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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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Anna Katherine Herrington Thomas
• Vice President: TBD
• Secretary: TBD
• Treasurer: TBD
• Internal Affairs Coordinator: TBD
• Volunteer Coordinator: TBD
• Event Coordinator:
• Public Relations: TBD
• Outreach Chair: 
• M4 Class Representative: TBD
• M3 Class Representative: TBD
• M2 Class Representative: TBD
• M1 Class Representative: TBD

Advisors:

• Dr. Amanda Strobel
• Dr. Erin Norcross

American Medical Women's Association - UMMC Branch

Purpose: To support and advance the professional and personal development of women students, residents, and physician members throughout the UMMC School of Medicine and health system. To unite individuals in medicine and health-related fields to promote women's health.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Julia Cucarola
• Vice President: Aurielle Fowler
• Secretary: TBD
• Treasurer: TBD
• Communications Chair: TBD
• Community Outreach Co-Chairs:
  • TBD
  • TBD
• Advocacy Chair: TBD
• M4 Class Representative: TBD
• M3 Class Representative: TBD
• M2 Class Representative: TBD
• M1 Class Representative: TBD

Advisor: Dr. Meredith Sloan

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Nicky Rugnath
• Vice President: Justin Cantrelle
• Secretary: Jacob Holbrook
• Treasurer: Dee Rhymes
• SIM Lab Coordinator: Shannon Ballard
• Social Media Chair: Rose Le
• ASA Delegate & M4 Class Representative: Julia Cucarola
• M3 Class Representative: Alex Michelletti
• M2 Class Representative: Grady Leek

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Emily Tomey
• Vice President: Anna Renfroe
• Secretary: Pooja Keriwala
• Treasurer: Maggie Cayson
• Social Media Manager: Kendall Pitre
• Faculty Liaison: Jasmine Calisette
• Advocacy Chair: Jordan Coggins
• Trauma Night Coordinator: Ashton Swader
• M4 Class Representative: Lindsey Rexrode
• M3 Class Representative: Simranjit “Simmi” Kaur
• M2 Class Representative: Kaitlyn Barber
• M1 Class Representative: Julia Sharp

Advisors:

• Dr. Felicitas Koller

Black Representation in Medicine (BRiM)

Purpose: The purpose of the Black Representation in Medicine (BRiM) organization is to increase the number of Black American students who apply, gain admission, and matriculate into medical school and respective graduate training programs after medical school.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Taylor Jefferson
• Vice President: Tyrikus Hayes
• Secretary: Ashya Richardson
• Treasurer: Micaela Shields
• Social Media Chair: Shailyn Miller

Advisor: Dr. Demondes Haynes

Blood Drive to Save Lives

Purpose: The purpose of the Blood Drive to Save Lives is to increase blood donations at UMMC and promote awareness and education of the blood bank and why it is so important to give blood. The Blood Drive to Save Lives hopes to form a strong relationship between Mississippi Blood Services and UMMC students. 

Officers: 

• Chairman: TBD
• Executive Body Member: TBD
• Executive Body Member: TBD
• Executive Body Member: TBD
• Executive Body Member: TBD

Advisor: TBD

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 with a guide to help exposure to the field, mentorship, and garner curiosity in cardiothoracic surgery.

2024-2025 Officers:

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

Advisors:

• Dr. Ashok Kumar Coimbatore Jeyakumar
• 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Hunter Mace
• Vice President: Caleb Bloodworth
• Secretary: Chris Hood
• Treasurer: Karen Wong
• M4 Representative: Jim Yen
• M3 Representative: Catherine Ladner
• M2 Representative: Jack Berman

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).

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Owen Ivan
• President-Elect: Nelson Howell
• Vice President: Carlie Reeves
• Secretary/Treasurer: Anna Shepard

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.

Officers:

• President: Riley Brown
• Vice President: SK Harris
• Secretary: Molly Fontenot
• Mentorship Chair: Jenna Benge
• Education and Resource Chair: Elizabeth McKee
• Social Media Chair: Kate Purdom
• Outreach Chair: Avery Watson
• M4 Representative: Adrian Azar
• M3 Representative: Abby Weir
• M2 Representative: Morgan Claire Bell

Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Jackson

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Scott Camilleri
• Vice President: Katelyn Powell
• Secretary: Flannery Voges-Haupt
• Treasurer: Jay Lemon
• Events Coordinator: Kenley Cochran
• Marketing/Publicity Chair: Hadley Thompson

Advisor: Dr. Alan D. Penman

Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)

Purpose: To foster interest and involvement in Emergency Medicine.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Colton Necaise
• Vice President: Karthik Kota
• Treasurer: Will Nall

Advisor: Dr. Joshua Norman

ENT Student Interest Group

Purpose: The purpose of the ENT Student Interest Group is to provide UMMC medical students with information about the field of otolaryngology and guide future otolaryngologists through the application and Match process. 

2024-2025 Officers:

• Co-Presidents: 
  • Jay Warren
  • Alia Tayara
• Vice Presidents
  • Student Engagement: Jamie Lewis
  • Outreach: Boris Kuyeb
• Secretary: Sydney Mitchell
• Research Chair: Emilio Luna-Suarez
• M3 Representative: Garner Fincher
• M2 Representative: Eva Kiparizoska

Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Carron 

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Nader Pahlevan
• Vice President: Khadeejah Franklin
• Secretary: Matt Burke
• Treasurer: Will Windham
• Community Service Coordinator: Emily Davis
• Chapter Engagement Officer: Madison Kirkbride
• MSAFP Liaison: Katelyn Powell
• M4 Representative: Will Windham
• M3 Representative: Crawford Lampton
• M2 Representative: Meredith Cooper

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.

2024-2025 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 wellbeing. 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Courtney Detwiler
• Vice President: Mckayla Rankin

Advisor: Dr. Amanda Rice

Food Recovery Network

Purpose: To minimize food waste and food insecurity by collecting leftover food from local businesses and restaurants/cafeterias and donating them to local shelters in need.

2024-2025 Officers:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Avery Watson 
  •  Gracie Mathis
• Vice President: Jamie Lewis
• Executive Director and Founder: Mariam Ebeid

Advisor: Dr. Jarrett Morgan

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

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

Advisor: Dr. Nathan Tullos

Geriatrics Interest Group

Purpose: This group seeks to expose medical students to the specific needs of geriatric patients in the context of an aging population. Along with general education and awareness, we intend to promote research projects, networking, and advocacy, along with community service opportunities within geriatric medicine.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: William Windham
• Vice President/President-Elect: Megan Walker
• Secretary: Andrea B. Cleveland

Advisors:

• Dr. Chloe Kilman
• Dr. Channing Burnett

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• Co-Directors:
  • Jerrian Reedy
  • Lauryn Hooker
• 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Madison Ferris
• Vice President: Qua'Niya Head
• Community Outreach: Kaitlyn Anderson
• Social Media Chair: 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.

2023-2024 Officers:

• President: John Salvemini
• Vice President: Lauren Storm
• Secretary: Sarah Harris

Advisor: Dr. Brett Jeter

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 the UMMC School of Medicine. HMIG strives to provide students with an opportunity to attend presentations and lectures by physicians who have had the significant impact on medical history, to attend historical field trips and tours of sites with significant medical history, and to provide interested students with available research opportunities tasked with exploring and preserving the history of medicine. 

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Rachel Kuespert
• Vice President: William Windham

Advisor: Dr. Amy Forbes

Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Meagan Cantrelle
• Vice President: Sara Lynn Sligh
• Secretary: Timothy Martin
• Treasurer: Austin Lane
• Social Media: Aaron Goldman
• Community Outreach: Will Jones
• M3 Representative: Nicki Lawson
• M2 Representative: Kaitlyn Barber

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Clinton (Tanner) Case
• Vice President: John Hollis Tackett
• Secretary: Logan Lamar

Advisor: Dr. Jason H. Williams

Jackson Community Response 

Purpose: The Jackson Community Response works with community partners to provide food as well as health/safety supplies to vulnerable populations in the Jackson area. We serve the elderly, immunocompromised population, financially strained, Jackson Public School students and more.  

2024-2025 Officers:

• Director: Hunter Mace
• Treasurer: Nathan Foxworth
• Food Delivery Chair: Tristan Orman
• Food Insecurity Team Chair: Sydney Mitchell
• Logistics Director: Faith Brown

Advisors: 

• Dr. Felicitas L. Koller
• Alexa A. Engel

Jackson Free Clinic (JFC)

2024-2025 Officers:

• Chief Education Officer: Harshin Sanjanwala
• Chief Finance Officer: Qua'Niya Head
• Chief Operations Officer: Chris Glasgow
• Chief Outreach Officer: Caroline Doherty
• Chief Operations Officer, Specialty Services: Jody Morgan

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Emilio Luna-Suarez
• Vice President: Edgar D. Uribe Sanchez

Advisor: Dr. Licy Yanes Cardozo

Literati Medicus (Humanism in Medicine Book Club)

Purpose: Allow students (M3s and M4s) to meet and discuss issues and have a safe place to debrief about medical issues and questions.

2024-2025 Officers:

• Co-Chairs:
  •  Jayla Mondy
  •  Ruby Hall
  •  Rebekah Aultman

Advisor: Dr. John Caleb Grenn

Medical Genetics

Purpose: The purpose of the UMMC SOM Medical Genetics Student Interest Group shall be to educate medical students on the field of Medical Genetics and to provide opportunities for medical students to participate in activities related to the field of Medical Genetics including, but not limited to: arranged shadowing, research, faculty/staff seminars, discussions, and/or panels, patient panels, and community outreach. 

Officers:

• President: Hannah O'Bryan
• Vice President: Alyssa Rondinelli
• Treasurer: Alex Carlyle
• Faculty Liaison: Barrett Aldridge 
• Community Outreach Coordinator: Jay Lemon
• Rare Disease Day Coordinator: Caleb McCreary
• Social Media Manager: Sarah Grace Brownlee
• M4 Representative: Cameron Hunt
• M3 Representative: Nazm Rahat
• M2 Representative: Anna Lee Bullock

Advisor: Dr. Laura Hendon

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Jamey Cobb Martin
• Vice President: Ronald McCall
• Finance Chair: Mila Patino
• Community Liaison: Taylor South

Advisor: Dr. Licy L. Yanes

Music and Medicine

Purpose: Music and Medicine aims to establish a musical community on UMMC's campus to explore music's relationship to medicine, attend local performances, and perform concerts for local residents.

2023-2024 Officers:

• President: Madison Hansen
• Vice President: Cody Gressett
• Treasurer: David Uribe-Sanchez
• Secretary: Robert Lawson
• M1 Representative: Aiden Leise
• M2 Representative: Micaela Shields

Advisor: Dr. C. LaToya Mason 

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Karen Wong

Advisors:

• Dr. Sumana Ramarao
• Dr. Mary Kosek

Neurosurgery Interest Group 

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

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Beth Baker
• Vice President: Evan Bowen

Advisors:

• 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.

Officers:

• President: Aurielle Fowler
• Vice President: Christen Thompson
• Secretary: Mia McFadden 
• Treasurer: Rachel Rocray
• ACOG Representative: Adrian Oudomrath
• Advocacy Co-Chairs:
  • Isabella Webb
  • Kenya Ashby 
• Co-Events Coordinators:
  • Leigh Sumner
  • Kendall Pitre 
• Fundraising Coordinators:
  • Hadley Ewing
  • Shakyra Beasley
• Research: Klara Missling
• Social Media Coordinators:
  • Hannah Grace Talbot
  • Emily Tomey
• Volunteer Coordinators:
  • Molly Fontenot
  • Miller Carlton
  • Kaylen Taylor
• M4 Representatives:
  • Emilio Luna-Suarez
• M3 Representatives:
  • Maggie Cayson Jackson
  • Caleb McCreary
• M2 Representatives:
  • Brooklyn Howe
  • Gabrielle Morris

Advisor: Dr. Rachael Morris

Oncology Student Interest Group 

Purpose: The Oncology Student Interest Group (OncSIG) is set up to provide students 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, orthopedic oncology as well as clinical and basic research. 

Officers:

• President: Owen Ivan

Advisor: Dr. Srinivasan Vijayakumar

Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG)

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

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Nathan Foxworth
• Vice President: Creed Franklin
• Secretary: Jacob Beard
• Philanthropy Chair: Virginia Kate Gammon
• Research Chair: Zahra Naveed

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Jeffrey Cole Stephens
• Vice President: Healy Vise
• Secretary: Abigail Koons
• Treasurer and Event Coordinator: Tyler Morton 

Advisors:

• Dr. Izuchukwu Ibe
• Amy Kraus

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. 

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: John Overton
• Vice President: Karson Pettit
• Treasurer: Ruth Brooks

Advisors:

• Dr. Robert Brodell
• Dr. Ramya Velagapudi

Patient P.A.L.S.

Purpose: Patient P.A.L.S. 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• Coordinator: Nicki Lawson

Advisor: Dr. Jarrett Morgan

Pediatric Interest Group

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

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Jordan White
• Vice President: Mackenzie Downs
• Secretary: Kailey Clinton
• Treasurer: Bailey Britt
• Community Outreach: Claire Pearson
• Batson Liaison: Camille Couey
• AAP Liaison: Amber White
• Events Coordinators:
  • Mary Grace Bass
  • Alex Gatlin

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 speciality.

2023-2024 Officers:

• President: Brycen Scott

Advisors:

• Dr. Hyung Kim
• Dr. Jennifer Villacorta

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Shelby Goza
• Vice President: Anna Grace Boydstun
• Secretary: Kendall Pitre
• Community Service Chair: Ron McCall
• M2 Representative: Pooja Keriwala 

Advisors:

• Dr. Benjamin McIntyre
• Dr. Laura Humphries

Preventive Medicine Interest Group (PsychSIG)

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Sarah Hayek

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Molly Nguyen
  • Roby Hall
• Secretary: Colton Watson
• Treasurer: Reena Thara

Advisors:

• Dr. Jonathan Baker 

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.

Officers:

• President: Tanya Shenoy
• Vice President: Johnny Yang
• Secretary: Nader Pahlevan
• Outreach Chair: Chanu Cherukuri
• Research Chairs:
  • Logan Powell
  • Andrew Roux
• Rad-Teaches Chair: Easton Sheffield
• M2 Representatives:
  • Micah Diener
  • Mary Madison Pevey

Advisor: Dr. Brandon Weatherly

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. 

Officers:

• President: Shade Smith
• Vice President: Brice Utley
• Secretary: Matt Burke
• Treasurer: Cam Cloud
• Community Outreach Chair: Dylan Usry

Advisor: Dakota Bibbs

Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society

Purpose: To promote the professional development of women in orthopaedics throughout all stages of their careers.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Elyse Smith
• Vice President: Abby Koons
• Secretary: Alice McCraney
• Treasurer: Kayla Ryan

Advisor: Dr. Lori K. Reed

SOM 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Wes Miller
• Vice President: Barnes Benton
• Secretary: Morgan Washam
• Treasurer: Tal Redhead
• Social: David Thaggard

Advisor: Dr. John Winscott

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 dieticians 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Simranjit Kaur
  • Grace Howell
• Communications Chairs:
  • Alka Ghadiyaram
  • Emma Roberts
• Data: Jayanti Shukla
• Hometown Initiative: Khadeejah Franklin
• Executive Team Leaders:
  • Arko Dhar
  • Mary Ranie McDonald
• Secretary: Jessica Jasper
• Treasurer: Sunny Patel
• Executive Pediatric Director: Spencer Hagwood
• Supplies Director: David Uribe-Sanchez
• 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Delora Denney
• Vice President: Sydney Bhopatkar
• Secretary: Matthew Hendry
• Treasurer: Breland Crudup
• Social Media Chair: Nader Pahlevan 
• Event Coordinator: Kendall Rains 
• Research Coordinator: Allegra Latimer
• M4 Class Representative: Rachael Todd
• M3 Class Representative: Madeline Griffin
• M2 Class Representative: Taylor Jefferson 

Advisor: Dr. Sukriye Damla Kara

Surgery Interest Group 

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:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Lindsay Rexrode
  • Peter Holland 
• Vice President: Grace Howell
• Secretary: Nolan Ahlrich

Advisor: Dr. Jacob Moreman

UMMC CARES (Child Advocates Relentlessly Empowering Survivors)

Purpose: To help bring awareness and to educate future physicians on the prevalence and impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) as well as the role they can play in changing the face of medicine.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Emily Davis
• Vice President: Katelyn Powell

Advisor: Dr. Rosalyn Brownlee

UMMC Chess Club

Purpose: To organize chess tournaments, play, and teach chess.

Officers:

• President: Robert Lawson
• Vice President: Jacob Hearin
• Secretary: Grady Leek
• Treasurer: Slater Richardson

Advisor: Dr. Alan Penman

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

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

Advisor: Dr. Vince Herrin 

UMMC Global Brigades Medical Chapter

Purpose: To support the medical mission efforts of Global Brigades as well as the members participating in international brigades where they will provide medical care to resource-poor countries.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Akshaya Vijayasankar
• Vice President: Carlie Reeves
• Social Media Chair: Anna Clare Colson
• Fundraising Chair: Faith Brown

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 go 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Sydney Bhopatkar

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!

Officers:

• President: Peter Martin
• Vice President: Virginia Kate Gammon
• Treasurer: John Overton
• Marketing & Publicity: Lillian Sisson 

Advisor: Dr. Michael McMullan

UMMC Pride

Purpose: UMMC Pride is an organization that focuses on LGBTQ+ individuals and the issues they face. We strive for education, understanding, and acceptance by promoting outreach, volunteerism, and clinical experience. We teach our members how to give sensitive care, as well as making efforts to prioritize service in our LGBTQ+ community.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Brooks Fleming
• Vice President: Molly Nguyen

Advisor: Dr. Scott Rodgers

UMMC School of Medicine Journal Club

Purpose: To provide a supportive environment in which medical students can discuss scholarly papers with immediate impact on evidence-based medicine.

2024-2025 Officers: 

• President: Jim Yen
• Vice President: Michael Raymond
• Secretary: Anna Shepard
• Treasurer: Khunsa Saleem
• Research Chair: John Salvemini
• M4 Representative: Rehma Siddiqui

Advisor: Dr. Joshua Brett Jeter 

University of Mississippi 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Lillian Sisson

Advisor: Dr. Mrinal Shukla

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• Co-Presidents:
  • Mason Gardner
  • Coleman Killorin
  • Alexis Dunn
• Vice President: Marjorie Lam
• Secretary: Jack Ligon

Advisors:

• Dr. Christopher Bean
• Dr. Charles Pound

The VITAL Signs Initiative (Vitcim 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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Maddie Beth de Gruiter

Advisor: Dr. Sarah Sterling

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.

2024-2025 Officers:

• President: Anja Diercks 
• Vice President: Glen D. Myatt
• Event Coordinator: Madison Klim

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. 

Officers:

• President: Jamesia Kenney
• Vice President: Tanya Shenoy

Advisor: Dr. Charlotte Taylor