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: Ben 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.

Cardiology

President: Benjamin Fliman
Vice President: Carlos Font
Treasurer: Neil Saini
Career Outreach: Nehal Patel
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Soujanya Bogarapu

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: Benny Tom
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.

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.