Student Organization Events
Active Minds: An Active Minds chapter is a student-led mental health group that works to raise awareness about mental health, raise funds for critical mental health education and resources through Active Minds, promote positive mental health and wellness, educate students and educators about the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, and encourage students who are struggling to reach out and seek help. The MUSOM local chapter of Active Minds spreads awareness through initiatives such as Stress Less Week and Suicide Prevention Week. To learn more, please visit: https://www.activeminds.org/
American Medical Association - Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS): The American Medical Association- Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS) is the branch of the AMA the focuses on student leadership, advocacy, and improvement in medical education. Through this organization, medical students are able to be active participants when it comes to healthcare policy, health initiatives, and medical education core competencies. The goal of our chapter is to help students develop leadership skills, understand their role in Healthcare advocacy, and give them opportunities to work with other medical students and physicians at a national level. There are many ways to be involved and our local chapter facilitates events for community members, such as voter registration, and for medical students, such as networking with local physicians and policy workshops. To learn more, please visit www.amaMedStudent.org.
American Medical Student Association (AMSA): The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), with more than a half-century history of medical student activism, is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, non-profit organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training. With nearly 60,000 members, including medical and premedical students, residents and practicing physicians, AMSA is committed to improving medical training as well as advancing the profession of medicine. To learn more, please visit:http://www.amsa.org/
American Medical Women's Association (AMWA): The American Medical Women’s Association focuses on women’s health as well as the unique role of the female physician in medicine today. With a membership consisting of both physicians and medical students, men and women alike, AMWA provides an opportunity to unite with peers in advocating women’s health topics on a national, regional and local level. Members receive such benefits as a subscription to the Journal of the American Medical Women’s Association, opportunities to influence legislation pertaining to women’s health issues on a national level, scholarship and loan opportunities, a bed and breakfast program for interviewing fourth year students, the opportunity to attend regional and national meetings and more. Within our chapter, members have the opportunity to contribute to community service projects relating to women’s health, plan and play a role in presentations to our chapter and the medical school, assume leadership positions, interact with female physicians from the Huntington area, fellow students and our community as well as many other activities. To learn more, please visit www.amwa-doc.org.
The American Physician Scientists Association (APSA): The American Physician Scientists Association is a national organization dedicated to addressing the needs of future physician scientists with respect to their training and career development. APSA achieves its goals through its four pillars: Mentoring, Networking, Outreach, and Resources. . Through the National APSA organization, students are advancing opportunities for mentorship, community building, and mutual support of physician-scientists by providing a unified voice on behalf of physician scientist trainees at the national level."
Anesthesiology Interest Group: The Joan C. Edwards Marshall University School of Medicine Anesthesiology Interest Group is a group of students seeking to explore and learn about the field of anesthesiology. The goal of this organization is to provide information and awareness about anesthesiology as a medical field and as a possible career. As a member, medical students will have an opportunity to: interact with physicians in anesthesiology through lectures and panel discussions, obtain information about securing a residency in anesthesiology, have learning opportunities to develop skills necessary for the practice of anesthesiology, and examine current topics and subspecialties in anesthesiology through physician luncheons and dinners. All students, regardless of their desire to enter the field of anesthesiology, are invited to join and learn about this important and necessary field of medicine. Dr. Hosny Gabriel MD (Dept. of Anesthesiology, CHH) will oversee and advise our group.
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA): Alpha Omega Alpha is a medical honor society founded to encourage leadership and scholarship in medical education. Per the official AOA website: "Those students chosen from the top quartile for election are picked not only for their high academic standing, but as well for leadership among their peers, professionalism and a firm sense of ethics, promise of future success in medicine, and a commitment to service in the school and community. By adherence to these criteria it has happened that one or more of the highest ranked students by grade point average have not been elected to the society." At Marshall, AOA membership is awarded twice a year for each class. Junior membership, in the Spring of the third year, has traditionally been awarded to four students per class and the remaining number of awards (totaling up to 1/6 of the graduating class size) are inducted as senior members in the Fall of the fourth year. To learn more, please visitwww.alphaomegaalpha.org.
Association of Women Surgeons (AWS): AWS is a national organization composed of more than 1,400 women surgeons within the United States and abroad. Our mission is to inspire, encourage, and enable women surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals. The Marshall University Chapter of Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) is a new organization focused on introducing female medical students to the dynamic careers within General Surgery and various surgical subspecialties. Our theme this year is “Finding Your Mentor,” with the goal of creating long lasting relationships between leading women surgeons and the next generation that aspires to follow in their footsteps. We invite you to visit our website www.WomenSurgeons.org for other valuable online resources.
Business in Medicine: The Business in Medicine Interest Group is a multidisciplinary group designed to prepare students from a variety of educational backgrounds about the complexities of the healthcare financial landscape. Whether your goal is to learn more about the Affordable Care Act, how to design and patent a medical device, start a private practice, leverage your skills in the workforce, or how to ethically distribute the limited resources without compromising patient care, this group has a topic for you. Through presentations from physicians, hospital administrators, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical representatives, we hope to teach you how to navigate and thrive in the business of medicine.
Cardiology Interest Group: The Marshall Cardiology Interest Group brings together students interested in cardiology with the intention of providing access to career advice, mentorship, and research opportunities. Our mission is to provide adequate opportunities for further field exploration. Additionally, the group will facilitate small group discussions with attendings and residents. Because of the importance of cardiac physiology in all fields of medicine, we will also host lectures to improve understanding of the subject.
- Cardiology Interest Group Resources
Christian Medical Association (CMA): The Christian Medical Association (CMA) allows medical students the opportunity to challenge and encourage one another. Opportunities for students to learn about international medical missions and participate in Bible studies will be provided. Most importantly, the CMA is an organization which aims to introduce students to Jesus Christ and help them to grow in a personal relationship with Him. To learn more, please visit www.cmdahome.org
Community Service Organization (CSO): In light of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine's commitment to our community and to the greater good, the Community Service Organization (CSO) was established to make available, promote, and encourage opportunities for medical students to participate in service-learning activities. The CSO is composed of representatives from each year of medical education. Students are elected as Community Service Liaisons by their peers each year and are responsible for making their classmates aware of service opportunities as well as taking leadership roles in the development and implementation of service learning.
The Dermatology Interest Group is a student led organization created for the benefit of individuals with an interest in furthering their knowledge in the field of dermatology. The interest group provides students with opportunities to gain information about dermatology as well as dermatological techniques and procedures they may not otherwise be exposed to during the first three years of medical school. The interest group provides students the opportunity to interact with dermatologists from the community, participate in the dermatology journal club as well as community outreach events. Through participation in the interest group students will have a better understanding and be more thoroughly prepared for the residency application process.
DreamCatchers: DreamCatchers is a network of students dedicated to fulfilling the end-of-life Dreams of hospice patients in their communities. DreamCatchers uses a penpal program with local seniors promoting intergenerational connections in the community with a goal of alleviating social isolation on senior well-being. Please visit DreamCatchers for more information
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG): The purpose of the EMIG is to provide the students of the School of Medicine at Marshall University an opportunity to learn about the specialty of Emergency Medicine prior to their 4th year electives. EMIG provides exposure to Emergency Medicine through discussions with experts in the field of emergency medicine and opportunities for shadowing and research. EMIG acts as a resource to its members in the residency application process by providing advice from 4th year medical students, residents, and faculty in regards to residency selection, competition, locations, and how to make oneself a strong candidate. In addition, EMIG seeks to aid its members in networking and building valuable relationships with MUSOM faculty and staff.
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG): The Family Medicine Interest Group offers students with opportunities to discover the diversity of family medicine, its interests and its values. We accomplish this through providing opportunities to provide care for the underserved and to develop personal skills for future practice. One specific opportunity is participation in the Marshall Medical Outreach, which provides monthly medical care to the homeless of Huntington, WV on the Ohio Riverfront. We also offer information about the broad scope of family medicine, including an annual panel of community family physicians to represent the diversity that family medicine offers. In keeping with the mission of American Academy of Family Physicians our overall our goal is to improve the health of patients, families and communities with professionalism and creativity.
Geriatric Interest Group: The Geriatric Interest Group (GIG) is a student led organization created to increase interest in the field of geriatrics. This interest group provides students with the chance to gain information about geriatrics from local geriatricians as well as experience opportunities with local nursing homes and hospital geriatric patients. This interest group provides opportunities to shadow local rural health doctors as well as sharing events with other interest groups for increased involvement. Through participation in GIG, students will have a better understanding of the field of geriatrics, get connected with local geriatricians, and be involved in the community through local events involving the field of geriatrics.
Global Medical Brigades: Global Medical Brigades is a secular, international network of university clubs and volunteer organizations that provide medical relief and health education to the world's poorest countries. The current emphasis of this national grassroots movement is Central America where, in 2006, more than 30,000 patients in 70 villages were provided aid. The mission of the organization is to lead a holistic model for sustainable health care in underserved villages by conducting preliminary needs assessments, treating patients to the highest ethical standards, sponsoring referrals to those with needs beyond our capability, recording data for the production of quantitative reports, and working to improve the water, sanitation, and economic infrastructures. Global Medical Brigades Mission Statement & Guidelines
Healthcare Policy Forum: The MUSOM Healthcare Policy Forum is an interest group dedicated to educating medical students on relevant state and federal healthcare policy, with emphasis on how policy affects rural health. We aim to create a forum for those students to discuss their interests and concerns. Students will be able to learn about and discuss the process of healthcare legislation and opportunities to be involved in the process in the future. The forum will also collaborate with fellow student interest groups to cover a wide variety of topics.
Health Spectrum Alliance (HSA): The Health Spectrum Alliance (HSA) of JCESOM is dedicated to cultivating a healthy, inclusive environment where medical students and professionals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are able to collaborate in order to optimize the delivery of healthcare in the Tri-State area. We seek to educate the community and healthcare providers regarding the unique healthcare needs of LGBT-identifying individuals and their families to help minimize the disparities they experience and to promote awareness of LGBT culture.
The Infectious Diseases Interest Group (IDIG): at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is focused on establishing and fostering student interest in the sub-specialty of Infectious Diseases. The Marshall IDIG seeks to provide students with the chance to partner with ID faculty members for mentorship, clinical exposure, and to develop research projects. To further cultivate connections within the field of ID, aid in finding research opportunities and funding, and promote attendance at national meetings, students will gain exposure to the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), which sponsored the creation of the Marshall IDIG, as well as to other societies focused on infectious diseases (e.g. the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the American Society for Microbiology, etc.). Furthermore, the Marshall IDIG will liaise closely with Marshall's Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Medicine-Pediatrics Interest Groups to provide coordinated conversations regarding ID as a sub-specialty of these disciplines. All are welcome to join us - from those with a solidified interest in ID to those broadly deliberating (we'll convince you!).
Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG): The Joan C. Edwards Marshall University School of Medicine Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) is a group of students exploring and learning about the field of internal medicine. The goal of this organization is to provide students with information about internal medicine as a medical specialty and as a possible career. As a member, students will: interact with physicians in internal medicine via panel discussions, have exposure to information sessions and panel discussions addressing what to expect in third-year medicine rotations, as well as how to obtain a residency in internal medicine, and examine the multitude of subspecialties in internal medicine via physician luncheons and dinners.
International Health Interest Group: The International Health Interest Group was created to increase the exposure of students to the health issues those living around the globe face. Activities include awareness days and monthly articles sent to the group, as well presentations and discussions on various topics from students, residents and faculty. This group also serves as an opportunity to network in order to find opportunities for learning and experiences both domestically and abroad. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, even without any previous background in international work. View International Health Opportunities
Interprofessional Health Student Organization: IPHSO, is a network of interdisciplinary healthcare students committed to professional development, advocacy, and community that serves to improve communication and collaboration between healthcare students at Marshall University.
IPHSO is open to graduate students currently pursuing a career in a healthcare discipline that wish to enhance their education with collaborative and unique experiences they may not otherwise obtain in their studies. These disciplines include nursing, social work, physical therapy, pharmacy, psychology, medicine, physical therapy, communication disorders, and dietetics. We are bringing tomorrow's healthcare leaders together, today.
JCESOM Marshall Chess and Checkers: Marshall Joan C Edwards School of Medicine Chess and Checkers Club hopes to create a community of inclusion and life long enjoyment of chess, checkers and other games of skill and strategy.
Let's Get Moving (LGM): The goal of Let’s Get Moving (LGM) is to raise awareness and decrease the rate of childhood obesity by providing elementary students with knowledge to make healthy lifestyle changes. Many factors such as unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, sedentary behavior, and poor role modeling increase the rate of childhood obesity. Throughout the school year LGM organizes health fairs at 10 local elementary schools to promote healthy eating and exercise habits. During the health fairs, medical students from Marshall University School of Medicine lead the elementary students through a variety of stations such as an obstacle course, basketball, jump rope, and fitness. To encourage a lifelong habit of making healthy lifestyle choices, each elementary student receives a water bottle and a piece of sports equipment such as a basketball, soccer ball, football, etc.
Marshall Medical Outreach: In our third year of operation, Marshall Medical Outreach (“MMO”) is a medical student-led free mobile health clinic that takes place one Saturday per month at 9 AM in the Parking lot of Trinity Episcopal Church, 520 11th Street, Huntington, WV. The purpose of MMO is to provide medical care for the homeless and at risk for homelessness in our city. Through partnerships with the Center for Rural Health, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Cabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless/Harmony House, the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, Ebenezer Medical Outreach, and the Bright Clinic, we have treated nearly 1,000 patients to date. Under the supervision of Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Charles Clements, the MMO goal is to establish primary care as well as take care of other minor medical problems for the patients that present each month. Throughout the past three years, we’ve expanded services to meet the needs of those we serve. In addition to over-the-counter medications, prescriptions are filled under the supervision of Pharmacist, Dr. Robert Stanton, and patients receive these free of charge. Last year, an eye screening station was added under the supervision of Ophthalmologist, Dr. Russell Fry. The screening station is run by students in the ophthalmology interest group. Patients are screened for eye changes caused by diabetes and hypertension, minor eye problems are treated, and patients are examined and provided free reading glasses or prescription glasses to meet their needs. Recently, we’ve expanded to add Dermatology services (including biopsies) under the supervision of Dr. Charles Yarbrough.
Beyond providing a necessary service, MMO is a chance for students to develop leadership skills that they can take with them into their careers as physicians. Medical students, pharmacy students, residents, and attending physicians provide clinical services while long-term volunteers register the patients and provide needed items like coats, blankets, snacks, water, and hygiene items. Building rapport and meeting their immediate needs is important in gaining the trust of this population. Missy Browning, MMO Coordinator (known to the students as the “MMO Mom”), coordinates monthly MMO events, as well as special events MMO within the community, at the Mission, Harmony House, and the Cabell Breast Health Center. She acts as the liaison between the collaborating agencies, working closely with community members and city officials to share the goals and needs of the MMO to better serve Huntington’s homeless. Many of the items donated for MMO to distribute are collected through Facebook and email requests as well as a monthly collaboration with Qdoba Mexican Grill where the community is invited to provide needed items in exchange for a free entrée. Our medical van driver, Ron Hackworth, is instrumental in seeing that setup and equipment run smoothly. His efforts are invaluable to our successful and continued operation. Visit our website for more information.
Marshall Medical Student Book Club (MMS-BC): The Marshall Medical Student Book Club will serve as an interest group for medical students to explore literature that delves into the realms of medicine, humanity, morality, and ethics. Through a blend of contemporary and historical perspectives, the goal is for medical students to gain valuable insight and enrich their understanding of these topics. The MMS-BC aims to foster a sense of community, providing a space for members to come together, exchange ideas, and engage in thoughtful and respectful discourse. It is through this shared exploration that the MMS-BC will work to cultivate an environment conducive to personal growth, intellectual stimulation, and the development of empathetic and well-rounded physicians.
Medical History Interest Group: The Medical History Interest Group seeks to engage students, fellows and faculty in the research, study, interest, and writing in the history of medicine. To open opportunities for mentorship among the faculty and students. To organize meetings and forums for discussion and lectures. To promote and engage the medical community in outreach and service. To promote leadership among medical students interested in the history of medicine.
Medical Humanities Discussion Group: The Medical Humanities Discussion Group aims to open up the conversation about understanding medicine from the patient experience. As future medical physicians we must seek to understand how our actions are perceived by others so that we may better our craft. This group aims to discuss patient narrative, art, poetry, and other sources of expression regarding day-to-day patient experiences. Works from members of the medical community will also be discussed, thus creating a more complete understanding of the less explored “art” of medicine. Come join us today!
Medical Muslim Student Association: The purpose of the American Muslim Medical Student Association (AMMSA) is to provide a system of spiritual support, social activity, fellowship, and advocacy for Muslim students and non-Muslim students with an interest in Islam. AMMSA will focus on developing the relationship between Islam and medicine, through various interfaith activities. The AMMSA places a particular emphasis on using the unique cultural perspective of its members to interact with populations in a way that both complements and enhances the work of other service organizations.
Medical Spanish Interest Group: The Medical Spanish Interest Group (MSIG) is a student-run organization committed to providing lessons in basic medical Spanish, as well as an environment for students to practice and strengthen their Spanish language skills. In addition, the MSIG hosts a variety of guest speakers who discuss issues and medical practices unique to the various cultures of South and Central America as well as Hispanic communities in the United States.
Medical Students for Choice (MSFC): MSFC is a group dedicated to creating tomorrow’s abortion providers and pro-choice physicians. We believe that all people should have access to health services that allow them to lead safe, healthy lives including all aspects of sexual and reproductive health consistent with their own personal and cultural values. We advocate for the addition of the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare to the medical school curriculum. Skills workshops including vacuum-assisted abortion and IUD insertion can be organized throughout the semester. MSFC also provides funds for students to complete a Reproductive Health Externship and helps students organize clinical abortion observation. More information can be found at https://msfc.org/
Medicine - Pediatric Interest Group: The Medicine Pediatric Interest Group consists of the Medicine Pediatric Program Director, Medicine Pediatric Faculty and Residents. Our purpose is to foster interest in a future career as a Medicine Pediatric physician. The Department of Medicine Pediatrics participates during the annual Primary Care Week by providing lunch and an in depth description of the Medicine Pediatric program. Students are also invited to attend selected Medicine Pediatric meetings throughout the year.
Men's Health Organization (MHO): Men’s Health Organization (MHO) is committed to increasing student opportunities in both the promotion and education of men’s health. We hope to expose students to the various fields related to issues that plague men’s wellness. We will facilitate conversations between students and forefront leaders of the MUSOM community to empower members to better the lives of men everywhere and develop skills today to treat men more effectively tomorrow. To reach these goals, we work collaboratively with diverse groups both on and off campus through instructional efforts, community service events, fundraising initiatives, a quarterly newsletter, and a variety of social events. We envision MHO as a building block for Marshall medical students to add to their foundation of a complete medical training.
Military Medicine Interest Group: The Military Medicine Interest Group (MMIG) is an organization designed to help Marshall medical students who are currently attending medical school under the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) or those who are interested in the HPSP. Additionally, the MMIG provides information to medical students about opportunities in military medicine across the various branches of the US Military to include the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Topics discussed at meetings include how to prepare for officer basic training programs, how to get reimbursed for health insurance and board exam fees, how to approach and navigate the Military Match process for residency, how to arrange away rotations for 4th year, and what to expect as an active duty military officer. The MMIG also attends annual military medicine conferences at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get a chance to see a military medical center first hand in addition to meeting HPSP students from other schools. All students are welcome to attend.
Neurosurgery Interest Group: The Neurosurgery Interest Group (NSIG) is dedicated to helping students interested in neurosurgery explore topics in the field, connect with faculty and alumni mentors, learn about research opportunities, and find workshops to enhance their interest in the ever-changing field of neurosurgery. The group will have an official meeting every other month with a neuro-faculty lead journal club meeting in-between. Additionally, we would like to invite you to the Neurosurgery Grand Rounds held Thursday mornings at 8 A.M at Cabell Hospital to gain greater insight into the field. For group updates feel free to join our MUSOM NSIG Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/781977069284201
Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group: The nutrition and lifestyle medicine interest group, or NLMIG, is an interest group with a vision of raising awareness on how diet and lifestyle changes can be made to better the health of the patient. Through the guidance of faculty advisors with expertise in culinary medicine and plant based nutrition, the interest group will explore the various ways we as future physicians can promote the importance of lifestyle habits and behavioral choices (stress management, sleep, exercise, diet, etc.) in our patients’ lives as well as our own. To learn more, please visit the American College of Lifestyle Medicine at https://www.lifestylemedicine.org.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Interest Group: The Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group here at MUSOM is a student run organization created to cultivate interest in the field of OB/GYN as a career. We aim to give our students the opportunity to meet and build relationships with our faculty members, advise and guide students on applying to OB/GYN residencies, and allow students to learn with "hands-on" activities such as use of the laparoscopic surgery simulation lab. We also host numerous social functions involving students, residents, and faculty allowing further opportunity for fellowship among our group. Our group encourages all of our students to join, first through fourth year, regardless of your level of clinical experience. We hope that we can encourage each of you to explore all that a career in OB/GYN has to offer, and we welcome each of you to attend one of our meetings/functions anytime!
Oncology Interest Group: The goal of the Oncology Interest Group is to provide Marshall medical students with information regarding oncology related fields: Medical Oncology (Adult and Pediatric), Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and sub-specialties. The group will meet approximately 1-2 times per semester and discuss career opportunities, research via journal clubs, shadowing opportunities, and community outreach. Additionally, the group will provide review content for MS1 students for the Hematology/Oncology NBME. Visit our website for more information.
Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group: The Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group serves to provide Marshall medical students with the opportunities to learn more about the field of orthopaedic surgery. Our goal is to provide early exposure to orthopaedics and its sub-specialties, help students learn about the orthopaedic resources available at MUSOM, and guide students through the process of becoming strong residency applicants. Meetings will be held 1-2 times a semester with faculty who will share their insight and experience. Once a year we host a panel of 4th year students, interns, and residents to answer any questions and give their insight into away rotations and the applications process. Various other events include learning to splint with the residents and observing surgical approach practice in the anatomy lab. Visit our Website for more information.
Ophthalmology Interest Group: The MUSOM Ophthalmology Interest Group is a medical student run organization dedicated to preparing future doctors for careers in the specialty of Ophthalmology. The purpose of this organization is to give education and guidance to MUSOM students interested in Ophthalmology, empowering these students to promote the best practices in eye care, public health, volunteerism, and social entrepreneurship while enabling a goal of high quality eye care for all at both the community and global levels. The MUSOM Ophthalmology Interest Group allows senior members the opportunity to mentor junior members in the rigors of pursuing Ophthalmology residencies so these students can pass this knowledge along to the next generation of interested MUSOM students.
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Interest Group: The Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery student interest group is focused on informing others and educating ourselves in regards to the vast possibilities of career paths within this exciting field. An additional goal of this group is to gain early exposure for interested students to this competitive and relatively under recognized surgical subspecialty.
The Pacemakers Interest Group: The Pacemakers envision a physically healthy JCESOM student body with high levels of athlete participation in the annual Marshall Marathon, close friendships developed through shared training, and students attaining their endurance-event dreams. Our activities include: Marshall marathoning (encouraging, organizing, and streamlining JCESOM student training for and participation in the annual Marshall University Marathon); event aggregation (consolidating and advertising information about local endurance athletics events); group training (facilitating group training for endurance events, including sharing meetup times and training schedules for Pacemaker members); school-wide fitness competitions (organizing annual fitness and activity competitions between learning community (LC) houses to encourage the physical fitness of all JCESOM students); and hosting an annual 5k fundraiser: (organizing and running an annual community-wide 5k to fundraise for 3rd party resource scholarships for each incoming class of 1st-year medical students).
Pain Management Interest Group (PMIG): The Pain Management Interest Group (PMIG) of the Joan C. Edwards Marshall University School of Medicine is a passionate community of medical students motivated to explore the complex domain of pain management. Our group serves as a dynamic platform for students to investigate the multifaceted aspects of pain, from emerging neuroscience research to compassionate patient care. PMIG endeavors to garner student interest in the field of pain management through engaging discussion sessions, collaborative projects, hands-on workshops, and guest lecturers with expert physicians. Pain medicine is a rapidly evolving medical specialty that lies at the intersection of many clinical fields, making it appealing to students of all backgrounds. Our faculty advisor, Dr. Rudy Malayil, provides his insight into pain management and regularly lectures on interventional procedures and treatments to students.
Pathology Interest Group: The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Pathology Interest Group is a group of students exploring and learning about the field of pathology. The goal of this organization is to provide students with information about anatomical and clinical pathology as medical specialties and as possible career options. As a member, students will gain exposure to the field of pathology while interacting with physicians in the various pathology specialties during career conversations and other activities. Students will also receive guidance and information about what to expect in fourth-year pathology rotations or post-sophomore fellowships, should they choose to pursue these options. Finally, faculty will be available through both formal and informal activities to guide students on how to obtain a residency in pathology and what to consider when evaluating subspecialty options.
Pediatric Interest Group (PIG): Marshall's Pediatrics Interest Group (PIG) brings together medical students interested in a future career in pediatrics and pediatric subspecialty. Through interaction between students, residents, and attendings, Our mission is to foster mentoring relationships, provide instruction in pediatrics, and give guidance on the residency process. Members of PIG are actively involved in numerous pediatric projects within MUSOM and the surrounding community. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers!
Period Education Project (PEP): The Period Education Project is health education platform that facilitates community-based educational workshops (“PEP Rallies”) that address menstrual health for youth ages 12+ and the adults who support them. This project includes virtual or in-person educational workshops for local schools and youth groups led by trained medical students that are known as “Period Pros”. Workshops include content created by Girlology, which is a physician-led girls’ digital health platform that aims to educate women across all age groups on puberty, reproductive health, and wellness. The content covers female reproductive anatomy, menstrual cycle basics, period products, safety, and normal and abnormal menstruation patterns. The effectiveness of this group will be based on medical students who have a passion and enthusiasm for public health education as well as menstrual and reproductive health.
Phi Delta Epsilon: Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity is an organization that creates physicians of integrity with a life-long commitment to our guiding principles of philanthropy, deity, and education through fellowship, service, mentoring, and formal training in leadership, science, and ethics.
Radiology Interest Group (RIG): The Radiology Interest Group provides second through fourth year medical students with the opportunity to learn more about the field of radiology. The goal of the group is to provide exposure to both diagnostic and interventional radiology so students can make an educated decision about their future. Through small group discussion, information is presented for learning purposes with open Q&A. Members also support each other and provide advice and tips on applying to residency programs. Dr. Peter Chirico is the faculty adviser for the group. He oversees the meetings and provides individual mentoring for students interested in pursuing radiology as a career.
Research Interest Group (RIG):
- Connection: Link students with research opportunities in the school of medicine, paving the way for collaborations and advancements in the medical field.
- Skill Development & Resourcing: Provide training, practice, and resources for crucial research skills like academic writing, literature reviews, data processing, and effective communication.
- Community Engagement: Launch research-driven outreach programs to bridge the gap between academia and our community, fostering awareness and mutual growth.
The Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery (RMIS) interest group: aims to engage students and faculty members, to generate interest and exposure for career opportunities in robotic surgery, and to develop personal skills in the field of robotics and minimally invasive surgery. Our purpose is to work closely with faculty mentors to learn basic robotic and minimally invasive surgery and to practice simulations under their supervision. All students are encouraged to join even if they have no previous experience in surgery.
Sisters in Medicine: The goal of Sisters in Medicine is to give female medical students a relaxed setting to discuss topics unique to women in medicine and to help them find faculty mentors in their specialties of interest. This club holds meetings with female physicians of various specialties in order to have discussions about their journey in medicine, hardships and adversity they have encountered, general advice, family balance, and more.
Sports Medicine Interest Group: The Sports Medicine Interest Group is for those interested in the acute and long-term care of injuries in individuals participating in sports of all ages and skill level. The knowledge provided can be utilized in obtaining Sports Medicine fellowships after residency, taking care of your own patients coming into your clinic or Emergency Department, or as a spectator at a local sporting event. Some of the activities organized by the group are semesterly journal club events led by Marshall University Sports Medicine Team Physicians, service event such as the Marshall Marathon, and hands-on clinics, such as what to do when an injury takes place on the field.
Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN): The Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) brings together medical students who are interested in exploring the practice of neurology. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) supports each SIGN chapter along with the Neurology Department at our institution. As a member, students will have the opportunity to: shadow a neurologist, be matched with a mentor, meet professors, meet neurologists in private practice, meet attendings, and be involved in ongoing research at this institution.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA): The Student National Medical Association (SNMA), the oldest and largest minority student-run organization in the U.S. The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine’s chapter was charted in July 2019. SNMA is a national organization 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.”
Substance Use Disorder and Recovery (SUDR) Interest Group: The Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Interest Group serves to promote education of substance use disorder with an emphasis on the physician role in treatment and recovery. SUDR is committed to facilitating communication among medical students, faculty members, community members and community organizations in a collaborative effort to help address the stigma surrounding SUDs and public health efforts. We hope to establish an organization that serves as a focal resource for both medical students and the community by promoting accessibility of information, strengthening community education, and providing an opportunity to obtain training/skills. To reach these goals, SUDR will actively organize open discussion panels, outreach projects, research opportunities, social inclusion events, continuing education sessions and Naloxone training opportunities.
Tactical Medicine Interest Group: Tactical Medicine, or Tactical Emergency Medicine, is the medical specialty that involves the services and emergency medical support necessary to preserve the safety, physical and mental health, and overall well-being of military and law enforcement (SWAT) special operations (tactical) personnel and others at the scene of critical incident deployments and training.
The Giving Palm: The Giving Palm is a nonprofit organization that provides books to teenagers in hospitals. Through donations of either books, Kindles, or money, we add to hospital libraries and provide activities that create a community of readers. Through writing programming, the organization helps patients feel less isolated during their stay and gives students an opportunity to practice patient advocacy and interaction. Students can also aid in fundraising, book collection, and reading circles with patients. More information can be found at https://www.thegivingpalm.org/.
Topics in Healthcare: MUSOM and its affiliated schools has many of the region’s foremost academicians and researchers.Topics in Healthcare is an avenue open to medical students, residents, faculty and staff members to have thought-provoking, enlightening, and sometimes controversial discussions. We facilitate a monthly seminar series that brings together professors, physicians, and leaders of the community to engage in intimate, provocative discussion. By bringing members together in discussions focused on challenging, medically relevant topics, Topics in Healthcare hopes to cultivate interdisciplinary thought and dialogue, holistic perspectives on medicine, potential research interests, and networking with faculty. By inviting students, residents, faculty and staff to events, we aim to increase inter-professional connections and understanding. We also host outside speakers and events, including politicians in the area, invited professors, and any artistry relevant to healthcare.
West Virginia State Medical Association: The West Virginia State Medical Association works to promote quality and safety in the practice of medicine in West Virginia by representing the interests of patients, public health, and physicians. Our student chapter advances these goals by educating future physicians on the process of policy creation and advocating for regulations that affect healthcare in our state. By working with others from medical schools across the state and nation, we build a network of students with the skills to advocate for their interest and those of their patients. To learn more, please visit: https://www.wvsma.org/
Wilderness Medicine Interest Group: The MUSOM Wilderness Medicine Interest group is for individuals that are interested in having fun in the outdoors. In addition to having fun, we will be learning new skill sets that will not only be taught but applied during weekend adventures. Whether you are an old pro looking to hone your craft or a novice just looking to have a good time while learning some new skills, we welcome you to attend any and all of our meetings and outings.
