SAMSA

South Asian Medical Students Association

More than an organization name and a title, SAMSA is an idea that spawned from the many different UIC groups. SAMSA - the South Asian Medical Student's Association - is one that draw's attention to a specific community. The strength of UIC lies in it diversity - and we welcome you to UIC because of your interest in public and community medicine. Like many of the 'untapped and powerful' communities, the South Asian community is one that is gently awakening and represents an idea, people, and a community. However, SAMSA is not one that is specific for any particular group and we invite member of all communities to join our various activities. Rather than a division amongst cultural lines, we see the group as one that will work to understand differences and be part of the solution. This year's events include the annual Diwali (“Festival of Lights”) and Holi (“Festival of Colors”) celebrations, food fairs, talent show performances, Devon dinners, student volunteer clinics, health awareness seminars, parade floats, and various other planned activities. We also plan to have several speakers throughout the year who will address health care issues surrounding the South Asian population. SAMSA also participates in formulating mock practical exams and review sessions for medical students, along with other cultural organizations. SAMSA has a lot of exciting ideas for the upcoming year, and we encourage everyone to participate, regardless of ethnic background! We will have a few board positions available for incoming M1s, and we will need plenty of volunteers for the many events that we have planned for this year!

SAMSA is dedicated to providing quality health care and health education to the increasingly underserved population of South Asians in our community. SAMSA has a partnership with the Indian American Medical Association (IAMA). This is an organization that links medical professionals with medical students across the entire city. With the help of this organization, we will arrange for groups of medical students to volunteer at free clinics in the multi-ethnic neighborhood surrounding Devon Avenue in Chicago. Together, IAMA and SAMSA offer many opportunities for research scholarships (the Golden Stethoscope Award), summer volunteer trips to provide health care in India, and many other social and service activities throughout the school year.