About

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA)

is the nation's oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of minority medical students. Established in 1964 by medical students from Howard University and Meharry medical schools, the SNMA boasts over 40 years of service to underserved communities and medical students.

Our chapter is based at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. We annually implement programs at the college and local level. Our programs are designed to serve the health needs of underserved communities. We are dedicated both to ensuring that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations through community service, education, and mentorship we strive to help eliminate health disparities. We stand strong in the light of the many that struggled before us, and we hope to make each step easier for those who come after us.

Community service

The UTH Chapter of SNMA carries out the service mission of the SNMA by serving underserved communities in the greater Houston area. “Healthy People” Health Fairs target underserved communities and those with limited access to health care. Members educate scores of individuals about the importance of healthy living and provide screening for common health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. This year our chapter is collaborating with Be the Match and Walk for Sickle Cell Houston.

Outreach

UTH SNMA carries on the goals of its original founders, who sought to increase the number of health professionals of color in this country. This cannot be done without establishing relationships with students, physicians, and community centers in the greater Houston area. Members of SNMA frequently attend meetings hosted by our parent organization--The Houston Forum, a part of National Medical Association (NMA). Faculty and staff are sent letters with updates of current activities. Also, every year we host a minority pre-medical conference to help recruit underrepresented students to the the school and the medicine. Lastly, outreach is often integrated with community service projects (e.g. health fairs) during which partner with many organizations such as the American Heart Association, Houston Diabetes Association, Houston Heart Association, American Lung Association, Mental Health America, Alzheimer's Association, and MD Anderson Cancer Resource Center.

Benefits

Extracurricular Elective Credit: Each year’s lecture series is designed to provide participants with education that will make for more well rounded physicians in the future.

Attendance to the National SNMA conference: The annual medical education conference is a great opportunity to learn from and network with representatives from residency programs from across the US and with other medical students.

Scholarship Opportunities: We provide a data base of scholarship opportunities for fourth year away rotations throughout the country.

Mentors: Get to know your faculty and other physicians. Mentors are instrumental to the personal and professional development of our members.

Leadership Opportunities: With the vast array of missions the UTH SNMA carries out we are always in need of people to take on leadership positions at the local and national level. SNMA also provides annual leadership development retreats.

MAPS

SNMA offers the opportunity for mentorship through our Minority Association of Pre-medical Students or MAPS program. We have a great interest in increasing the number of underrepresented minority physicians. Through mentorship and our annual MAPS conference we provide pre-medical students with an experience that will enrich their education and help insure their successful matriculation into medical school.

Socials

Welcome to the Family! Medical School is hard as you will soon discover or have discovered. Support is vital to your success and that is what SNMA can offer you. Here at UTH we work hard but, we also know how to have fun. From the time we meet at the MS1 welcome social to the MS4 graduation dinner, we stick together and support one another while enjoying ourselves every step of the way!