Student Interest Groups
Medical students at UICOMP have a wide range of interests and passions. This is reflected in the large variety of active student interest groups. Student Interest Groups (SIGs) allow students to plan programs and events to further their common interests in different medical specialties, service & advocacy programs, social & recreational activities, and cultural & spiritual topics.
How to Register a Student Interest Group Heading link
The annual Student Interest Group registration period begins each year in May and concludes in early August. At UICOMP, the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, and the Peoria Medical Student Council are responsible for approving the registrations of Student Interest Groups at the first meeting of the Academic Year which is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Review and recommendations of annual funding for SIGs occurs at the Budget Advisory Committee on the third Wednesday in August, and is ratified by the Peoria Medical Student Council shortly thereafter.
Funding derives from Student fees. Expenditures must conform to college and university regulations, as detailed in the Spending Guidelines for Students. Additional funding requests can be made by filling out a funding proposal form and submitting it to the Budget Advisory Council (BAC). The BAC meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
For more information about Student Interest Groups, contact the UICOMP Student Affairs Office, 309-671-8411.
List of Student Organizations Heading link
Medical students at UICOMP have a wide range of interests and passions. This is reflected in our large variety of active student organizations.
List of Interest Groups
Anesthesia SIG
- President: Bret Olson
- Treasurer: Benjamin Fliman
- Career Outreach Chair: Kola Sangokoya
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andrew Adair
Purpose: To facilitate networking opportunities, exposure, and developmental workshops focused in the specialty of anesthesia, and arranging didactic sessions for those with an interest or curiosity in learning about a career in anesthesia.
Dermatology Interest Group
- President: Marcus Rossi
- Vice President: Robin Rong
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joshua Kentosh
Purpose: Provide students who have a desire to pursue a career in Dermatology a place to grow their interest with educational and networking opportunities.
Dermatology of Color
- President: Austin Le
- Vice President: Rahwa Hailemichael
- Treasurer: Elisheba Odei
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kelvin Wynn
Purpose: Support the campus community with resources to pursue the field of dermatology. Create community outreach and volunteer events to foster dermatologic access to under-resourced communities.
Diagnostic Radiology Interest Group
- President: Ameena Patel
- Treasurer: Faisal Al-Qawasmi
- Career Outreach Chair: Mohamed Gaballah
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jane Maksimovic
Purpose: To provide medical students interested in Diagnostic Radiology opportunities for networking, research, and education and connect students with the Department of Radiology for mentorship.
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
- President: Benny Tom
- Vice President: David Liang
- Treasurer: Riyaaz Khan
- Career Outreach Chair: Benjamin Fliman
- Faculty Advisor: Shannon Egli
Purpose: To foster a community dedicated to serving patients with Otolaryngological needs by facilitating exposure to Otolaryngology for students within the interest group, as well as for the broader UICOMP community.
Emergency Medicine Student Interest Group
- President: Allison Wallenfang and Kimberly Norteman
- Vice President: Conner Driver
- Treasurer: Jhôelle Acey
- Career Outreach Chair: Julia Bendorf
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gregory Podolej
Purpose: To provide medical students interested in Emergency Medicine the opportunity to explore topics and skills required and to connect with those in the field.
Family Medicine SIG
- President: Demi Castellanos & Sonia Ramirez
- Treasurer: Alvin Zhang
- Career Outreach Chair: Lauren Schmidt
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Gabel
Purpose: The purpose of the group is to show students what it is like to be a Family Medicine physician and get students interested in Family Medicine as a career choice.
Gastroenterology SIG
- President: Aneal Dayal
- Vice President: Zeeshan Zubair
- Treasurer: Martin Jastrzebski
- Career Outreach Chair: Max Spiro
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Harishankar Gopakumar
Purpose: Help introduce students to the profession of Gastroenterology, connecting attendings and residents with medical students.
Infectious Disease
- President: Mary Bass
- Vice President: Ishita Bhattacharya
- Treasurer: Abigail Schulz
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. John Farrell
Purpose: To explore the world of infectious disease and inspire students inspired in the field.
Internal Medicine SIG
- President: Lamisha Tabriz and Kevin Kim
- Vice President: Aneal Dayal
- Treasurer: Omar Garcia Martinez
- Career Outreach Chair: Manasi Lingamaneni
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peter Phan and Dr. Matthew Jager
Purpose: To promote communication among medical students and internal medicine faculty and to promote events to learn about careers in internal medicine.
Interventional Radiology
- President: Faisal Al-Qawasmi
- Treasurer: Ameena Patel
- Career Outreach Chair: Mohammed Gaballah
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andy Tu
Purpose: The Interventional Radiology Student Interest Group (IRSIG) is a dedicated community of aspiring medical students passionate about interventional radiology. Our mission is to foster a vibrant learning environment where students can explore the diverse facets of interventional radiology, expand their knowledge through interactive sessions, workshops, and guest lectures, and engage in hands-on experiences. IRSIG aims to cultivate a sense of camaraderie among its members, encouraging collaboration and networking opportunities with seasoned professionals and like-minded peers. By promoting awareness and understanding of interventional radiology’s pivotal role in minimally invasive procedures, we aspire to inspire the next generation of radiologists to advance medical innovation and enhance patient outcomes.
Med-Peds SIG
- President: Liana Chidichimo
- Vice President: Ishita Bhattacharya
- Treasurer: Annie Zhu
- Career Outreach Chair: Saahithya Gowrishankar
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Matthew Mischler
Purpose: To promote Med-Peds as a specialty to medical students.
Microsurgery SIG
- President: Olivia Guntin
- Vice President: Julia Bendorf
- Treasurer: Cecilia Canizela
- Career Outreach Chair: Grace Tu
- Faculty Advisor: Shannon Egli
Purpose: To help cultivate microsurgery skills through a 4-week course at JUMP over Zoom with Chicago. We will also have a day that people can come in after they have taken the 4-week course to practice and hone their skills. Potentially, there will be a surgical seminar course this fall that will focus on case studies.
Neurology SIG
- President: Navid Shoaee
- Vice President: Cecilia Canizela
- Treasurer: Heysel M Serra Rodriguez
- Career Outreach Chair: Andrea Ouyang
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jorge Kattah
Purpose: To allow medical students to learn about neurology as a specialty, interact with professionals in the field, and raise awareness of neurological conditions.
OB/GYN SIG
- President: Allie Sidwell & Kushi Gowda
- Vice President: Eesha Tokala
- Treasurer: Mariella Saludares
- Career Outreach Chair: Shannon Ryan
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Charkavarthy
Purpose: Our purpose is to increase understanding and exposure to the field of OB/GYN as well as promote connections between medical students and practicing physicians in women’s health.
Ophthalmology SIG
- President: Cecelia Canizela, Grace Tu
- Treasurer: Benjamin Mendez
- Career Outreach Chair: Rhonda Lee
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kamal Kishore
Purpose: The purpose of the group is to create a community for students interested in ophthalmology. The SIG offers resources and information about the field and provides volunteer opportunities. They also provide information on the residency application process and ways to establish research, shadowing, and volunteer opportunities.
Orthopaedic Surgery Student Interest Group
- President: Mariam Banoub
- Treasurer: Daniel McBride
- Career Outreach Chair: Amrita Nag
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert Kinzinger
Purpose: Coordinate and attend social events and lunch-ins to explore the orthopedic surgical field. Foster an interest in orthopedic surgery and its associated sub-specialties. Prepare to successfully apply to associated residencies. Create a welcoming environment for all students to come, socialize, and help each other.
Pathology SIG
- President: Samantha Wahlers
- Vice President: Kara Proctor
- Treasurer: Ayana Blair
- Career Outreach Chair: Emily Acton
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Lori Racsa
Purpose: The goal of this interest group is to provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of pathology. This SIG will shed light on the various subspecialties of pathology, work settings (yes, some pathologists do see patients!), and expansive career opportunities. Further, have you ever wondered how a biopsy makes its way from inside a patient to under a microscope? This group will help bridge the gap between histology and pathology, as it takes students on a specimen’s journey from the O.R. to becoming one of those colorful images students spend years studying. Finally, the pathology SIG seeks to demonstrate how a pathologist is a critical physician team member in any specialty, to provide resources for students to engage with the field, and to increase the number of students considering pathology as their future career choice.
Pediatric Student Interest Group
- President: Kylee Andrew and Ishita Bhattacharya
- Vice President: Austin Le & Manasi Lingamaneni
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Zohra Moeenuddin
Purpose: To educate and provide specialty-specific opportunities for students interested in Pediatrics, such as networking, volunteering, and more.
Psychiatry Interest Group
- President: Melissa Kim
- Vice President: Bhavana Muppavarapu
- Treasurer: Carmen Calhoun
- Career Outreach Chair: Lon Hutchinson
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryan Finkenbine
Purpose:
- Give UICOMP students better (early) exposure to Psychiatry
- Create stronger and more consistent connections between the UICOMP students and the UICOMP Psychiatry Residency (including both residents and faculty)
- Provide UICOMP students with resources in terms of career guidance and networking opportunities in order to allow them to match as well as possible
Pulmonology SIG
- President: Matthew Crimmins
- Vice President: Jessica Haas
- Treasurer: Kedrick Shin
- Career Outreach Chair: Pranesh Ravichandran
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Anamika Sengupta
Purpose: To provide a platform for community initiatives to improve lung health in the Peoria community. The Pulmonology SIG aspires to garner more interest in the field of pulmonology while collaborating with community groups to address pulmonary diseases, such as COPD, asthma, and lung cancer in Peoria.
Rad Onc Sig
- President: Lexi Reinders
- Treasurer: Eilidh O’Brien
- Career Outreach Chair: Eilidh O’Brien
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Hermann (or Dr. Smile)
Purpose: Interest group for students who are interested in getting involved with rad onc and rad onc research projects.
Surgery SIG
- President: Ruidi Xu
- Vice President: Devon Negron
- Treasurer: Grace Tu
- Career Outreach Chair: Stephen DeMartini
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Anthony Munaco
Purpose: Surgery SIG provides students the opportunity to explore the specialty of general surgery through connecting with peers, attending hands-on workshops, and networking with mentors, with the ultimate goal of determining whether a surgical career is the right fit for them. Whether you’re passionate or simply curious, all levels of experience and interest are welcome.
Urology Student Interest Group
- President: Nathan Clay
- Vice President: Mitchell Haddock
- Treasurer: Ben Filman
- Career Outreach Chair: Matt Zleczewski
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Samuel Ohlander
Purpose: The Urology Student Interest Program aims to inspire and educate students about the field of urology. By offering interactive workshops and a space to connect and collaborate with students with similar interests, the program provides a comprehensive overview of urological health, diseases, and treatments. It encourages students to explore career opportunities within urology, fostering a deeper understanding of patient care, surgical techniques, and research advancements. Through this program, students gain valuable insights and practical skills, helping them make informed decisions about their future in medicine and potentially leading them to pursue a rewarding career in urology.
List of Service & Advocacy Groups
Adaptive Climbing
- President: Toma Tchernodrinski
- Vice President: Mohamed Gaballah
- Treasurer: Conner Driver
- Faculty Advisor: Dean LaFontaine
Purpose: To use climbing to improve the well-being of medical students by helping their fitness and creating a supportive and inclusive community.
Admissions Ambassadors
- President: Liana Chidichimo; Zoe Demko
- Vice President: Yoonje Cho
- Treasurer: Dr. Adaobi Duru
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Adaobi Duru
Purpose: We support the admissions administration by organizing student panels, meet and greets, second-look, and other events during and after interviews. We seek to give prospective and incoming students a clear and compelling perspective on the student experience here at UICOMP.
Bradley University Pipeline SIG
- President: Charlie Perez-Suarez
- Vice President: Kimberly Norteman
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Hanks
Purpose: Our goal is to assist with Bradley University’s new direct admissions program. We aid in providing premeds volunteering opportunities, core cases with medical educational learning, medical student mentors, and provide premeds with our experiences as students and through the medical school application processes.
Community Clinic Connect
- President: Erin Fund
- Vice President: Benny Tom
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amy Christison
Purpose: Community Clinic Connect partners with the Loaves and Fish Food Pantry in Peoria to offer blood pressure and blood sugar screenings as well as free provider visits to individuals utilizing the emergency food system in our community.
Connecting with Peoria
- President: Aneal Dayal
- Vice President: Marcus Rossi
- Treasurer: Eric Hu
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mary Stapel
Purpose: To introduce UICOMP medical students and faculty members to Peoria organizations that commit their time to serving the community. The goal is to facilitate long-term relationships between members of UICOMP and the community through volunteerism.
Cordoba Free Clinic
- President: Charlie Perez-Suarez
- Vice President: Anjani Maley
- Treasurer: Julia Bendorf
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vazquez- Melendez
Purpose: Córdoba Health Care is a medical clinic with dedicated medical professionals and volunteers committed to providing low-cost, basic medical care to the Greater Peoria area. We work alongside physicians and evaluate patients for no cost to the patient.
Disability and Medicine Student Interest Group
- President: Yoonje Cho
- Vice President: Kylee Andrew
- Treasurer: Grace Tu
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Hanks, Dr. Wendelin Burdo-Hartman
Purpose: Educate medical students on working with people who have disabilities. Give opportunities for students to learn through a disability curriculum integrated in the coursework. Provide outreach opportunities in the community for organizations specific to serving people with disabilities.
Global Health Interest Group
- President: Shahabal Khan
- Vice President: Basil Zakkar
- Treasurer: Jose Gonzalez
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rima Shrestha
Purpose: Learn about global health disparities and encourage students to get involved in global health projects and missions.
Hablemos Medicina
- President: Carlos Font, Omar Garcia Martinez
- Vice President: Lexi Weltin
- Treasurer: Heysel Serra Rodriguez
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elsa Vazquez-Melendez
Purpose: The purpose of this SIG is to integrate Medical Spanish and LatinX cultural humility in order to better understand and communicate with Spanish Speaking patients. Anyone interested in learning medical Spanish and/or understanding challenges faced by Hispanic patients in the US is welcome to join.
Harmony Hot Meals
- President: Ranya Naser
- Vice President: Lamisha Tabriz
- Treasurer: Jessica Garcia Palacios
- Faculty Advisor: Dr Vazquez Melendez
Purpose: Harmony Hot Meals-Peoria is a service club dedicated to cooking and distributing hot meals monthly to the Peoria Rescue Mission and other local organizations. The initiative aims to support the community by providing nutritious meals to those in need, fostering a spirit of compassion and service among volunteers. We have the goal of seeing the impact of home-cooked healthy meals on the overall physical and mental well-being of individuals.
Healthy Kids University (HKU)
- President: Manasi Ligamaneni
- Vice President: Kajal Patel
- Treasurer: Ayana Blair
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amy Christison
Purpose: Collaborate with the Greater Peoria Family YMCA and local dieticians to provide weekly exercise/nutrition classes to children and families in an effort to develop healthy habits and prevent obesity-related health issues.
Hearts for Hope – St. Jude’s
- President: Claudia Lasalle
- Vice President: Ciara Callanan
- Treasurer: Andrew Vallejos
- Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Kellington
Purpose: To create pediatric oncology service learning opportunities for students in partnership with the St. Jude’s clinic at OSF, and to support the St. Jude’s organization as a whole.
Medical Students for Choice
- President: Eilidh O’Brien
- Vice President: Rumi Venkatesh
- Treasurer: Toma Tchernodrinski
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vazquez-Melendez
Purpose: To educate students and the community on women’s health, abortion care, contraception, gender-affirming care, and sexual health.
Medicine for Kiddos (MFK)
- President: Liana Chidichimo
- Vice President: Anjani Maley
- Treasurer: Ishita Bhattacharya
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amy Christison
Purpose: To promote healthy habits and introduce the field of medicine to local primary school students.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) on Campus
- President: Bhavana Muppavarapu
- Vice President: Anthony Pendleton
- Treasurer: Carmen Calhoun
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andrew Lancia
Purpose: We aim to have transparent discussions regarding mental health issues through social events and educational events partnered with the local NAMI Tri-County Illinois.
Pregnant Adolescent/Adult Learning with Medical Student
- President: Yoonje Cho
- Vice President: Kara Proctor
- Treasurer: Grace Tu
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rahmat Na Allah
Purpose: To match medical students with a teenager who is pregnant (PAL), offering individualized support for the mother-to-be during the pregnancy.
Medical students may:
- Meet up with their PAL and grab coffee/meal or be a support system at an appointment or class
- Educate their PAL on good medical practices throughout the pregnancy
- Bring in mothers-to-be and give them a safe space to share their experience
- Fundraise for supplies for the baby: diapers, cribs, pacifiers, strollers, toys, etc.
- Invite a psychiatrist/OBGYN to speak about postpartum depression
- Discuss WIC and SNAP opportunities
- Talk with their PAL about Std testing, group b testing, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy prevention in the future
Public Health Interest Group (PHIG)
- President: Austin Le
- Vice President: Jessica Tiv
- Treasurer: Austin Le
- Faculty Advisor: Angela O’Bryant
Purpose: To bring together students who are interested in learning more about public health, connect them with initiatives in and around Peoria, and host the annual Health Disparities Forum.
Students for a National Health Program (SNaHP)
- President: Kelley Baumann
- Vice President: Jared Moxley
- Treasurer: Sam Niecestro
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peter Orris
Purpose: Campus chapter of the national organization Students for a National Health Program (SNaHP). SNaHP exists to educate medical students, providers, and community members on the movement for a single-payer healthcare system and advocate for just changes to healthcare systems on a local level. We believe that a single publicly funded, privately delivered universal healthcare system is necessary for us to provide high-quality care to all our patients.
We Belong
- President: Zaphrirah Chin
- Vice President: Jhoelle Acey-Prewitt
- Treasurer: Karina Favela
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vazquez-Melendez
Purpose: We Belong is a student interest group dedicated to addressing first-generation barriers, historical exclusion, and marginalization in order to safeguard the success of those confronted with contemporary exclusionary culture.
Academic Interest Groups
American Medical Association
- President: Austin Le
- Vice President: Jessica Haas
- Treasurer: Erin Fund
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Asim Jaffer
Description: The American Medical Association (AMA), founded in 1847 and incorporated in 1897, is the largest association of physicians—both MDs and DOs—and medical students in the United States. The AMA’s mission is “to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.” The Medical Student Section (MSS) is the student arm of the AMA. The MSS strives to be medical students’ leading voice for improving medical education and policy with the goal of bettering the future of medicine. The MSS provides student members with an important and visible platform for voicing concerns, advocating for change, and proposing solutions to problems in health care.
American Medical Women’s Association
- President: Sonia Ramirez
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dominique Fons
Description: The American Medical Women’s Association is a Philadelphia-based professional advocacy and educational organization of women physicians and medical students. AMWA works to advance women in medicine and to serve as a voice for women’s health.
Phi Delta Epsilon
- President: Eesha Tokala
- Vice President: Karina Favela
- Treasurer: Milon Hutchinson
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sherri Yong
Description: To establish connections with other medical students and physicians across the country and uphold mutual values of philanthropy, education and equity, and deity.
Society for Medical Ethics & Policy
- President: Yeoryia Christoforides
- Vice President: Sam Niecestro
- Treasurer: Jared Moxley
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Greg Tudor
Description: To explore, discuss, and cultivate students’ understanding of ethics in medicine and hopefully provide opportunities to professionally support medical ethics.
Student National Medical Association Peoria Chapter
- President: Kolawole Sangokoya
- Vice President: Ashley Kemembin
- Treasurer: Omar Martinez
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Thembi Conner-Garcia
Description: The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) 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.
SNMA programs are designed to serve the health needs of underserved communities and communities of color. In addition, SNMA is dedicated both to ensuring that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations and to increasing the number of African-American, Latino, and other students of color entering and completing medical school.
ValUIC
- President: Anjani Maley and Anup Patel
- Vice President: Anup Patel
- Treasurer: Mariam Ouzidane
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dominique Fons
Description: To share information and raise interest in Value-Based Healthcare.
Cultural & Spiritual Interest Groups
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
- President: Austin Le
- Vice President: Annie Zhu
- Treasurer: Allison Bai
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Saurabh K. Bansal
Purpose: The APAMSA chapter at UICOMP promotes the dissemination of information relative to Asian-Pacific American issues in the field of medical education. This group explores the unique challenges, obstacles, and responsibilities specific to Asian-Pacific American medical students and Physicians. It also provides opportunities for Asian-Pacific American medical students to give back to their community through service. Our chapter will represent Asian Pacific Americans as a group within the health care community at UICOMP, serving as a resource for information on matters related to Asian Pacific Americans, providing a forum for discussion of issues concerning Asian Pacific Americans in health care, and establishing a link between students and faculty of Asian Pacific American background.
Catholic Medical Association
- President: Matthew Wattelet
- Vice President: Yoonje Cho
- Treasurer: Barbara Mera
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Greg Tudor
Purpose: A group of Catholic medical students, also open to anyone interested in faith, focused on community, growing in the faith, fellowship, and receiving the Sacraments.
Christian Medical and Dental Association
- President: Abigail Schulz
- Vice President: Young-Hye Lee
- Treasurer: Eghosa Atoe
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mary Stapel
Purpose: To foster a faith-based community and to welcome others who are interested in the group.
Iranian Cultural Association
- President: Amin Parvizi
- Vice President: Navid Shoaee
- Treasurer: Arshia Ghodrati
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amy Christison
Purpose: To spread knowledge of Iranian culture.
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
- President: Karina Favela
- Vice President: Demi Castellanos
- Treasurer: Diego Ruiz-Avila
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elsa L Vazquez-Melendez
Purpose: Provide a welcoming environment to embrace Latin culture among medical students.
MSA
- President: Fatima Nizamuddin
- Vice President: Ranya Naser
- Treasurer: Shahabal Khan
- Faculty Advisor: Dr Na’Allah
Purpose: To allow students of the Islamic faith or those interested in learning about the faith to join together and discuss religious topics, celebrate Islamic holidays, and raise awareness of ongoing worldwide issues.
South Asian Student Association
- President: Kushi Gowda; Supriya Ravishankar
- Vice President: Anjani Maley
- Treasurer: Neil Saini
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shevatekar
Purpose: The South Asian Student Association was created to celebrate and share the joy of the rich and diverse culture of South Asia. From enjoying Bollywood movies to celebrating vibrant festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Holi, we hope to create an environment where the UICOMP community can appreciate all that South Asian culture has to offer.
Student National Medical Association
- President: Kolawole Sangokoya; Ashley Kemembin
- Vice President: Adedoyin Dada
- Treasurer: Omar Garcia Martinez
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Conner-Garcia
Purpose: The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) 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.
SNMA programs are designed to serve the health needs of underserved communities and communities of color. In addition, SNMA is dedicated both to ensuring that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations and to increasing the number of African-American, Latino, and other students of color entering and completing medical school.
Social & Recreational
Atrial Kick
- President: Diego Ruiz-Avila
- Vice President: Matthew Wattelet
- Treasurer: Jose Gonzalez
- Faculty Advisor: Jaymi Belcher
Purpose: To play soccer in the local Peoria leagues.
Basketball and Leadership
- President: Kolawole Sangokoya
- Vice President: Aneal Dayal
- Treasurer: Ben Mendez
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kelvin Wynn
Purpose: A SIG that would function as an official group for students to organize and play basketball together while emphasizing community service, leadership, and mentoring.
Bump, Set, Spike
- President: Ishita Bhattacharya
- Vice President: Mary Bass
- Treasurer: Annie Zhu
- Faculty Advisor: Dean Doherty
Purpose: Gathering for volleyball games.
Docapella
- President: Erin Fund
- Vice President: Olivia Lee
- Treasurer: Yanal Kawaleet
- Faculty Advisor: Janice Tamplin
Purpose: Docapella is UICOMP’s own a capella singing group! We rehearse weekly and perform at university and community events such as an annual Halloween party, Holiday Breakfast, and Match Day Celebration. Students of all abilities and experience levels are welcome to participate!
Film Studies
- President: Daniel McBride
- Vice President: Abdullah Mubarik
- Treasurer: Riyaaz Khan
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Fisher
Purpose: Watch, analyze, and discuss popular films that have influenced our society and culture within or outside the realm of medicine.
Gaming SIG
- President: Milon Hutchinson
- Vice President: Dan Henley
- Treasurer: Toma Tchernodrinski
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jon Fisher
Purpose: The Gaming Student Interest Group (Gaming SIG) aims to foster a community of students who share a passion for gaming, both recreational and educational. Our group seeks to provide a platform for students to connect, collaborate, and engage in various gaming activities, including video games, board games, and other interactive entertainment. We aim to promote teamwork, strategic thinking, and stress relief through gaming events, tournaments, and discussions. Additionally, we will explore the potential applications of gaming in medical education and healthcare, including serious games for training and patient engagement.
Green Pollex
- President: Annie Zhu
- Vice President: Lauren Yep
- Treasurer: Andi Ohk
- Faculty Advisor: Angela O’Bryant
Purpose: The Green Pollex maintains a medicinal garden at the front entrance and supports the Family Medicine Community Garden.
Makers in Medicine
- President: Kushi Gowda
- Vice President: Samantha Wahlers
- Treasurer: Ayana Blair
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Fisher
Purpose: Makers in Medicine is a group for students interested in arts and crafts to come together and create art in various different ways, such as coloring, painting, crocheting, and more! It will serve as a creative outlet for students at any level in their artistic journey. We will also explore the relationship between art and healthcare and find ways to give back to the community, such as through donations of our projects.
Musicians in Medicine
- President: Ruidi Xu
- Vice President: David Liang
- Treasurer: Allen Shi
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Fisher
Purpose: Student-led organization dedicated to promoting community engagement and wellness through music. Specific emphases include dedicated group practice sessions, live performances, and community service. We hope this group can offer a supportive space for staying in touch with music through your medical journey.
Outdoors Student Interest Group
- President: Nolan Luckett
- Vice President: Blythe Richards
- Treasurer: Benny Tom
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jon Fisher
Purpose: The Outdoors SIG is organized to arrange various outdoor group activities open to the student body, from visiting and exploring the parks and nature preserves around the Peoria area to shooting events with clay and steel targets.
Pickleball
- President: Nehal Patel
- Vice President: Kedrick Shin
- Treasurer: Yanal Kawaleet
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amy Christison
Purpose: The purpose of a Pickleball SIG is to create a vibrant and inclusive community where individuals of all skill levels can come together to learn, play, and enjoy the rapidly growing sport of Pickleball. Recognized for its accessibility and appeal to diverse age groups and backgrounds, Pickleball is a sport that attracts all crowds. Our SIG aims to promote physical fitness, foster social connections, and provide opportunities for friendly competition and skill development. Through regular practice sessions and social events, the Pickleball SIG seeks to enhance the overall well-being and camaraderie of its members while popularizing this dynamic sport within the community.
Queer Coalition
- President: Anthony Pendleton
- Vice President: Morgan Samanic
- Treasurer: Anthony Pendleton
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vazquez Melendez
Purpose: Create a safe space for marginalized students.
Rock Docs
- President: Conner Driver
- Vice President: Toma Tchernodrinski
- Treasurer: Kedrick Shin
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Peter Phan
Purpose: Host climbing events in collaboration with the local First Ascent climbing gym geared towards climbers and children with disabilities.
Skating SIG
- President: Emily Shi
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. John Farrell
Purpose: Skating SIG is focused on promoting connection between students through ice skating. We host a few recreational skating events each year for skaters of all levels.
Strength & Conditioning SIG
- President: Stephen Demartini
- Vice President: Ryan Dillard
- Treasurer: Aaron Deter
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Fisher
Purpose: To promote exercise and wellness among medical students by promoting hobbies such as weight training, running, and cooking, among others.
Tennis SIG
- President: Kajal Patel
- Vice President: Kevin Kim
- Treasurer: Richard Guingrich
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amy Christison
Purpose: To foster interest and enjoyment in the sport of tennis amongst medical students and volunteer in summer tennis camps held by the Peoria Park District.
Ultimate Frisbee SIG
- President: Kedrick Shin
- Vice President: Allie Sidwell
- Treasurer: Yanal Kawaleet
- Faculty Advisor: Anamika Sengupta
Purpose: Our purpose is to organize ultimate frisbee games among our medical school classes.