Student Interest Groups
Introduction
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
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
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
Anesthesiology Student Interest Group
President: Omar Garcia Martinez
Treasurer: Eghosa Atoe
Career Outreach Chair: Rev Bellam
Faculty Advisor Name: Mario Flores, MD, MBA
Purpose: To introduce medical students to anesthesiology through education, mentorship, clinical exposure, and guidance on applying to residency.
Dermatology Student Interest Group
President: Jennifer King
Treasurer: Claudia Lasalle
Career Outreach Chair: Fiona Duffin
Faculty Advisor: Joshua Kentosh, DO, FAAD
Purpose: Aims to increase awareness of dermatology as a specialty by providing educational, clinical, research, mentorship, and service opportunities that enhance medical students’ understanding of skin health and disease while fostering professional development and community engagement.
Diagnostic Radiology Student Interest Group
President: Mohamed Gaballah & Mariam Ouzidane
Treasurer: Amanda Tran
Career Outreach Chair: Carolina Kirwan
Faculty Advisor: Jane Maksimovic, DO
Purpose: To provide educational opportunities relating to radiology and mentorship for students interested in applying to diagnostic radiology.
Emergency Medicine Student Interest Group
President: Conner Driver
Treasurer: Joey Shallat
Career Outreach Chair: Olivia King
Faculty Advisor Name: Matt Fischer, MD
Purpose: To share the excitement of emergency medicine with the student body!
ENT Student Interest Group
Presidents: Nathan McLaughlin
Treasurer: Mustafa Dabhur
Career Outreach Chair: Damon Phillips-Chantelois
Faculty Advisor: Shannon Egli, MS
Purpose: Exploration of interests in otolaryngology and practicing surgical techniques.
Family Medicine Student Interest Group
President: Alvin Zhang
Treasurer: Hawarit Mohammed
Career Outreach Chair: Kelley Baumann
Faculty Advisors: Dejan Maksimovic, DO
Purpose: Supporting students interested in Family Medicine through education, mentorship, and community.
Gastroenterology Student Interest Group
President: Elodie Baumgartner
Treasurer: Matthew Crimmins
Career Outreach Chair: Matthew Hill
Faculty Advisor: Omar Khokhar, MD
Purpose: To provide a place for those interested in the specialty of gastroenterology.
Hematology/Oncology Student Interest Group
President: Matthew Crimmins
Treasurer: Sammy Alhayek
Career Outreach Chair: Claire Fabian-Bayola
Faculty Advisor: Jenna Regan, PhD
Purpose: Help introduce students to the profession of Heme/Onc, connecting attendings and residents with medical students.
Infectious Diseases Student Interest Group
Presidents: Zoe Demko & Michael Pudlo
Vice Presidents: Isabella Green & Adila Ahmed
Treasurer: Mariella Saludares
Career Outreach Chair: Lexi Weltin
Faculty Advisor: John Farrell, MD
Purpose: To provide educational, research, and career support for students interested in infectious disease subspecialties, and to hold campus-wide events to help students across the years prepare for infectious disease topics covered on in-house and national exams.
Internal Medicine Student Interest Group
President: Manasi Lingamaneni
Treasurer: Abdulbasir Khan
Career Outreach Chairs: Anusha Gaddam & Vivienne Blackburn
Faculty Advisor: Peter Phan, MD, FACP
Purpose: Share opportunities and facilitate a supportive environment for students interested in applying into IM.
Interventional Radiology Student Interest Group
President: Becky Chen
Treasurer: Malek Shawabkeh
Career Outreach Chair: Mariam Ouzidane
Faculty Advisor: John Irish, MD
Purpose: To provide hands-on procedural workshops, faculty mentorship and opportunity for medical students to have exposure to this specialty early in their education.
Klingenstein Third Generation Fellowship Peoria
Presidents: Haley Reynolds & Ian Discher
Treasurer: Amit Somalwar
Career Outreach Chair: Daniel Lucas
Faculty Advisor: Lourdes Delgado-Serrano, MD
Purpose: Child Psychiatry Interest Group
Med-Peds Student Interest Group
President: Zoe Demko
Treasurer: Kelley Baumann
Career Outreach Chair: Lauryn Remmers
Faculty Advisor: Matthew Mischler, MD
Purpose: To educate current students about the Med-Peds specialty, work with residents and faculty to plan events for specialty exploration, and provide resources to students applying Med-Peds.
Neurology Student Interest Group
Presidents: Andrea Ouyang and Heysel Serra Rodriguez
Treasurer: Jay Srinivas
Career Outreach Chair: Sofia Faillaci and Kailey Bell
Faculty Advisor: Jorge Kattah, MD
Purpose: To help introduce students to neurology as a specialty and connect with neurology-related volunteering events.
Neurosurgery Student Interest Group
President: Baasit Jamal
Treasurer: Jarett Newnam
Career Outreach Chair: Grace Liu
Faculty Advisor: Sohail Syed, MD
Purpose: To connect students interested in Neurological Surgery with residents and attendings for assistance with educational, volunteer, and research opportunities.
OB/GYN Student Interest Group
Presidents: Amanda Tran & Melissa Gibson
Treasurer: Layomi Akande
Career Outreach Chair: Yeoryia Christoforides
Faculty Advisor: Katie Crawley, DO
Purpose: We aim to connect students at every level of medical education to foster cooperation and mutual success in pursuing the OBGYN specialty. We will be a source of events and education in the realm of OBGYN to all students interested in the field.
Ophthalmology Student Interest Group
President: Rhonda Lee
Treasurer: Bailey Bohannon
Career Outreach Chairs: Clare Chen & Madeleine Chow
Faculty Advisor: Kamal Kishore, MD
Purpose: Introduce medical students to the field of ophthalmology and share opportunities for students to get involved with local physicians for networking, shadowing, etc. Host match panel discussions on how to be competitive for ophthalmology residency applications. Get involved with local community events.
Orthopedic Surgery Student Interest Group
President: Sofie-Ellen Stroeva
Treasurer: Brenan Kelleher
Career Outreach Chairs: Lauren Lucina & Ali Rassouli
Faculty Advisor: Robert Kinzinger, MD
Purpose: The Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group is dedicated to exposing medical students to the field of orthopedic surgery while fostering mentorship, professional development, and hands-on learning. Through skills workshops, surgical simulation labs, faculty and resident lectures, networking events, research opportunities, and community outreach, the organization provides students with meaningful exposure to musculoskeletal medicine and orthopedic surgery. The SIG strives to connect students with orthopedic faculty and residents, encourage early exploration of the specialty, and equip members with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional relationships needed to pursue careers in orthopedic surgery and related fields.
Pathology Student Interest Group
President: Carley Steres
Treasurer: Alex Orlowski
Career Outreach Chair: Libby Tillman
Faculty Advisor: Lori Racsa, DO
Purpose: To provide exposure to the field of pathology through histology enrichment sessions, guest speaker appearances, and interactive events.
Pediatrics Student Interest Group
Presidents: Madeline Query & Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Treasurer: Kelly Delgado
Career Outreach Chair: to be filled
Faculty Advisor: Zohra Moeenuddin, MD, FAAP
Purpose: The goal of this SIG is to provide opportunities to learn more about pediatrics and to support our pediatrics community in Peoria.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Student Interest Group
Presidents: Heysel Serra & Mariam Ouzidane
Treasurer: Kedrick Shin
Career Outreach Chairs: Muhammed Ghazal & Sofia Faillaci
Faculty Advisor: Larry Najera, MD
Purpose: To connect students interested in the specialty and to learn more about PM&R.
Psychiatry Student Interest Group
Presidents: Haley Reynolds & Ian Discher
Treasurer: Shiko Githere
Career Outreach Chair: Andrea Ouyang
Faculty Advisor: Caleb Weiss, DO
Purpose: To connect students to information and mentorship about psychiatry.
Pulmonology Student Interest Group
President: Matthew Crimmins
Treasurer: Pranesh Ravichandran
Career Outreach Chair: Jessica Hass
Faculty Advisor: Anamika Sengupta, PhD, M.Ed
Purpose: To provide a platform for community initiatives to improve lung health in the Peoria community. The Pulmonology SIG aims to increase interest in the field of pulmonology by collaborating with community groups to address pulmonary diseases, including COPD, asthma, and lung cancer, in Peoria.
Radiation Oncology Student Interest Group
President: Danyal Shah
Treasurer: Bianca Patino
Career Outreach Chair: Anusha Gaddam
Faculty Advisor: Tim Smile, MD
Purpose: Our goal is to provide students interested in radiation oncology with mentors, knowledge, and resources to explore the field. We will host networking and educational events to immerse students in radiation oncology and prepare them for success when applying to residency.
Sports Medicine Student Interest Group
Presidents: Muhammed Ghazal & Maher Alsamsam
Vice President: Eric Medenblik
Treasurer: Ali Rassouli
Career Outreach Chair: Nojus Ausra
Faculty Advisor: Bradley Oliver, MD
Purpose: The Sports Medicine SIG purpose is to introduce students to the field of sports medicine through hands-on experiences, teamwork, and mentorship. We aim to show how sports medicine brings together different specialties—family medicine, orthopedics, emergency medicine, and rehabilitation—all working toward the shared goal of helping patients stay active and healthy. Our goal is to help students explore different routes within sports medicine while fostering a sense of connection and collaboration among peers.
Surgery Student Interest Group
President: Joseph DeMeyer & Shannon Ryan
Treasurer: Jinyu Zhang
Career Outreach Chair: Mustafa Dahbur
Faculty Advisor: Anthony Munaco, MD, FACS
Purpose: The Surgery Student Interest Group (Surgery SIG) is dedicated to fostering early exposure, education, and mentorship in the field of surgery for medical students. Our mission is to cultivate curiosity, build technical skills, and provide meaningful opportunities for professional development through hands-on workshops, faculty-led talks, research guidance, and mentorship programs. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers students of all backgrounds to explore and pursue careers in surgery.
Urology Student Interest Group
President: Nathan Clay
Vice President: Matt Zleczewski
Career Outreach Chair: Mitch Haddock
Faculty Advisor Name: Simon Kim, MD, MPH
Purpose: To inform and educate students about the specialty of urology.
Vascular Surgery Student Interest Group
President: Jacob Wurster
Treasurer: Joshua Kim
Career Outreach Chair: Arya Asoudegi
Faculty Advisor: Gavish Patel, MD
Purpose: To network with colleagues and provide opportunities for professional growth including physician mentorship, research opportunities, and opportunities to present at national conferences.
Wilderness Medicine Student Interest Group
President: Conner Driver
Treasurer: Mohamed Gaballah
Career Outreach Chair: Bella Green
Faculty Advisor: Kyle Brown, MD, HMDC
Purpose: To get medical students interested in the outdoors and to teach practical skills that could help save a life in austere environments.
List of Service & Advocacy Groups
Adaptive Climbing Student Interest Group
President: Toma Tchernodrinski
Vice Presidents: Mohamed Gaballah & Yanal Kawaleet
Treasurer: Conner Driver
Faculty Advisor: Kyle Brown, MD, HMDC
Purpose: We are a volunteer group that hosts rock climbing events for people with different physical needs and abilities.
Admissions Ambassadors Student Interest Group
Presidents: Zoe Demko & Diya Dileep
Vice Presidents: Mustafa Dahbur & Rev Bellam
Treasurer: Annie Ly
Faculty Advisor: Adaobi Duru, PhD
Purpose: To work alongside the UICOM tri-campus admissions office to recruit potential students to UICOM, promote the Peoria campus to prospective and incoming students, and host multiple in-person and virtual events including tours, meet & greets, and Second Look.
Bradley University Pipeline Student Interest Group
President: Andrea Ouyang
Co-President: Kelly Delgado
Vice President: Grace Borkowski
Treasurer: Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Faculty Advisor: Tracy Soltesz, PhD
Purpose: To support Bradley Premed students in their endeavors to apply to medical school and support the Bradley Pipeline Program.
BuyNothing Student Interest Group
President: Sammy Alhayek
Vice President: Kelley Baumann
Treasurer: Evin Kilicarslan
Faculty Advisor: Janice Tamplin, MS
Purpose: BuyNothing is a medical student community that builds a culture of sharing and sustainability by connecting those with gently used items to give away with peers who can put them to good use. Through a simple give-and-claim model, members offer goods in great condition at no cost, and others claim and pick them up — giving each item a second home one free exchange at a time. Our purpose is to reduce overspending, cut down on waste, and strengthen community by making generosity and resourcefulness part of everyday student life.
Community Clinic Connect Student Interest Group
President: Kelly Delgado
Vice President: Maher Alsamsam
Treasurer: Adila Ahmed
Faculty Advisor: Dominique Fons, MD
Purpose: To advance health equity by delivering compassionate, community-centered care, promoting preventive health and chronic disease management, empowering future healthcare leaders through mentorship and education, and ensuring every patient receives accessible, culturally responsive care regardless of background or language.
Community College MedPath Student Interest Group
President: Emily Calgaro
Vice President: Claire Herrin
Treasurer: Aniqa Maisha
Faculty Advisor: Jessica Hanks, MD, FAAP, FACP
Purpose: To provide mentorship and premed opportunities to local community college students interested in pursing medicine, starting with Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL.
Cordoba Free Clinic Student Interest Group
President: Baasit Jamal
Vice President: Grace Liu
Treasurer: Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Faculty Advisor: Elsa Vazquez Melendez, MD, FAAP, FACP
Purpose: To provide a free specialty clinic for underinsured and uninsured people in the Peoria area.
Disability and Medicine Student Interest Group
President: Sofia Faillaci
Vice Presidents: Kacie Park
Treasurer: Joshua Kim
Faculty Advisor: Jessica Hanks, MD, FAAP, FACP
Purpose: Educate medical students on providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with disabilities by integrating disability-focused content throughout the medical curriculum. Create opportunities for experiential learning through community outreach and partnerships with organizations that serve people with disabilities, allowing students to develop practical skills and foster meaningful engagement.
Global Health Student Interest Group
President: Abdulbasir Khan
Vice President: Muhammed Ghazal
Treasurer: Maher Alsamsam
Faculty Advisor: Rima Shrestha, MSc, PhD
Purpose: To provide a means of educating ourselves and our peers about topics related to global healthcare, and to encourage discussion and involvement in addressing healthcare disparities.
Healthy Kids University Student Interest Group
President: Manasi Lingamaneni
Vice President: Maya Kovacevic
Treasurer: Lizzy Jones
Faculty Advisor: Amy Christison, MD
Purpose: Healthy Kids U (HKU) in Peoria, IL, is a community-based pediatric weight management program for children ages 2 to 18. Jointly run by OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, it offers specialized clinics and a 10-week family program combining nutrition, behavioral education, and physical exercise. The HKU SIG connects medical students to the program under the supervision of Dr. Amy Christison, supporting participants through motivational interviewing and hands-on encouragement during program activities such as the YMCA physical education course and cooking classes at the OSF teaching kitchen.
Hearts for Hope St. Jude Student Interest Group
President: Claudia Lasalle
Vice President: Omar Garcia Martinez
Treasurer: Andrea Ouyang
Advisor: Liz Kellington, MA
Purpose: Hearts for Hope – St. Jude SIG supports pediatric hematology-oncology patients and their families through collaboration with St. Jude’s clinic and Child Life Services. Members will participate in volunteer opportunities throughout the clinic, with initiatives such as helping distribute donated toys, games, personal care items, and other essentials to patients receiving infusions and inpatient care. These resources provide distraction, comfort, and entertainment during challenging hospital experiences while helping restore a sense of normalcy to children’s daily lives. Through service, volunteerism, and meaningful patient-centered engagement, the group aims to support patients, families, and clinic staff while promoting the well-being and quality of life of pediatric patients throughout their treatment journey.
Loops of Love Student Interest Group
President: Zoe Demko
Vice President: Libby Tillman
Treasurer: Hannah Luchinski
Faculty Advisor: Tracy Soltesz, PhD
Purpose: To provide students with instruction and supplies to crochet hats, blankets, and other items for babies in the NICU at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Medical Students for Choice Student Interest Group
President: Amanda Tran
Co-President: Eilidh O’Brien
Vice President: Shiko Githere
Faculty Advisor: Angela O’Bryant, DNP, RN
Purpose: Support for women’s health and abortion services. Educational lectures and workshops on contraception and abortion. Volunteering opportunities through education and donations.
Medical Students 4 a Sustainable Future Student Interest Group
President: Aniqa Maisha
Co-President: Amaya Fernandes
Vice President: Yanal Kawaleet
Treasurer: Sagar Patel
Faculty Advisor: Soni Dodani, MBBS (MD), FCPS, MSc, PhD
Purpose: Medical Students for a Sustainable Future (MS4SF) is a network of medical students committed to addressing climate change as an urgent threat to human health and social justice. Through advocacy, education, research, and community engagement, we empower future physicians to advance equitable, sustainable healthcare and build a healthier future for all.
Pregnant Adolescent and Adult Learning with Medical Students Student Interest Group
President: Mariella Saludares
Vice President: Amrita Nag
Treasurer: Michael Pudlo
Faculty Advisor: Rahmat Na’Allah, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Purpose: To match medical students with an adolescent or adult who is pregnant (PAL), offering individualized support for the parent-to-be during the pregnancy and beyond.
Public Health Student Interest Group
President: Lauryn Remmers
Vice Presidents: Claire Herrin & Zoe Demko
Treasurer: Lauren O’Neil
Faculty Advisor: Angela O’Bryant, DNP, RN
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 – Peoria Chapter
President: Kelley Baumann
Vice President: Haley Reynolds
Treasurer: Sydney Boelter
Faculty Advisor: Peter Orris, MD, MPH
Purpose: Advocate for broad and comprehensive health coverage in the US.
Students for Ethics, Advocacy, and Policy Student Interest Group
President: Yeoryia Christoforides
Vice President: Jared Moxley
Treasurer: Danielle Prisendorf
Faculty Advisor: Greg Tudor, MD
Purpose: To create opportunities for medical students to learn about health policy, medical ethics, and physician advocacy.
Academic Interest Groups
American Medical Association (AMA)
President: Ryan Marmis
Vice President: Anusha Gaddam
Treasurer: Josh Merrill
Faculty Advisor: Asim Jaffer, MD
Purpose: The purpose of the AMA SIG is to engage medical students in advocacy, leadership, professional development, and service while fostering an understanding of the policies that shape healthcare and the medical profession. Through educational programming, community outreach, networking opportunities, and participation in organized medicine, the AMA SIG empowers students to become informed physician leaders who advocate for their patients, communities, and the future of medicine.
American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
President: Sarah Thomson
Vice President: Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Treasurer: Subashni Rajiv
Faculty Advisor: Dominique Fons, MD
Purpose: 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.
Association of Women in Surgery (AWS)
President: Cecilia Salupo-Carey
Co-Vice Presidents: Melissa Gibson & Lauren Lucina
Faculty Advisor: Emma Ryan, MD, MA
Purpose: The goal of the group is to establish a chapter of the American Women Surgeons on the Peoria campus, fostering engagement and promoting interest in surgery among students. Additionally, the group aims to facilitate mentorship opportunities between female surgeons and medical students passionate about pursuing a career in surgery.
Illinois State Medical Society – Peoria Chapter (ISMS)
President: Elodie Baumgartner
Vice President: Austin Le
Treasurer: Kelley Baumann
Faculty Advisor: Richard Anderson, MD, FACS
Purpose: To inspire others to join ISMS and provide medical advocacy and policy changes for Illinois healthcare.
Cultural & Spiritual Interest Groups
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
President: Madeline Query
Co-President: Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Treasurer: Jeffrey Fung
Faculty Advisor: Saurabh Bansal, MD, FACP
Purpose: APAMSA is a national organization of medical and pre-medical students committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
Catholic Medical Association (CMA)
President: Daniel Burr
Vice President: Alex Majcher
Treasurer: Alex Kozuch
Faculty Advisor: Greg Tudor, MD
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 Dental Association (CMDA)
President: Bailey Bohannon
Vice President: Kailey Bell
Treasurer: Nathan Clay
Faculty Advisor: Mary Stapel, MD
Purpose: To support students spiritually in a faith-based community.
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
President: Heysel Serra Rodriguez
Vice Presidents: Omar Garcia Martinez
Treasurer: Kelly Delgado
Faculty Advisor: Elsa L. Vazquez-Melendez, MD, FAAP, FACP
Purpose: The Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Interest Group aims to cultivate community, mentorship, and education among medical students. Our mission is to foster a strong sense of belonging by engaging in volunteer activities such as the Mobile Food Pantry and by providing members with meaningful mentorship opportunities. We strive to support our members’ personal and professional growth through connections with physicians, residents, and faculty, as well as by encouraging participation in regional and national conferences that promote leadership, networking, and career development.
Muslim Medical Student Association (MMSA)
President: Muhammed Ghazal
Co-President: Abdulbasir Khan
Vice President: Maher Alsamsam
Treasurer: Mustafa Dahbur
Faculty Advisor: Rahmat Na’Allah, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Purpose: The MMSA SIG provides a space for Muslim medical students and allies to connect, support one another, and explore the intersection of faith and medicine. Through community events, discussions, and service initiatives, MMSA fosters cultural understanding, promotes wellness, and advocates for inclusive healthcare. All are welcome to learn, engage, and grow together.
South Asian Student Association (SASA)
President: Supriya Ravishankar
Vice President: Pranesh Ravichandran
Treasurer: Neil Saini
Faculty Advisor: Gauri Shevatekar, MBBS, MPH, CHES, DrPH
Purpose: The South Asian Student Association (SASA) is a student-run organization dedicated to celebrating South Asian culture, heritage, and community within our medical school. Through cultural events and meetings, SASA fosters a welcoming space for students to connect and build community.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
President: Eghosa Atoe
Vice Presidents: Shiko Githere
Treasurer: Mya Watts
Faculty Advisor: Elsa L. Vazquez-Melendez, MD, FAAP, FACP
Purpose: Our purpose is 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.
Social & Recreational
Atrial Kick Student Interest Group
President: Maher Alsamsam
Vice President: Kelley Baumann
Treasurer: Mustafa Dahbur
Staff Advisor: Monzurul Roni, PhD
Purpose: This is a soccer team composed of medical students that competes year-round in local Peoria leagues.
Basketball and Leadership Student Interest Group
President: Eric Medenblik
Vice President: Matthew Hill
Treasurer: Nojus Ausra
Faculty Advisor: Bradley Oliver, MD
Purpose: Connect medical students with residents and attending physicians through sport to build camaraderie and promote health and wellness while serving the community with yearly fundraising endeavors.
Blade is Life Student Interest Group
President: Noah Shoshana
Vice President: Kelley Baumann
Treasurer: Yeoryia Christopheredes
Faculty Advisor: Janice Tamplin, MS
Purpose: To gather students together who enjoy rollerblading (and possibly even ice skating in the winter) for some outside group activity that promotes benefits to both physical and mental wellbeing.
Bump, Set, Spike Volleyball Student Interest Group
President: Sammy Alhayek
Co-President: Nojus Ausra
Treasurer: Brandon Snipe
Faculty Advisor: Jenna Regan, PhD
Purpose: To offer UICOMP students opportunities to play volleyball, both in the RiverPlex league against community members and in scrimmages against each other. It is a chance to take a break from studying, get some exercise, and have fun.
Docapella Student Interest Group
President: Navya Peddireddy
Co-President: Kedrick Shin
Treasurer: Yanal Kawaleet
Faculty Advisor: Janice Tamplin, MS
Purpose: Docapella is UICOMP’s own a cappella singing group! We rehearse weekly and perform at university and community events, including the annual Halloween Party, Holiday Breakfast, Match Day Celebration, and at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Students of all abilities and experience levels are welcome to participate!
Fantasy Football Physicians Student Interest Group
President: Muhammed Ghazal
Vice President: Malek Shawabkeh
Treasurer: Abdul Afeez Lawal
Faculty Advisor: Bradley Oliver, MD
Purpose: The purpose of The Fantasy Physicians is to foster camaraderie, wellness, and leadership among medical students through the shared enjoyment of fantasy football. The group aims to create a low-stress, inclusive environment where students can connect across classes, build teamwork and communication skills, and take a mental break from the rigors of medical training.
Gaming Student Interest Group
President: Toma Tchernodrinski
Vice President: Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Treasurer: Akhil Patel
Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Fisher, PhD
Purpose: 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.
Golf Student Interest Group
President: Damon Phillips-Chantelois
Vice President: Graham Archer
Treasurer: Jacob Sowizrol
Faculty Advisor: Matthew Fischer, MD
Purpose: To foster the growth of the game of golf as a means for decompression in medical students.
Ice Skating Student Interest Group
President: Sofie-Ellen Stroeva
Vice President: Lauren Lucina
Treasurer: Ali Rassouli
Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Fisher, PhD
Purpose: The Ice Skating SIG promotes wellness, community, and student connection by providing a fun, active extracurricular where UICOMP students can learn, practice, and enjoy ice skating together, regardless of experience level.
Makers in Medicine Art Student Interest Group
President: Brandon Snipe
Vice President: Amaya Fernandes
Treasurer: Grace Lasky
Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Fisher, PhD
Purpose: We hope to provide a space for medical students to explore and practice their artistic interests while connecting with others who share similar passions.
Outdoors Club Student Interest Group
President: Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Vice President: James Flurer
Treasurer: Olivia King
Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Fisher, PhD
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.
Pacemakers Run Club Student Interest Group
President: Joanna Droppo
Vice President: Melissa Gibson
Treasurer: Daniel Chen
Staff Advisor: Nyssa Catton, MS
Purpose: To foster wellness, camaraderie, community, and balance within the demanding environment of medical school. Accepting all levels of runners– whether training a race or looking for a way to de-stress and stay active– our group provides a supportive space for UICOMP students to build endurance, friendships, and healthy habits that extend beyond the classroom.
Pickleball Student Interest Group
President: Nehal Patel
Vice President: Yanal Kawaleet
Treasurer: Kedrick Shin
Faculty Advisor: Monzurul Roni, PhD
Purpose: Student wellness & exercise promotion.
Queer Coalition Student Interest Group
President: Grace Liu
Vice President: Ashley Hanviriyapunt
Treasurer: Claire Herrin
Faculty Advisor: Elsa Vazquez-Melendez, MD, FAAP, FACP
Purpose: To create a social space, provide resources, and provide volunteer opportunities for members and allies of the queer community on our campus.
Rock Docs Student Interest Group
President: Conner Driver
Vice President: Toma Tchernodrinski
Treasurer: Kedrick Shin
Faculty Advisor: Kyle Brown, MD, HMDC
Purpose: To get medical students interested in all types of rock climbing: bouldering, top rope, lead climbing, indoor, outdoor, whatever!
SOAP Box Student Interest Group
President: Abdulbasir Khan
Vice President: Muhammed Ghazal
Treasurer: Maher Alsamsam
Faculty Advisor: Amy Christison, MD
Purpose: SOAP Box is a student-led group aimed at providing a space and platform for medical students and professionals to convey their experiences and perspectives through various forms of media. We aim to nurture the human side of medicine by encouraging reflection, creativity, and authentic self-expression in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Strength and Conditioning Student Interest Group
President: Matthew Crimmins
Vice President: Jacob Wurster
Treasurer: Ali Rassouli
Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Fisher, PhD
Purpose: To promote exercise and wellness among medical students by promoting hobbies such as weight training, running, and cooking, among others.
Tennis Student Interest Group
President: Kedrick Shin
Vice President: Conner Driver
Treasurer: Yanal Kawaleet
Faculty Advisor: Anamika Sengupta, PhD, M.Ed
Purpose: To coordinate recreational tennis among medical students.
Ultimate Frisbee Student Interest Group
President: Kedrick Shin
Vice President: Navya Peddireddy
Treasurer: Yanal Kawaleet
Faculty Advisor: Anamika Sengupta, PhD, M.Ed
Purpose: The purpose of this SIG is to coordinate recreational games of ultimate frisbee among medical students.