| Student National Medical Association | |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1964 |
| Type | Student organization, Professional organization |
| Headquarters | Washington, DC |
| Location | United States |
| Membership | Over 6,000 Medical students, Pre-medical students, Residents, and Physicians |
| Official languages | English |
| National President | Michael G. Knight |
| Website | http://www.snma.org/ |
The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the nation's oldest and largest independent, student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. It was established as a subdivision of the National Medical Association in 1964 by medical students from Howard University and Meharry Medical College.[1] The organization 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.[2]
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SNMA has over 150 medical chapters, which implement educational, outreach, and mentoring activities consistent with the goals of the organization. Premedical MAPS chapters work with their host SNMA chapters to hold workshops, speakers, medical campus tours, and advising sessions. Chapters belong to one of ten SNMA regions, each headed by a Regional Director. The Regional Director supports chapter programs and oversees a regional medical education conference, as well as other regional activities.[3]
In Spring 2011, National President Michael G. Knight introduced the 2010-2011 programmatic strategy that is focused on envisioning the SNMA's organizational future, engaging the SNMA membership, and empowering underserved communities. [4]
President Knight launched two Presidential Initiatives for the 2011-2012 administrative year.
The SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) is a focal activity for the national organization. It is held each Spring in various locations around the country. Its purpose is to enhance and facilitate career development, continuing education, and networking among minority medical students. Included in the AMEC is the annual session of the House of Delegates and the election of national officers. The conference attracts over 1,100 students and professionals from across the country, and is consistently the largest gathering of underrepresented minority medical students in the US.[5]
The 2012 AMEC will be held on April 4-8 in Atlanta, GA. Entitled, Champions of Change: Improving our Potential, Enhancing our Performance, the 2012 AMEC embodies SNMA's mission to support the educational and professional pursuits of current and future underrepresented minority medical students, training clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious physicians. In alignment with the SNMA National President Michael G. Knight’s initiatives, this year’s event will focus on solidifying the future of our organization, engaging our members, and empowering the communities that we serve. With workshops focused on academic success, professional development, community empowerment, and research, attendees will be inspired and motivated to become pioneering physicians of tomorrow, translating what they have learned to impact health disparities and diversify the face of medicine. [6]
National protocols are implemented on the local level by individual SNMA chapters.[7] They reflect the community service goals of the national organization.
This program is focused on working with elementary and junior high school students to spark their interest in science and health.
This initiative functions to increase the exposure of high school students to science and careers in the health sciences.
Pre-medical students are able to form SNMA MAPS chapters at their undergraduate institutions. There are currently over 100 MAPS chapters nationwide that are supported by local SNMA chapters.