VCOM - Carolinas 2017 Yearbook

SNMA Student National Medical Association

Shanterian King, President; Minerva Andre, Vice President; India Pleasant, Treasurer; Fumna Ikeneme, Secretary; Nzingha Saunders, Community Service Chair; Daniel Wilson, Parliamentarian; Yesebel Colon Gomez, Merchandise Chair

T he Student National Medical Association (SNMA) seeks to carry out the mission of the national chapter by supporting underrepresented minority students, raising culturally competent physicians, and serving the needs of underserved communities. The organization places a strong emphasis on forming lasting partnerships with local organizations. This year, SNMA hosted a welcome week event for current members to get to know and interact with the incoming Class of 2020 while enjoying a night out at the skating rink. SNMA members partnered with HCMO and IMA student organizations to host a diversity dinner, with a goal of

promoting diversity in medicine. Each organization spoke about methods in which they advocate diversity in healthcare, and a delicious dinner of Mediterranean, Hispanic and Jamai- can food was provided. The organization hosted a panel of guest speakers including, Dickie member of PFLAG, the nation’s largest organization of LGBT parents, friends, and allies. They discussed the unique needs and concerns of the populations they work with and provided information on how future physicians can provide the best quality of care. Adams of Upstate Fatherhood Coalition, and Sean Foreman, a

A cultural competency and sensitivity in medicine discussion was held this year, focusing on the Hmong population of Spartanburg. Representatives from the Hmong community discussed their culture, spiritual beliefs and hesitation towards western medicine. SNMA members gained better knowledge as to how to approach the Hmong people, and ways to accommodate them as patients. SNMA also hosted a lecture about breastfeeding and post-partum bonding between mother and child for doulas in training. Doulas are required to complete this program in order to become certified within their

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