UAMS RECOGNIZED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS 2025-2026
ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL
Adam Brown Interest Group for Military Medicine
Mission/Purpose:
To facilitate the sharing of information about military medicine and provide opportunities for mentorship for aspiring military medical students.
Contact:
Colten Smith
Advisor:
Dr. Richard Betzold
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/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:
Kerigan Bradshaw
Advisor:
Chris Johnson
Anesthesiology Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To foster interest in anesthesiology and facilitate the pursuance of education and/or a career in anesthesiology.
Contact:
Blake Plyler
Advisor:
Daniel Bingham
Artificial Intelligence Medicine Student 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.
Contact/Advisor:
Wendy Ward
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
Mission/ Purpose:
APAMSA’s mission is to empower and support medical students of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, promoting cultural competence and addressing health disparities in these communities. They advocate, educate, and promote diversity in the medical field for a more equitable healthcare system.
Contact:
Vincz Ong
Advisor:
Dr. Nahn H. Phan
nphan@uams.edu (479) 420-3466
Associated Student Government
Mission/Purpose:
To serve as a liaison between students and faculty/administration. To establish and facilitate communication between all campus constituencies. To provide assistance as needed to members to members of the community. To assist in the formulation and implementation of University policies and practices.
Contact/Advisor:
Cardiology Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To help foster student interest in cardiology and help network with residents, fellows, and faculty. We want to help students explore the field of cardiovascular medicine and provide opportunities for research and shadowing.
Contact:
Purav Chokhani
Advisor:
Dr. Srikanth Vallurupalli
Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)
Mission/Purpose:
To motivate and equip pharmacy students to practice faith in Jesus Christ in their personal and professional lives, and to encourage and develop an active Christian witness and evangelism through prayer, Bible study, outreach, and fellowship.
Contact:
Melanie Reinhardt
Advisor:
Kaci Boehmer
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
Mission/Purpose:
Cultivate the personal and professional growth of students in the UAMS College of Medicine, who are interested in improving their clinical, analytical, and communication skills through Emergency Medicine-focused simulations and events.
Contact/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/Advisor:
Dr. 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:
Dr. Deanne King
Advisor:
Dr. Abby Nolder
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
Mission/Purpose:
The Family Medicine Student Interest Group is dedicated to fostering a passion for comprehensive healthcare that honors the diverse needs of individuals and families across all ages, genders, and cultures. We strive to educate and empower future physicians by providing opportunities for hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement. Our mission is to promote the principles of holistic care, advocacy, and cultural competence, ensuring that all members develop the skills and values necessary to become compassionate family medicine practitioners committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Contact:
Jessica Bursk
Advisor:
Dr. Leslie Stone
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:
Dr. Shakshi Sharma
Advisors:
Dr. Gohar Azhar
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:
Latrina Prince
Healthcare and Conversation in Spanish Club
Mission/Purpose:
The purpose of the Healthcare and Conversation in Spanish Club is to allow
a safe space for students with any previous level of Spanish to practice and improve their medical and conversational Spanish. We also strive to increase awareness of of cultural and linguistic barriers the patients may encounter in the clinical setting.
Contact:
Dr. Eduardo Ochoa
Advisor:
Dr. Jesus Delgado-Calle
Internal Medicine Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To foster awareness of Internal Medicine, support medical students pursuing internal medicine, develop skills relevant to the specialty, and explore the subspecialties of IM.
Contact:
Smit Patel
Contact:
Dr. Ples Spradley
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:
Lacie Covington
Advisor:
Anderew Buchan
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:
Kaci Boehmer
Advisors:
Melanie Reinhardt
ReinhardtMelanieA@uams.edu (501) 258-2541
Kelly-Rahn-Turnage Fellowship of Physician Assistant Students
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:
Linda Haubenstein
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:
To share the tenets of lifestyle medicine with future providers: physical activity, restorative sleep, plant-predominant diet, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances.
Contact:
Brigette Serfaty
Advisor:
Gina Drobena
Medical Humanities Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To study humanities in terms of application to patient care, and to give students an outlet to discuss their interest in the humanities and explore/experience new media and perspectives.
Contact/Advisor:
Angela Scott
Medical Students for Choice (MSFC)
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.
Contacts:
Tanya Joseph
Chloe Cline
Advisor:
Dr. Chad Taylor
National Community Pharmacists Association
Mission/Purpose:
NCPA protects and promotes the interests of independent pharmacists whose current and future success is vital to their patients, their communities, and the entire healthcare system.
Contact/Advisor:
Megan Smith
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
Mission/Purpose:
To encourage professional interest among university students on the studies of human communication sciences & disorders; to provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern; to assist college & university departments & local organizations interested in speech, hearing, & language disorders.
Contact:
Sarah Allen
Advisor:
Caitlin Price
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:
Megan Rogers
Advisor:
Lindsey Sward
Ophthalmology Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To provide medical students interested in ophthalmology expanded opportunities to explore the field, gain knowledge and exposure to the specialty, and network with other students and professionals with overlapping interests. We strive to involve both academic and clinical faculty to increase student interest and success.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Romona Davis
Orthopaedics Interests Group
Mission/Purpose:
To foster personal and professional growth of students interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedics.
Contact:
Zachary Parisi
Advisor:
Dr. John Bracey
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:
Jacob Filipek
Advisors:
Carla Brown
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/Advisor:
Seth Heldenbrand
Psychiatry Student Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To foster interest in Psychiatry as a field of medicine and support the members who are applying into residency.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Margaret Ege-Woolley
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
Rare Disease Interest Group (RDIG)
Mission/Purpose:
The purpose of this organization is to advance UAMS healthcare student and medical provider knowledge of rare health conditions through meetings that focus on the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and families affected by rare diseases, disorders, and conditions, commentary by treating physicians and medical experts, clinical studies, and relevant scientific research.
Contact:
Yanping Izak Harville
Advisor:
Dr. Jeffrey Clothier
RHO CHI National Honor Society
Mission/Purpose:
The Rho Chi Society seeks to advance pharmacy through sustained intellectual leadership.
Contact/Advisor:
Amanda Stolarz
Student Academy of Audiology
Mission/Purpose:
To serve 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:
Dr. Madison Howe
Advisor:
Dr. Samuel Atcherson
Student ADHA (American Dental Hygienists’ Association)
Mission/Purpose:
To cultivate, promote, and sustain the art and science of dental hygiene, to represent and safeguard the common interest of the members of the dental hygiene profession, and to contribute toward the improvement of the oral health o the public.
Contact/Advisor:
Bridget Fitzhugh
bfitzhugh@uams.edu (501) 686-5735
Student Club of Pathology Education (SCOPE)
Mission/Purpose:
To educate medical students about career options in pathology, as well as how to pursue such a career.
Contact/Advisor:
Rakesh Sethapati
Student Pediatric Pharmacy Association (SPPA)
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 Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Mission/Purpose:
To be a primary resource of health-system pharmacy information, guidance, and experiences, while advancing clinical learning in cooperation with the healthcare community.
Contact:
Madeline Butera
Advisor:
Lindsey Dayer
UAMS College of Nursing Student Association at Little Rock
Mission/Purpose:
To assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality of health care. To provide programs representative of fundamental interests and concerns to nursing students. To aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, his/her responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Leah Richardson
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 and walkers within the UAMS ecosystem push their boundaries and make new connections.
Contacts:
Cole Bolen
Adam Carter
Advisor:
Murat Gokden
Women in Anesthesiology (WIA)
Mission/Purpose:
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
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
Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To equip medical students who have a passion and interest in CT surgery with information, tools, and a network to pursue a career in CT surgery. To establish a community of students and faculty with like-minded interest to mentor, encourage, and experience different areas of CT surgery.
Contact:
Kimberly O’Brien
Advisor:
Dr. Lawrence Greiten
MHA Student Association
Mission/Purpose:
To provide professional development opportunities to MHA students including participation in healthcare activities with alumni and professional associations.
Contact/Advisor:
Melissa Yandell
NW Women’s Health Interest Group (NW-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
Student Research Interest Group
Mission/Purpose:
To instill confidence in student researchers by establishing a community that fosters scientific growth, partnership, and innovative thinking. To equip medical students with the innovation, passion, and network necessary to pursue research.
Contact:
Joshua Spiva
Advisor:
Dr. Hanna K. Jensen
Student Teaching Network
Mission/Purpose:
To encourage and prepare current COM students to pursue careers in teaching and medical education. To better organize and improve educational support for the UAMS College of Medicine in order to improve USMLE performance and increase students’ abilities to become lifelong learners and educators.
Contact;
Will Wilkins
Advisor:
Dr. Jasna Vuk
UAMS Pickleball Club
Mission/Purpose:
To socialize, encourage, and uplift our peers in non-academic setting such as Pickleball.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Manisha Singh
Walk with a Doc
Mission/Purpose:
To bring people together for a common purpose – taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Walk with a Doc was founded on the principles of engaging out community and giving our physicians and community a chance to interact.
Contact:
Jared Hastings
Advisor:
Natalie Cannady
SERVICE
CHP Student Advisory Committee
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
LJohnson4@uams.edu (501) 686-5722
Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)
Mission/Purpose:
To motivate and equip pharmacy students to practice faith in Jesus Christ in their personal and professional lives, and to encourage and develop an active Christian witness and evangelism through prayer, Bible study, outreach, and fellowship.
Contact:
Melanie Reinhardt
Advisor:
Kaci Boehmer
Crochet with Care
Mission/Purpose:
To provide lovingly crocheted & hand-knitted blankets to babies in neonatal ICU incubators free of charge.
Contact/Advisor
Rebecca Latch
LatchRebeccaL@uams.edu (501) 940-6480
Jennifer VanEcko
vaneckojenniferl@uams.edu (501) 686-5800
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. Members strive to gain exposure to various aspects of laboratory science through guest speakers, events, and volunteer projects. LSSA fosters an environment of support, teamwork, and general compassion for the community through educational service projects and fundraising events.
Contact:
Cherika Robertson
Advisor:
Thao Vu
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
South Asian Students in Healthcare (SASH)
Mission/Purpose:
To promote diversity and inclusion within our student body and provide opportunities to serve the community through volunteering, fundraising, and direct service.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Manisha Singh
Student Alliance for Veteran Empowerment (SAVE)
Mission/Purpose:
To serve, honor, and empower the veteran community. To champion the unwavering service veterans have rendered to our nation. We strive to foster a culture that wholeheartedly serves, honors, and empowers our veteran community, all the while ensuring they receive the recognition, support, and advocacy that they rightfully deserve. We solemnly vow never to forget those who have given their all, for their sacrifices can never be repaid.
Contact/Advisor:
David Williams
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
Mission/Purpose:
SNPhA is an educational service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about the profession of pharmacy, healthcare issues, and the poor minority representation in these areas. The purpose of SNPhA is to plan, organize, coordinate, and execute programs geared toward the improvement of the health, educational, and social environment of minority communities.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Pilar Murphy
UAMS 12th Street HWC Student Board of Directors
Mission/Purpose:
Our mission is to maintain an interprofessional student run free health center that focuses on improving access to healthcare for Little Rock Promise Neighborhood residents and other medically underserved communities in central Arkansas, while improving the clinical and educational skills of students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Contact/Advisor:
Dr. Melissa Halverson
UAMS Northwest North Street Clinic Board of Directors
Mission/Purpose:
To support the health and wellness of underserved populations in NWA through hands-on involvement in clinical and community healthcare initiatives, and to foster collaboration among students from students from various healthcare disciplines at UAMS NW campus.
Contact:
Rosa Brewer
Advisor:
Dr. Tina Maddox