The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Student National Medical
Association chapter has received the Outstanding Chapter Service Award
at the national SNMA conference in Miami, Fla. The chapter was recognized
for its minority community work and its assistance to minority medical
students.
During the past year, the organization held four health fairs in Omaha
to help minorities receive care and education. Two of the fairs attracted
more than 100 people. These were held at the Boys and Girls Club of Omaha,
Inc. and at Omaha North High School. Services such as free blood pressure
checks were offered.
SNMA also attempts to get students interested in the health care industry.
“We’ve spoken to groups of eighth-grade girls about the importance of science
and math,” said Patrice Tyson, SNMA vice president for the UNMC chapter.
“There is a shortage of minorities and women in the health care industry,
because many of these people aren’t encouraged to pursue careers in those
areas.”
The organization also is working on obtaining a grant to help start
a mentor program for children in the Boys and Girls Clubs. By planning
activities that are fun and educational, the SNMA hopes to help these younger
students stay on track with education. SNMA also is involved in the Health
Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program. This program is focused on
helping high school students prepare for health-related careers and is
one of the national protocols in which all SNMA chapters are required to
participate.
Once minority students enter UNMC, SNMA helps to foster their
educational needs through study sessions, sharing of textbooks and personal
support.
“Some of the non-academic issues minority students have are different
from what other students may experience,” Tyson said. For example, they
may have a difficult time with the small numbers of minorities on campus.
Instead of focusing on those numbers, we try to provide a nurturing environment
despite our under representation.”
SNMA is a multi-ethnic group of medical students who share common interest
in leadership development, social awareness, service to humanity and excellence
as physicians. The non-profit organization was established nearly 30 years
ago and continues to address issues of importance to minority medical students.
Membership includes nearly 5,000 medical students, pre-medical students,
residents and licensed physicians.
The National Medical Association (NMA), established in 1895, is the
nation’s oldest and largest professional, educational and scientific organization
representing the interests of more than 20,000 African-American physicians
and promoting optimum health for African-American and medically underserved
populations. In addition, the NMA is committed to increasing the contribution
and representation of African-Americans in medicine.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than
$34 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists
annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for
training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other
institution.