melton
• Beth Wilson

Food Recovery Network

Officers:

• President: Mariam Ebeid
• Vice president: Catherine Jameson
• Volunteer coordinator: Anna Margaret McDonnell
• Community outreach co-chairs:
  • Alexis Lehman
  • Max Harrigill
• Social media chair: Abby Matthews
• Leadership committee:
  • Jasmine Ware
  • Simmi Pal
  • Marc Briscoe
  • Duncan Maxwell
  • Julieta Mendez
  • Karla Velez

Advisor: Dr. Alan Penman

FrancoMed French Medical Student Group

Purpose: To foster French language skills and to enhance the knowledge base of French medical terminology for use in the clinic and in the practice of medicine in Francophone countries of humanitarian need.

Officers:

• President: Elizabeth Wicks
• Vice president: Lauren Bicker
• Secretary: Sam Gearhart
• M2 representative: Walker Robison
• M1 representative: Reya Hayek
• Treasurer: Alex Myer
• Community service: Mary Clay Bailey
• Education: Savannah Walker

Advisor: Dr. Frank Han

Global Health Interest Group (GHIG)

Purpose: To educate medical students, residents, and faculty about health disparities in our local community and around the world by hosting a monthly lecture series. GHIG also seeks to connect students to mission opportunities and to provide financial support to students engaged in medical missions work.

Officers:

• President: Abbey Arcement
• Vice president: Harman Kaur
• Treasurer: Jessie Patel
• Co-secretary:
  • Bridget Cheng
  • Shelby Walters
• Community outreach:
  • Bethany Summerford
  • Kelsey Pettus

Advisor: Dr. Alan Penman

Health Innovations Lab

Purpose: To provide students a centralized creative outlet to form their own health programs, designs, and leadership opportunities. The Health Innovations Lab strives to find innovative solutions for health care problems through collaboration, outreach, and education.

Officers:

• President: Reed Bigham
• Vice president: Conner Bancroft

History of Medicine Interest Group (HMIG)

Purpose: The History of Medicine Interest group is a student-led organization that is dedicated to celebrating the history of medicine and its development. HMIG is an academic program that is open to students from any of the university's professional programs. HMIG strives to provide students with an opportunity to attend presentations and lectures by physicians who have had a significant impact on medical history. HMIG is also dedicated to providing interested students with available research opportunities tasked with preserving the history of medicine.

Officers:

• President: Alexis Griffith
• Vice president: Sarah Brannan
• Physician liaison: Andrew Garza
• Event coordinator: Samiha Karim
• Director of research: Amir Khadivi

Advisor: Dr. Ralph H. Didlake

HomeRun Collaboration

Purpose: The HomeRun program is a student-led collaboration between the UMMC School of Medicine and the Jackson Public School district, creating opportunities for medical students to teach lessons and activities based upon the goals provided by the teachers. This structure allows medical students to use their creativity and experience in their lessons and activities, while meeting the curricular needs of the teachers. The lesson objectives are focused on areas of science, medicine, preventive health, and self-management. The teaching opportunities create bridges into the local communities, giving students an opportunity to interact with young doctors-in-training, and allowing them to see how a love of science, medicine, and scholarship can be applied to their lives and future careers and opportunities.

Officers:

• Co-director:
  • Kelsey P. Berry
  • Hollis Burrow

Advisor: Dr. Jerry Clark

Jackson Free Clinic

Officers:

• Student director: Logan Ramsey
• Secretary: Morgan Davis
• Treasurer: Jack Fitzpatrick
• Community relations:
  • Patrick Wood
  • John Bobo
• Physician volunteer coordinators:
  • Mary Elizabeth Butts
  • Tori Calcote
• Grant writing:
  • Sean Himel
  • Sara Kiparizoska
• Structure: Daniel Patterson
• Education:
  • Annie Folks
  • Tiffany Martin
• Student volunteer coordinators:
  • Hannah Miller
  • Ford Franklin
  • Monica Nguyen
• Acquisitions:
  • Brent Treadway
  • Connor Tierney
  • Aalaap Desai
• Research: John Yi
• Information technology: Hobart Zhu
• SHRP:
  • Alyssa Bryant
  • Sydney Battle
• Dental:
  • Reagan McNerney
  • William Smith
• Pharmacy:
  • Laura Nerren
  • Meghan Wagner
• Medical director: Dr. David Norris

Literati Medicus (Book Club)

Purpose: Book club for third and fourth year medical students centered around reading books that evoke discussions of humanism in medicine, as well as other topics relevant in society today.

Officers:

• Co-chairs:
  • Jackson Browning
  • Bethany Wilemon
  • Caitlin Kutz
  • Jerry Rodgers
  • Rachel Lambert
  • Tiffany Martin

Medical Spanish (Club de Espanol)

Purpose: To provide a forum for students to discuss topics regarding the Spanish language, to develop skills in interpreting and expressing thoughts and ideas in written and spoken Spanish, and to increase the number of health care providers who can effectively communicate with the institution's Spanish-speaking population.

Officers:

• President: Matthew Howard

Advisor: Dr. Alan Penman

OB/GYN

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.

Officers:

• President: Tori Wilson
• Vice president: Rachael Thornton
• Secretary: Ashley Noblin
• Treasurer: Hannah Austin

Advisors:

• Dr. Rachael Morris
• Dr. Ann Tucker

Oncology

Purpose: To provide students with opportunities to meet and learn from physicians, fellows, residents, and researchers about the different fields of oncology. These include medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, orthopaedic oncology as well as clinical and basic research.

Officers:

• President: Andrew Day
• Vice president: Bijal Patel
• Secretary: Katherine Thiel
• Treasurer: Chris Price
• M4 representative: Amir Khadivi
• M3 representative: Kelly Hill
• M2 representative: Joe Pongetti
• M1 representative: Erin McDevitt

Advisor: Dr. Srinivasan Vijayakumar

Ophthalmology

Purpose: To increase the knowledge and understanding of the practice of ophthalmology for the interested medical student while providing opportunities to meet department faculty, residents, fellows, and other students interested in the field.

Officers:

• President: Tony Tang
• Vice president: Walker Robison
• Secretary: Max Harrigill
• Resident and faculty teaching award chair: Daniel McClung
• Ophthalmology guide chair: Osasu Adah

Advisor: Dr. Jay Craddock

Orthopaedic Preparation Program

Purpose: The aim of this group is to help students gain a realistic perspective of the orthopaedic field early in their medical education. The Orthopaedic Preparation Program will provide a forum where students at UMMC can discuss topics relevant to the musculoskeletal system, obtain current information regarding orthopaedic residency programs, and to connect with mentors to gain advice on pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery.

Officers:

• President: Kelsey Hillhouse Carr
• Vice president: Andrew Day
• Financial and event coordinator: Jacob Mercier
• Secretary: Daniella Dipaolo
• Public relations officer: Paige Mims

Advisors:

• Khristina Lang
• Amy Kraus

Pathology

Purpose: To expand awareness and interest among students about the field of pathology. To encourage students to consider pathology as a career and allow interested students to make contacts with faculty and residents. We also seek to raise awareness among students about the crucial role pathology plays in modern medical practice.

Officers:

• President: Mary Clay Bailey
• Vice president: Kristen Roberts
• Secretary: Jack Culbertson
• Treasurer: Darius Kennedy
• M2 representative: Andrew Biesemier

Advisors:

• Dr. Kris Adams
• Dr. Debbie Walley
• Dr. Chase Middleton

Patient PALS

Purpose: Patient PALS is a student-led program set up for M1 and M2 students in cooperation with UMMC's Office of Patient Experience and Volunteer Services. Patient PALS allows M1 and M2 students to get personal one on one interactions with hospitalized patients in a non-medical aspect here at UMMC. This program not only gives medical students the opportunity to further develop their interpersonal skills but also allows patients to enjoy the company of someone who is not there solely to give them medical treatment.

Officers:

• President: Adam Goodman
• Volunteer and schedule coordinators:
  • Reya Hayek
  • Camille Azar

Advisor: Amy Cottrell

Pediatrics

Purpose: To bring awareness and knowledge of pediatrics to our medical school classes, host fundraisers, toy drives, etc., to help meet the needs of Blair E. Batson.

Officers:

• President: Anna Langford
• Vice president: Jordan Watts
• Secretary: Mary Frances Weeks
• Treasurer: John Whitaker
• AAP delegates:
  • Anna Margaret Donnell
  • Anna Bailey Britt
• Batson liaisons:
  • Caroline Lambert
  • Maggie Dickerson
• Fundraising chairs:
  • Candice Walker
  • Anna McCoy

Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Crout

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Purpose: To expose medical students to the specialty of plastic surgery and provide a forum for engagement with attendings, residents, and older medical students involved in the specialty.

Officers:

• Co-presidents:
  • Kristen Stephens
  • Katie Wegener

Advisor: Dr. Benjamin McIntyre

Psychiatry (PSIG)

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

Officers:

• President: Joseph Maxwell
• Vice president: Lauren Deaver
• Secretary: Perry Morgan
• Treasurer: Sorsha Morris
• Community service: Lakeshia Gibson
• M3 representative: Moniqua Tillman
• M2 representative: Jordan Rimes

Advisor: Dr. Sara Gleason

Quality Improvement Student Interest Group (UMMC QISIG)

Purpose: An interprofessional chapter of the Cambridge Massachusetts Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). The purpose of our organization as an interprofessional chapter is to work towards advancing patient safety and quality improvement.

Officers:

• President: Andrew Strachan
• Vice president: Kayla Bourgeois
• Secretary: Katherine Jacome-Cluff
• Director of projects:
  • Victoria Miller
  • Wendy Zheng
• Director of education: Amanda Walker
• Director of communications:
  • Jackson Browning
  • Mary O'Keefe
• M4 class representatives:
  • Jonathan Glaze
  • Matthew Martin
• M3 class representatives:
  • Bethany Summerford
  • Amir Khadivi
• M2 class representatives:
  • Bobby May Jr.
  • Brock Richardson
• M1 class representative:
  • Niki Patel
  • Kristen Roberts
• D3 class representative: Reagan McNerney
• P4 class representative: Neel Patel
• P3 class representative: Erin Hoevelmann
• SHRP class representative: Dylan Raines
• Graduate Studies class representative: Edgar Meyer

Advisor: Dr. Kathleen Young

Radiology Interest Group (RIG)

Purpose: To foster interest, to educate, and to serve as a resource to those pursuing a career in the field of Radiology.

Officers:

• President: Charles Adcock
• Vice president: Aaron Schwartz
• M4 representatives:
  • Abdullah Shaheen
  • Rana Gordji
• M3 representatives:
  • Kirby Parker
  • Candise Johnson
• M2 representatives:
  • Niki Patel
  • Khalid Manzoul

Advisors:

• Dr. Charlotte Taylor
• Dr. Kathryn Nutter
• Dr. Brandon Kelly

Reproductive Health Association

Purpose: To increase education, awareness, and open discussion regarding issues of reproductive health and to support those within the medical community who are working to ensure the availability of all reproductive health care services. We work to address all aspects of reproductive health and its intersections in society on reproductive justice and patient autonomy.

Officers:

• President: Shelley Rae Edwards
• Vice president: Gabrielle Chamoun

Advisor: Audra Schaefer

School of Medicine Honor and Professional Council

Purpose: To foster the professional and ethical development of the students of the SOM and to ensure confidentiality, honesty, integrity, and respect towards others are upheld.

Officers:

• Co-chairs:
  • Peyton Reves
  • Helen Turner
• Vice chair: Graham Husband

Advisor: Mitzi Norris

School of Medicine Wellness Committee

Purpose: To promote a holistic and integrated approach to wellness among medical students. These efforts include mental, spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical wellness. We want to encourage students to develop healthy habits and a balanced lifestyle that is sustainable in our future careers as physicians and inspirational to our future patients.

Officers:

• President: Sarah Brannan

Advisor: Dr. Danny Burgess

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.

Officers:

• President: Sean M. Duke
• Vice president: Hardeep Uppal
• Secretary: David S. Sandlin
• Community service chair: Matthew McGuire

Advisor: Dr. Christa Nobleza

Student National Medical Association (SNMA)

Purpose: The 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.

Officers:

• President: Taylor Christian
• Vice president: Darrius Williams
• Secretary: Skiey Hardin
• Treasurer: Ashley Brown
• Pipeline coordinator: Jared Vaughan

Advisor: Lafreda Sias

Surgery

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.

Officers:

• President: Chris Price
• Vice president: Camille Barbour
• Secretary: Alexandra Elliot
• Treasurer: Lindley Williams
• Researching/shadowing chairs:
  • Joe Pongetti
  • Tyler Holm
• Fundraising chairs:
  • Rachelle Drygalla
  • Andrew Shine
• M2 class representatives:
  • Somto Ngwudike
  • Conner Bancroft
• M1 class representative:
  • Luci Makamson
  • Drew Shands

Advisor: Dr. Jacob Moreman

Technology in Medicine (TIM)

Purpose: To help students build a groundwork of understanding and familiarity with innovative medical technology; to expose medical students to the evolution of a medical device from idea to invention; to encourage growth in professionalism, networking, and community involvement for our members; to provide hands-on experience through workshops.

Officers:

• President: Amir Khadivi
• Vice president: Dustin Bihm
• Treasurer: Brandon Busch
• M4 representative: Stephen Amann
• M3 representative: William A. Day

Advisor: Dr. Roy Duhe

UMMC Metaphysicians

Purpose: To explore philosophical ideas in the context of medicine.

Officers:

• President: Cal Wilkerson
• Vice president: Michael Holman

Advisor: Dr. Patrick Hopkins

UMMC Pacemakers

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!

Officers:

• President: Travis Fortin
• Co-vice presidents:
  • Jeremiah Reese
  • Joe Pongetti
• Secretary: Wisam Beauti
• Treasurer: Dana Dillistone
• D2 representative: Jesse Austin

Advisor: Dr. Mike McMullan

UMMC Pride

Purpose: To promote a more welcoming and supportive environment at UMMC for LGBT students. To address health care disparities in the LGBT community through education initiatives and volunteerism. To foster the development of a social and support network for LGBT and allied students, faculty and staff through on- and off-campus activities and events.

Officers:

• President: Reid Black
• Vice president: Gracie Hubacek

Advisor: Dr. Scott Rodgers

Uniformed Services

Purpose: To keep those who are currently serving in the military updated on tasks they must complete, and to build a community between our branches and classes. To give those who are not currently serving an opportunity to learn about what the US Military has to offer medical students.

Officers:

• President: Bryan Allen
• Army officer: Bryan Allen
• Navy officer: Jojo Dodd
• Air Force officer: Walker Stayer

Advisor: Dr. Michael Nowicki

Urology

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.

Officers:

• President: Taryn Ellis
• Vice president: Ross Straughan
• Secretary: Ian Coate
• Treasurer: Camille Azar

Advisor: Dr. Charles Pound

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.

Officers:

• President: Will Salaun
• Vice president: Jeremiah Reese
• Treasurer: Elliot Taylor
• Secretary: Praise Seo
• Event coordinator: Sam Gearhart
• Fundraising coordinator: Walker Robison
• M3 representative: Kirby Parker
• M2 representative: Joseph Cook

Advisor: Dr. John McCarter