UAMS RECOGNIZED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
American Medical Muslim Students’ Association (AMMSA)
Mission/Purpose:
The American Muslim Medical Association (AMMSA) is a student led organization welcoming Muslim students, physicians, and leaders to explore the inherent intersection between Islam and medicine. AMMSA’s goal is simple: to empower American Muslim medical students by providing opportunities for excellence in spiritual growth, professional development, and community building.
Contact:
Mia Alshami
Advisor:
Dr. Mohsin Syed
American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists
Mission/Purpose:
The mission of the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) is to be the collective voice of student pharmacists, to provide opportunities for professional growth, to improve patient care, and to envision and advance the future of pharmacy.
Contact:
Alanna Bramwell
Advisors:
Chris Johnson
Anesthesia Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To expose medical students to concepts and experiences in anesthesiology.
Contact/Advisor:
Daniel Bingham
Artificial Intelligence Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
Our mission is to fully integrate AI into UAMS’s curriculum. We advocate for the safe integration of AI in all aspects of medical care and promote research opportunities for students in the field of AI. We also give monthly meetings focused on using AI to enhance healthcare education.
Contact:
Blake Young
Advisor:
Wendy Ward
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
Mission/ Purpose:
The goal of this organization is to provide a space for Asians and people interested in Asian cultures to come together to celebrate Asian cultures. In addition, we hope to provide an avenue for our members to learn about and spread awareness about illnesses and medical challenges that affect the Asian community. Finally, we aim to become more committed and involved in the health of our local Asian community.
Contact:
Matthew Tran
mtran@uams.edu (501) 551-0529
Quy Pham
qcpham@uams.edu (479) 285-0977
Advisor:
Dr. Marc Phan
nphan@uams.edu (479) 420-3466
Cardiothoracic Interest Group (CTIG)
Mission/Purpose:
To cultivate the personal and professional growth of students in the UAMS COM who are interested in pursuing a career in the cardiothoracic field
Contact:
Kelsey Renard
klrenard@uams.edu (501) 454-0939
Osvaldo Mendez
omendez@uams.edu (479) 587-0723
Advisor:
Dr. L. Greiten
lgreiten@uams.edu (501) 364-5858
Delta Omega
Mission/Purpose:
To promote graduate study in Public Health, to recognize outstanding achievements in the field.
Contact/Advisor:
Roxanna Walker
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
Mission/Purpose:
Cultivate UAMS COM students interested in EM by providing academic fellowship, clinical experiences, educational opportunities, and community service.
Contact:
Ethan Clement
Advisor:
Lauren Evans
Endocrinology Student Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To provide medical students interested in endocrinology expanded opportunities to explore the field, gain knowledge and exposure to the specialty, and network with other students and professionals with overlapping interests.
Contact:
Dania Rahal
Advisor:
Alan Diekman
ENT Interest Group
Mission/Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to foster the personal and professional growth of students in the UAMS COM who are interested in pursuing careers in ENT/otolaryngology/head and neck surgery
Contact:
Madison Lampkin
mclampkin@uams.edu (479) 652-7921
Adrian Williamson
Awilliamson2@uams.edu (501) 690-6939
Advisor:
Dr. Abby Nolder
NolderAbbyR@uams.edu (501) 4137522
Geriatric Interest Group (GIG)
Mission/Purpose:
GIG serves to provide informational sessions on special interest topics in geriatrics, provide hands-on educational opportunities for students to interact with geriatric patients, and offer fun activities where older adults can converse and interact with students interested in geriatric medicine.
Contact:
Amanda Pangle
Advisors:
Dr. Gohar Azhar
Dr. Jeanne Wei
Humanities Student Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To promote interest in and appreciate new information in regards to humanities as they relate to being a medical student and future physician.
Contact:
Micah Hester
Advisor:
Angela Scott
Integrative Medicine Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To foster the integration of other areas of wellness, such as nutrition, mindfulness, and mental health, into both our personal lives and those of our future patients.
Contact:
Sairi Zhang
Advisor:
Dr. Puru Thapa
Internal Medicine Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
Foster awareness of Internal Medicine. Support medical students pursuing internal medicine. Develop skills relevant to the specialty. Explore the subspecialties of IM.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Tobias Vancil
VancilToby@uams.edu (501) 952-9517
Interventional Radiology Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To educate students about the subspecialty of interventional radiology and possible mentorship to those who chose to pursue a career in our field.
Contact/Advisor:
Lacie Covington
lfcovington@uams.edu (501) 686-6912
Kappa Epsilon
Mission/Purpose:
Unite pharmacy students, faculty, and alumni dedicated to empower its members to achieve personal and professional competence, to develop leaders within the profession and community, and to provide professional and philanthropic services.
Contact:
Amanda Russell
Advisors:
Melanie Reinhardt
ReinhardtMelanieA@uams.edu (501) 258-2541
Kaci Boehmer
Kappa Psi
Mission/Purpose:
To develop leaders with a passion for service to their community while creating lifelong professional connections.
Contact:
Mackenzie Suggs
Advisor:
Howell Foster
fosterhowellr@uams.edu (501) 686-6161
Kelly-Rahn-Turnage Fellowship
Mission/Purpose:
To serve as the official organization of the students of the UAMS Physician Assistant program by promoting academic achievement, clinical excellence, and to promote the physician assistant as a member of the healthcare delivery team.
Contact:
Edward Williams
Advisor:
Samantha Lawson
Lambda Nu National Honor Society
Mission/Purpose:
To foster academic scholarship and recognized exemplary scholarship, to promote academic leadership, and to encourage service, learning, and mentorship for the Radiation and Imaging Sciences.
Contact/Advisor:
Megan Lane
Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
Advancing evidence based Lifestyle Medicine as a value-based specially that transforms, redefines, and sustains health and health care by treating, reversing, and preventing, noncommunicable, chronic disease.
Contact:
Katherine Wright
Advisor:
Gina Drobena
Medical Students for Choice
Mission/Purpose:
To make comprehensive healthcare a standard part of medical education by providing direct learning opportunities in family planning and reproductive justice. Additionally, we aim to promote an open dialogue among our peers to encourage mutual understanding and create a safe place to exchange ideas about reproductive health.
Contact/Advisor:
Chad Taylor
MHA Student Association
Mission/Purpose:
To provide professional development opportunities to MHA students at UAMS and other healthcare activities.
Contact:
Chantel Tucker
Advisor:
Stephen Bowman
National Community Pharmacists Association
Mission/Purpose:
Our mission is to encourage, foster, and recognize an interest in community pharmacy ownership and entrepreneurship among the future leaders of their profession.
Contact:
Megan Smith
Advisor:
Rachel Stafford
National Student Nurses Association
Mission/Purpose:
To promote professional and social unity among nursing students at UAMS. It is a constituent of the National Student Nurses Association and the Arkansas Nursing Students’ Association.
Contact:
Leslie McCormack
LRMccormack@uams.edu (870) 391-6790
Advisor
Beverly English
BSEnglish@uams.edu (501) 526-7850
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
Mission/Purpose:
NSSLHA is a pre-professional membership association for students interested in the study of communication sciences and disorders. The association’s mission is: (1) To advocate for students at the national, state, and local level (2) To forge professional relationships between audiologist and speech-language pathologists (3) To provide resources to help prepare students for a professional career (4) To facilitate the transition from membership in NSSLHA to membership in the American Speech-Language and Hearting Association (ASHA and other organizations that provide entry into the speech and hearing professions.
Contacts:
Dana Moser
Natalie Benafield
Advisor:
Barbara Jones
Neurosurgery Interest Group
The mission of the Neurosurgery Interest Group is to foster awareness and interest, and promote research in neurosurgery. The officers coordinate student-led meeting to enable fellowship among students and to connect members to health-care professionals in the field of the neurosurgery.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Analiz Rodriguez
NWA Medical Spanish Competency Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To provide healthcare students an opportunity to learn and practice basic medical Spanish for patient interactions.
Contacts:
Suzette Lopez
Brendon Hogge
Advisor:
Dr. Alan Padilla Ramos
OB/GYN Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To expose medical students to the field of OB/GYN while also providing volunteer opportunities that serve women in our community. We also find it important to provide students with opportunities to learn things like suturing, exams, and how to be proactive in the field of OB/GYN.
Contact:
Bailey Sutliff
Advisor:
Lindsey Sward
LBSward@uams.edu (501) 733-4137
Ophthalmology Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
OIG is a student-run organization dedicated to fostering and supporting student interest in the field of ophthalmology. We provide members with opportunities to learn more about the specialty, network with ophthalmologists, and get involved in research and community service.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Romona Davis
rldavis@uams.edu
Pediatric Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
A student-run organization for medical students pursuing a career in pediatric medicine, participating in service activities or simply exploring topics in pediatrics during their time in medical school. Our members will have a chance to gain hands-on experience and exposure to different fields of pediatrics.
Contact:
Katie Jones
Advisors:
Carla Brown
Dr. Becky Latch
latchrebeccal@uams.edu (501) 364-1050
Phi Delta Chi (COP)
Mission/Purpose:
PHI DELTA CHI PHARMACY FRATERNITY develops leaders to advance the profession of pharmacy. Phi Delta Chi, a lifelong experience, promotes scholastic, professional, and social growth in its Brothers. We strive to provide quality services to our patients, thereby advancing public health and strengthening ourselves as health professionals.
Contact:
Phi Tang
Advisor:
Brendan Frett
Phi Lambda Sigma (COP)
Mission/Purpose:
The purpose of this chapter shall be encouragement, recognition, and promotion of leadership and it’s qualities within the profession of pharmacy amongst student pharmacists, faculty, alumni, as well as members of the boards and all pharmacy associations within the state of Arkansas.
Contact:
Benjamin Quattlebaum
Advisor:
Seth Heldenbrand
Pre-Medicine Mentorship Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To promote and serve pre-medical student interest in pursuing medicine and support medical students’ passion for developing mentorship and leadership qualities.
Contacts:
Emily Blitz
Sydney McCain
Advisor:
Thomas Kelly
Psychiatry Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To cultivate the personal and professional growth of students in the UAMS COM who are interested in improving clinical, analytical, and communication skills in the field of psychiatry. This organization aims to provide a networking and support group for future physicians who work in a variety of medical specialties.
Contact:
Alexandra Moore
Advisor:
Dr. Margaret Ege-Woolley
Radiation Oncology Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To inform students about the roles and purpose of Radiation Oncology.
Contact:
Canon Cothran
Advisor:
Dr. Santany Samanta
Radiology Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To educate students about the specialty of radiology and to actively support those who choose to pursue a career in our specialty.
Contact:
Humam Shahare
Advisor:
Dr. Roopa Ram
rram@uams.edu (501) 554-0292
RHO CHI National Honor Society
Mission/Purpose:
The Rho Chi Society encourages and recognizes excellence in intellectual achievement and advocates critical inquiry in all aspects of pharmacy. The Society further encourages high standards of conduct and character and fosters fellowship among its members. The Society seeks universal recognition of its members as lifelong intellectual leaders in pharmacy, and as a community of scholars, to instill the desire to pursue intellectual excellence and critical inquiry to advance the profession.
Contact:
Lauren Romo
Advisor:
Amy Franks
Student Academy of Audiology
Mission/Purpose:
To serve as as collective voice for students and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of students pursuing careers in Audiology; also engage students in lifelong professional activities that promote and advance the profession in Audiology, and provide services information, education, representation and advocacy for the profession and the public we serve.
Contact:
Madison Howe
Advisor:
Samuel Atcherson
Student ADHA (American Dental Hygienists’ Association)
Mission/Purpose:
To improve the public’s total health, the mission of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene by ensuring access to quality oral health care, increasing awareness of the cost-effective benefits of prevention, promoting the highest standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research, and representing and promoting the interests of dental hygienists.
Contact:
Joanna Claire Vann
Advisor:
Bridget Fitzhugh
bfitzhugh@uams.edu (501) 686-5735
Student Club of Pathology Education (SCOPE)
Mission/Purpose:
To increase medical student exposure to the field of pathology at an earlier stage.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Vijay Patel
Student Pediatric Pharmacy Association
Mission/Purpose:
To provide support and education about the opportunity for a future in pediatric pharmacy while supporting the health and well-being of children in Arkansas.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Holly Maples
Student Research Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To foster student interest in medical research through the coordination of events, monthly newsletter, and mentorship program. SRIG will work toward its goals by hosting two events per semester.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Hanna Jensen
Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Mission/Purpose:
To educate students on career opportunities within health-system pharmacies(hospitals, ambulatory care, clinics, etc.) provide opportunities for professional growth, and organize events to increase knowledge and preparations for residency programs.
Contact:
Alexa Ramick
Advisor:
Lindsey Dayer
UAMS Climbing Club
Mission/Purpose:
To promote wellness through climbing.
Contact:
Chloe Harris
Advisor:
Charles M. Quick
UAMS Rainbow Health Alliance
Mission/Purpose:
To provide a safe and secure environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff, and their allies. To help educate students, faculty and staff on issues facing the LGBTQ+ population to ensure culturally competent health care professionals. To engage with the LGBTQ+ community at large to develop collaborative partnerships to foster health.
Contact:
Madison Tate
Advisor:
Masil George
Women in Anesthesiology (WIA)
Mission/Pupose:
To promote the professional and personal support of UAMS women physician anesthesiologists, fellows, residents, and medical students pursuing a career in anesthesiology.
Contact:
Rachel Handloser
Advisor:
Dr. Destiny Chau
Women in Surgical Education Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To cultivate the personal and professional growth women in the UAMS COM who are interested in pursuing careers in surgical fields, where women have historically been in the minority. This organization aims to provide a network and support group for future female surgeons to realize their full potential and achieve their academic and professional goals.
Advisor:
Dr. Mary Katherine Kimbrough (Katie)
MKKimbrough@uams.edu (501) 526-6262
INSTITUTIONAL
Associated Student Government
Mission/Purpose
The purpose of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Associated Student Government (ASG) is to act as a liaison between the students and the faculty/administration. The duty of the ASG is to establish and facilitate communication between all campus constituencies; provide assistance, as needed, to members of the community; assist in the formulation and implementation of University policies and practices; and promote elements of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.
Contact/Advisor:
Clay Tyler
CHP Student Council
Mission/Purpose:
To assist in the development of policies for students; determine ways to communicate policies to students; select representatives to appropriate College committees; and assist in planning student affairs, such as social activities, orientation, reception for friends and parents at graduation, field trips, reception during orientation, and College-wide awards convocations, or other such student affairs as seems appropriate.
Contacts/Advisors:
Lyndsay Johnson
LJohnoson@uams.edu (501) 686-5722
Deziree Arnett
DArnett@uams.edu (501) 686-6512
COPH Student Council
Mission/Purpose:
The purpose/mission of the Student Council shall be: To advance the interests of enrolled students in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; To serve as an exemplar of public health values and principles; To assist in the development of policies for students; To determine ways to communicate policies to students; To select representatives to appropriate College committees; and To assist in planning student affairs
Contact/Advisor:
Roxanna Walker
Graduate Student Association
Mission/Purpose:
The Graduate Students Association of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences [UAMS], serves to promote a conducive atmosphere in the campus for overall welfare of the graduate students, represent the graduate students in campus organizations, and act as a liaison between the Graduate School faculty and UAMS Administration to address student concerns. The GSA also serves to promote the graduate program at the UAMS campus and to encourage sharing of ideas in scientific research among the students.
Contacts/Advisors:
Dr. Robert McGehee
REM@uams.edu (501) 603-1998
Latrina Prince
Laboratory Sciences Student Association
Mission/Purpose:
LSSA is a student-run organization that serves to promote social and intellectual fellowship among its members, encourage research, develop professionalism, and raise the awareness or laboratory sciences professions.
Contact:
Cherika Robertson
Advisor:
Thao Vu
UAMS 12th Street HWC Student Advisory Board
Mission/Purpose:
The mission of the Student Advisory Board is to serve as an advisory body to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 12th Street Health and Wellness Center representing a diverse group of campus interests in promoting the health and wellness of the 12th Street community. The SAB shall serve as a liaison between the student body and the administration, bringing to the forefront issues and concerns from the students.
Contact:
Dr. Madeline Neubauer
Advisor:
Dr. Melissa Halverson
UAMS Pickleball Club
Mission/Purpose:
To socialize, encourage, and uplift our peers in non-academic setting such as Pickleball.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Manisha Singh
UAMS Running Club
Mission/Purpose:
The goal of the UAMS Running Club is to welcome current and prospective runners of all levels within the UAMS community to explore themselves and Arkansas through running. We seek to provide a welcoming space for members of all ages, fitness levels, and programs to help accomplished and aspiring runners within the UAMS ecosystem push their boundaries and make new connections.
Contacts:
Cole Bolen
Adam Carter
Advisor:
Murat Gokden
UAMS Student Veteran Organization
Mission/Purpose:
First and foremost is to ensure that veterans, active duty personnel, reservists and their families are receiving all benefits entitled to them, and to ensure a contact to readjustment counseling should they feel the need. Secondly, our purpose is to provide a fellowship of likeminded individuals in order to create a network of students and successful alumni in order to provide professional and leadership development.
Contact/Advisor:
David Williams
SERVICE
Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International
Mission/Purpose:
To provide spiritual growth for pharmacy students through fellowship, study, and service to our community, nation, and world
Contact:
Lexi Jacobus
Advisors:
Kaci Boehmer
Melanie Reinhardt
Climate and Health Interest Group (CHIG)
Mission/Purpose:
To work towards combating climate change and its impact on human health. Living in the Natural State, we must appreciate our natural environment and respect the role it plays in our everyday lives. Additionally, as Arkansas’ future healthcare providers, we have a unique responsibility to address health issues related to the climate crisis. Through education and service, we hope to better inform the COM community of how climate change specifically influences public health and help identify innovative ways to mitigate these impacts as we progress towards a more sustainable future.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. David L. Davies
DaviesDavidL@uams.edu (501) 686-5184
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
Mission/Purpose:
Help students explore the field of Family Medicine through monthly meetings, conferences, service and social events.
Contact/Advisor:
Leslie Stone, MD
lstone@uams.edu (479) 521-8260
Jessica Bursk
jlbursk@uams.edu (501) 686-5260
Latino Medical Student Association
Mission/Purpose:
The LMSA was created at UAMS to form a community of support around future physicians through mentorhsip, service, and education. We seek to help our members become better healthcare providers with the hope of improving our community’s health, focusing on Hispanic and Latino communities within the United States. Our vision is to unify medical students to promote Latino health.
Contacts/Advisors:
Dr. Eduardo Ochoa
Dr. Daniela Ochoa
League of United Latin American Citizens
Mission/Purpose:
To advocate and serve our Latin American population and underserved communities.
Contacts/Advisors:
Billy Thomas
Eddie Ochoa
NW LGBTQIA+ Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To connect LDBTGIA+ students, faculty, staff, and allies to promote community and support.
Contacts:
Chloe Cline
Reem Al-Shukri
Advisor:
Lauren Parker
NW Women’s Health Interest Group (WHIG)
Mission/Purpose:
To expose medical students to women’s health and the OBGYN specialty, and provide shadowing and service opportunities in the NWA community.
Contact:
Chloe Cline
Advisor:
Dr. Hanna Jensen
Rural Medicine Student Leadership Association (RMSLA)
Mission/Purpose:
Promote the retention and recruitment of medical students with interest in rural practices, as well as build strong relationships with rural communities that may support medical students through scholarship and loan programs.
Contact/Advisor:
Jessica Bursk
jlbursk@uams.edu (501) 686-5260
Student Alliance for Veteran Empowerment (SAVE)
Mission/Purpose:
To serve and uplift the veteran community.
Contact:
Khristina Huff
Advisor:
David Williams