USUHS, Campus Life, Student Interest Groups

AOA is the only national honor medical society, and its singular purpose is to recognize and perpetuate excellence in the medical profession. Election to AOA is an honor signifying a lasting commitment to scholarship, leadership, professionalism, and service. A lifelong honor, membership in the society confers recognition for a physician's dedication to the profession and art of healing. Students are eligible for election to the society in the Spring of their third year and Fall of their fourth year. Criteria for election include overall academic achievement, contributions to the university and the community, and a high standard of character and personal conduct. An induction fee payable to the national office is required, as are modest annual national dues which include a subscription to Pharos, the society's publication.

The American Association of the Neurological Surgeons (AANS) develops outstanding military medical students into future leaders in the field of neurosurgery by fostering a sustainable mechanism for encouraging student interest in neurosurgery; augmenting student awareness of clinical, system-level, and military-specific issues in modern neurosurgery, and basic and clinical research; promoting and coordinating faculty mentorship for students interested in neurosurgery; and promoting student leadership in service to patients and communities.

The American Medical Association-Medical Student Section keeps students informed on national issues concerning medical education, and provides an outlet for voicing ideas and to aid in career planning. The organization is an affiliate of the AMA and the Medical and Chirurgical Society of Maryland.

The USU Student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology is a professional organization for scientists who study viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa as well as other aspects of microbiology. We host unique microbiology seminars, present our research at regional events (ASM Maryland branch), tour microbiology-related facilities, engage in community outreach, and participate in networking events.

The AAMC coordinates the medical educational system, from national board exams to the standards that accredit medical schools. The OSR is the student voice to the AAMC. As a student representative you would represent the unique perspective of USU students at national and regional conferences. Once becoming a representative, there are many opportunities to participate in higher levels of leadership to help the promotion of medical education.

The Association of Military Surgeons of the United States promotes all areas of federal health care. USU students participate in the Baltimore-Washington Student Chapter, whose goals are to stimulate interest in and discussion of military medicine, to provide special opportunities for medical and military education, and to develop leadership. Meetings are monthly.

The Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) engages current and future women surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals, empowers women to succeed, and excels in those aspirations through mentorship, education, and networking community that promotes their contributions and achievements as students, surgeons, and leaders. AWS events include guest lectures and brown bag discussions with resident and attending surgeons, socials at the school and regional chapter level, and outreach events within the local community.

Biomedical Educator Development provides opportunities for USU students and postdocs to develop their skills as educators and mentors. The absence of undergraduate programs at USU is an advantage in many ways, but it means that standard opportunities to develop teaching skills such as teaching assistantships and tutoring are in short supply. Our goal is to develop access to these positions outside of USU by partnering with other schools in the area, as well as to provide a centralized system for students to find the positions that do exist within USU. The group also coordinates outreach events and in the future hopes to bring in speakers to teach interested students about teaching.

The GHHS is a society created to recognize medical students, residents, and faculty members who are exemplars of humanistic patient care and who are prepared to serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine. Membership goes well beyond selection and induction into an honor society – it includes a responsibility to model, support, and advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care throughout one’s career. The society plays a leading role in the coordination of the annual white coat ceremony and USU’s Annual Cadaver Memorial Service. They represent USU at the Maryland State Medical Board’s Annual Memorial Service, honoring the individuals who donated their bodies for our learning and their families. They also collaborate with the AΩA to teach the near-peer transition to clerkship curriculum, helping junior students make the transition from classroom learning to the wards and clinics.

Gold Humanism Honors Society at USU Website >

The USU Psi Chi chapter’s mission is to “recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of Psychology.” The chapter seeks to inform students and faculty in the Psychology discipline of grant, scholarship, and travel award opportunities, to promote research, and collaborate interprofessionally with other medical disciplines.   Membership is limited to Psychology students per Psi Chi International bylaws.  Psi Chi events include hosting guest lectures and movie screenings with mental health professionals from around the US,  and the Medical and Clinical Psychology (MPS) department’s Hail, Farewell, and Internship Match day celebrations.  Events also include morale building and networking activities such as bi-monthly Happy Hours and department hikes.  Psi Chi is currently pursuing efforts to collaborate with a local veteran organization for an upcoming community service project.

Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is a student-led organization that addresses minority health issues and provides a support network for minority students at USU. The group hosts monthly meetings for lectures and fellowship, and throughout the year students can attend regional conferences, participate in community-based programs, and speak to local high school and college students.

They serve the underserved patient population through awareness campaigns and community service.  SNMA is an affiliate of the national organization based in Washington, DC and 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. Membership is open to all.

The purpose of the USU Group on Women in Medicine and Science (USU GWIMS) is to promote opportunities for and achieve equity in the advancement of women in medicine and science. This group will facilitate mentoring relationships, teach practical management skills, empower women to take on leadership roles at USUHS, and provide a 'safe space' for women to seek advice on such topics as career advancement and work/life balance.

The Apollo Society is an organization dedicated to sharing and celebrating the artistic talents of the USU community. They host four Open-Mic events per year with the generous support of The Family Medicine Interest Group.

The Catholic Medical Student Association serves to bring the Roman Catholic community together at USU. The goal of the CMSA is to engage each Catholic student spiritually, intellectually, and religiously. CMSA hosts several speakers throughout the academic year on topics related to the Church, medicine, and the military. In addition, CMSA hosts small-group lunch meetings where discussions range from topics of faith to controversial issues in bioethics. Finally, CMSA wants to bring the Catholic community together outside the confines of USU through community service, outreach, and social events. Membership is open to the entire USU community.

CMA is the USU chapter of the national organization Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA). The purpose of the national CMDA organization is to motivate and equip Christian doctors and medical students to practice their faith in Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives. The USU chapter is specifically dedicated to providing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to grow spiritually, encourage one another through Christ-centered relationships, and reach out to our communities. CMA at USU offers weekly Bible study and fellowship, regular family gatherings and other opportunities for community service. There are no dues for CMA and medical students can join the national CMDA for no cost.

The Dermatones is an a cappella singing group, consisting of both men's and women's voices in barbershop and traditional choral arrangements. The group performs at numerous university functions throughout the year (including mess dinners, social occasions, and memorial services) and special functions (such as Christmas caroling at the Soldiers and Airmen's Home of Washington, DC). The Dermatones meet weekly for practice and enjoyment. No dues.

The Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response Interest group is sponsored by CGHE and designed to support students in the SOM, GSN and other graduate programs interested in HA/DR medicine. The group provides a variety of networking, educational, and service opportunities through lectures, workshops, and service projects.

The purpose of Le Club Franҫais is to bring together members who share an interest in French culture; to promote French language proficiency through exchange of conversation; to expose members to French and Francophone culture through songs, food, etc.  All students, faculty, and staff are eligible members.

This Maimonides Society at USU provides a warm, non-judgemental environment for medical, nursing, and dental students to discuss and celebrate Jewish practice. The group organizes various activities including, kosher lunches and discussions on the intersection of medicine and religion by staff and faculty. The organization is open to all students, faculty and staff at USU. Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome.

One Nation is the indigenous health interest group led by the Indian Health Service students at USU. They meet monthly with subject matter experts and IHS administrators to discuss issues relevant to Native American and Alaska Native health, such as traditional medicine, diabetes prevention, and preventing violence and substance abuse in the postcolonial context. In addition, they connect students to mentors in the field, resources for learning, indigenous events in the DC area, and on-site shadowing opportunities. Our goal is to improve USU medical students' ability to lead in the IHS and, as outlined in the IHS mission, "to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level." The group welcomes anyone with an interest in improving healthcare for indigenous peoples to attend. Events are held at USU or at IHS headquarters in Rockville. Participation is free of charge.

LGBT People in Medicine & Allies  helps make USU a more inviting place for LGBT students and family through fellowship and service. Anyone on campus is welcome to join in support of our objectives.

The Student Spouses' Club is an organization for the spouses and significant others of the students at USU. The club provides support, friendship, and community for student families through a variety of social and service activities throughout the year. The club holds monthly membership meetings, as well as numerous barbecues, adult socials, parent-child activities, and raises funds for Wounded Warriors through a 5k and 10k run. SSC also publishes a blog, and hosts Information Sessions to help students and spouses learn more about life in the military and what to expect while at USU. All spouses and significant others of active duty students at USU are welcome to participate.

USU Student Spouses' Club Website >

The Latter-Day Saint Student Association (LDSSA) is an approved program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It serves to help all Latter-day Saint students stay closely affiliated to the Church, find fellowship among those of common belief, succeed in their studies, and balance their secular education with spiritual development. The organization acts to motivate each student to become a powerful influence for good on the campus and in the university's affiliated hospitals. The LDSSA also attempts to provide students with service opportunities, as well as meaningful social activities which are consistent with the standards of the Church. All members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are students at USU are automatically members of LDSSA at USU. Membership is also open to the entire student community.

The World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine serves as a student forum for discussing and advocating issues related to disaster health and medicine including implications for global health.

A regularly occurring student forum on a college or university campus for discussion and advocating issues related to disaster health and medicine including implications for global health. The club is affiliated with the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM).

The Combatives Club spreads knowledge and interest of modern Army combatives and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe and supportive environment.

The Healers Motorcycle Club at USU is our local campus group for bikers of all makes and styles. We schedule group rides once monthly during the riding season and various campus meetings. The Healers Motorcycle Club was created following to the tragic and avoidable loss of ENS Christopher M. Gallagher, USUHS SOM c/o 2009 on April 3, 2009 while riding his motorcycle. Between 70 and 160 Military service members die each year due to motorcycle collisions, most due to inadequate training, inadequate gear, alcohol, or excessive speed. As a club, we promote safety, education, and camaraderie.

The Fightin' Docs Ice Hockey team competes in the Hockey North America Washington, DC league. It is a co-ed team that is open to all students, faculty, and dependents who have an interest in ice hockey and an affiliation to the university. The team welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to former Division I athletes.

Team Stats  >

Runners at USU take advantage of scenic nature trails and parks close to the university. The club runs short and long distances through beautiful terrain, in small and large group settings.

The USU Bike Club cultivates the enjoyment of bike riding among the USU community. The club also promotes biking safety, encourages the use of bicycles in commuting to work, and serves as a way to connect individuals interested in group rides. All military personnel, faculty, staff, and spouses affiliated with USU may join and participate. The club welcomes all individuals whether they are aspiring triathletes, hardcore cyclists, or are simply interested in gaining experience and going on fun rides with friends.

The USU Spikeball club provides a safe, recreational, fun activity for the USU community. They may compete against other schools or clubs. All USU students, spouses and NSAB staff are eligible members for the organization.

The USU Ultimate Frisbee team is a part of the Washington Area Frisbee Club recreational league. They play at local school fields against other teams from the area. Seasons are 6-8 weeks.

The USU Soccer Interest Group provides different soccer opportunities throughout the year. Every week the club holds casual pickup soccer games (Friday Footy) on the USU turf field usually around 1530.  Friday Footy is free and open to anyone. They also participate in competitive league games as the USU Fighting Docs, which plays outdoors on weekends or indoors on weekday evenings depending on the season.