Students for Equal Opportunity in Medicine (SEOM) is an umbrella organization for medical students from minority cultural, ethnic or racial backgrounds. The many activities of SEOM include an Annual Regional Pre–medical Conference for middle school, high school, and college students; hosting affinity group events during Accepted Students Weekend, serving as liaisons throughout the admissions process, coordination of social and networking events throughout the academic year, operationalizing pathway/capacity building programs, and sponsoring the “ Senior Toast” , an annual event held in collaboration with the Office of Student Diversity to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating SEOM students.
The Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) is a national organization of medical students committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Latinx communities, students and trainees. The WCM chapter of LMSA organizes community engagement and outreach activities, plans cultural celebrations, creates spaces for education and open discussion, and much more. Our chapter maintains an active presence within the regional and national organization and was recognized as the “Chapter-of-the-Year” by the national leadership for four years in a row from 2012 to 2015. LMSA has historically hosted various community service events, including the Heart-to-Heart Bilingual Volunteer program bringing language-concordant medical screening to underserved communities.
The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the oldest and largest national medical student organization to support, develop and foster community among underrepresented communities. SNMA is modeled after the National Medical Association (the physician organization that promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent). This group is populated primarily by students of African descent but is open to all those with a demonstrated and enduring commitment to advancing educational equity, belonging, and inclusion excellence for underrepresented groups. The WCM chapter of SNMA was previously recognized as co-chapter of the year for Region IX (along with Albert Einstein) in recognition of its excellence. Additionally, our chapter of SNMA founded the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) over 30 years ago, a program now adopted by many SNMA chapters nationwide. We are an active and vibrant community within the larger WCM community and frequently partner with other SEOM groups (particularly LMSA) for initiatives, gatherings and other events.
The Association of Native American Medical Students (ANAMS) hopes to build a supportive community on campus, to work with WCM diversity initiatives to help recruit more Native American medical students, and to raise awareness about the many health issues that Indian Country faces. ANAMS also collaborates with Native American students at other NYC medical colleges, Native American organizations throughout NYC, and the national Association of Native American Medical Students organization.
The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) is a national organization of medical students committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Here at Weill, we organize community engagement and outreach, plan cultural celebrations, create spaces for education and discussion that are open to all members of the WCM community. One of the major pros of being in NYC for med school is interacting with diverse patient populations throughout the city. Dr. Kevin Ching (Pediatric Emergency Medicine) serves as faculty advisor.
Q! Queer Health Alliance is a student group focusing on LGBTQ+ issues within the realm of medicine. Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and allies at WCM, while also engaging in meaningful discussions about sexual orientation and identity in a medical context. The aims of this group include creating and fostering an open and accepting environment for LGBT students at WCM, as well as holding events that provide forums for discussion of sexual orientation and identity in the medical context. The group organizes educational programs and has worked both to increase LGBT visibility and to incorporate lectures on LGBT health issues in the curriculum.
White Coats for Black Lives is a national organization dedicated to eliminating racial bias in medical practice and education. This organization serves to coordinate national protests/discussions that are simultaneously conducted at medical schools across the country. The WCM chapter was formed in 2014 and has participated in several events since its inception, including the 2014 Die-In, the 2015 medstudents4mizzou, and the 2016 Speak Out brainstorming session.
Women in Medicine (WIM) provides a platform for women students and faculty to discuss unique challenges that women face in medicine. The aim of this group is to inspire and enable female students to realize their professional and personal goals through events such as forums, discussion groups, and regional conferences, while also fostering their own abilities as teachers and mentors through community outreach programs. WIM currently consists of three core components: an Interest Group, Mentorship Program, and High School Outreach Program, each offering a distinct perspective about the importance of peer and formal mentorship during all stages of training. Dr. Yoon Kang, Associate Dean of Program Development and Operations, Medical Education serves as the advisor. WIM received funding from Medical Education through the Medical Student Executive Council (MSEC).
Community Perspectives in Medicine (CPIM) is a student-run elective for first year medical students. In a series of six sessions per year, the class of sixteen students meets with a variety of community-based organizations to discuss topics related to health-care disparities, and to address community concerns regarding patient-doctor and community-doctor relationships.
The Clinical Skills Series (CSS) provides a forum for Phase 2 medical school students to interact with physicians from a variety of community-based organizations. The focus of the conversations centers on the social determinants of health and health disparities and how to address it within the medical setting. Topics include substance use and abuse, sexual assault and female genital mutilation, integration of alternative medicine, and healthcare for previously incarcerated individuals.
The Weill Cornell Community Clinic (WCCC) (www.weill.cornell.edu/wccc) is a student-led initiative that provides high quality, equitable health care to the uninsured. The WCCC offers comprehensive primary healthcare services, including preventive care, treatment for acute and chronic conditions, and referrals to appropriate and affordable specialty services. Students are involved in all aspects of the clinic.
The Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights (WCCHR) (www.wcchr.com) is a medical student-run human rights clinic that provides medical evaluations for persons seeking asylum in the United States. Founded in 2010 through a partnership with Physicians for Human Rights, WCCHR is the first student-run asylum clinic at a U.S. medical school and has been heralded as a model for future asylum evaluation programs.
Other Special Programs
There are many special programs including one-day conferences, lectures and mentorship programs that contribute to the diversity efforts of the institution. The speakers at these events represent a tapestry of people and opportunities while providing role models and motivation to our students.