Reach Out is a student organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ awareness, education, and activism in the UConn medical and dental communities. Reach Out aims to bring students of any gender or sexual identity together through group gatherings, and in doing so, functions as a safe and productive meeting space for any student in search of one. Reach Out members aim to engage the student body by hosting panels with LGBTQIA+ health care professionals and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, making an impact through service in the greater Hartford community, and providing education amongst ourselves as clinicians who strive for excellence in well-rounded patient care.

To join the mailing list, from which updates and LGBTQIA+ events and news will be shared, please email one of the student contacts and check out @reachoutuchc on Instagram for more information.

Faculty Advisor:
Zita Lazzarini, JD, MPH, lazzarini@uchc.edu

Student Contacts:
Cailyn Regan, cregan@uchc.edu
Patrick Ryan, patryan@uchc.edu
Fiora Dievenich Braes, divenichbraes@uchc.edu

The Rural Health Interest Group (RHIG) is an interdisciplinary group that explores the differences and gaps in care that are particular to patients living in rural areas. This group is open to any individual (Medical, Dental, Graduate student) interested in rural health. The group primarily focuses on meeting with rural healthcare providers to discuss their challenges and how they adapt to caring for this vulnerable population. The goal of this group is to create community outreach events in rural Connecticut that help expose future healthcare providers to rural medicine as a potential career option and help advance rural healthcare advocacy. This group is part of a national network of rural healthcare interest groups supported by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), providing networking opportunities and annual conferences for interested students.

National Organization NRHA Website
Regional Chapter: New England Rural Health Association (Contact: Andy Lowe)

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Adam Perrin

Student Contacts:
Alexandra Lopez, allopez@uchc.edu
Caroline Berberian, berberian@uchc.edu

Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS) – UConn Chapter is a networking group for aspiring women orthopedic surgeons that provides mentorship, professional development, and education for women interested in orthopedics. Our goal is to connect students with programs and educational platforms, leadership opportunities, community events, scholarships, and chapters at other medical schools to advance women’s involvement in the field of orthopedics.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Katherine Coyner

Student Contacts:
Mehreen Pasha, mpasha@uchc.edu
Calista Stevens, cstevens@uchc.edu
Jordan Tyburski, tyburski@uchc.edu

SIM Center Interest Group’s objective is to provide students with the opportunity to create and run simulation cases. In addition to cases, SIM Interest Group also holds teaching sessions where students are able to learn about various procedures through the use of simulation models. You can contact us by reaching out to our co-presidents or using uconnsimig@gmail.com.

Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Mariann Kelley

Student Contacts:
Julia Neri, jneri@uchc.edu
June Chu, jchu@uchc.edu

The mission of the UConn South Asian Student Health Association (SASHA) is to promote South Asian health, research, mentorship, and culture on UConn Health’s campus. SASHA aspires to be a safe and interactive space where interested UConn community members can learn about and celebrate South Asian health and wellness. As a new organization, we welcome all interested UConn students, faculty, staff, residents, and beyond who are eager to help develop this organization and support its efforts!

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Dharamainder Choudhary

Student Contact:
Mehak Sharma, mesharma@uchc.edu
Poorna Balakumar, balakumar@uchc.edu

This program is accomplished in conjunction with the medical students. Dental students organize and provide oral health screenings and education for the men, women, and children that reside at the homeless shelter. Patients requiring emergent dental care are referred to School of Dental Medicine clinics. The program is conducted in fall through spring months. The program is coordinated by a third-year dental student.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Sarita Arteaga

Student Contact:
Makara Sorel, sorel@uchc.edu

The South Park Inn Medical Clinic is a student-managed medical clinic serving the homeless community of Hartford, Connecticut. The clinic was opened in October, 1987 by a group of medical students at the UConn School of Medicine. For the past 20 years, the clinic has served over 750 patients per year, providing primary care, counseling and information for the community of the South Park Inn Shelter, in Hartford's south end. The general medical clinic is open weekly and is staffed by hundreds of student volunteers and supervised by community physicians who donate their time. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, clinic volunteers see 10 to 15 shelter residents ranging in age from 1 to 80 years old, with medical problems, concerns about safety, and hygiene. The primary goal of the clinic is to provide much-needed medical attention to the residents of the South Park Inn, while providing an opportunity for medical students to become familiar with the special needs of a homeless population. The clinic is equipped to diagnose and treat minor medical and psychiatric problems and refer patients to area hospitals and support services when required. In addition to the general medical clinic, specialty clinics include a women’s clinic which meets the second Wednesday of each month, and a dermatology clinic which meets the first Thursday of each month. Also, at South Park Inn once a month there is education provided by medical students to the residents about a general health topic pertinent to that patient population and once a month there is education for the women to address issues such as contraception.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Bruce Gould

Student Contacts:
Makayla Portley, portley@uchc.edu
Nicole Gomez, nicgomez@uchc.edu
Abhishek Gupta, abhgupta@uchc.edu

Since 1998 annual benefit road race held in September on the UConn Health campus. The South Park Road Race is the largest fundraiser for the UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine Outreach Clinics at the South Park Inn Homeless Shelter in Hartford. Contributions to the road race provide the funds for the medical equipment and medications necessary to run the clinics, which serve over 750 patients a year.

Race Coordinators:
Race postponed for 2024

Medical:

Dental:

The Special Care Dentistry Interest Group (SCDIG) at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine is an official chapter of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD). The SCDIG seeks to build capability, capacity, and commitment to serving patients who require special care using integrated skills. The group hosts events to further educate our students about patients with a wide range of disabilities and special needs. Another important distinction of the group is to focus on patients who require special care but who are not of pediatric age and thus are not necessarily seen by pediatric dentists. SCDIG’s main initiative is participation in the Special Olympics Connecticut Healthy Athletes Special Smiles program to provide screening and preventive dental services to the adult and children athletes with special needs. The group also holds various panels and seminars. In the past, members have had the opportunity to shadow faculty with hospital privileges on operating room cases at UConn John Dempsey Hospital and/or Connecticut Children’s.

We look forward to these opportunities, as well as shadowing activities at the DDS dental clinics. SCDIG also participates in the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to promote awareness for these two causes.

Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Steven M. Lepowsky
Dr. Steve R. Ruiz

Student Contacts:
Desirae Lee, delee@uchc.edu
Makara Sorel, sorel@uchc.edu

Were you in UConn Special Program of Medicine (SPiM)? Are you interested in maintaining a unique relationship with SPiM alums? Do you enjoy mentoring medicine-bound undergraduates? If so, join our interest group to create a link between undergraduate and medical students in SPiM.

Note: This group is open to all medical students; you do not need to be a SPiM alum to join.

The goal of our group is to allow alumni of SPiM to keep in touch after their undergraduate experience, while also improving communication and community once students start medical school. We will provide guidance and experience for the younger SPiM undergraduates through a variety of exclusive program opportunities as well as leadership and mentorship opportunities for the medical students. Specific plans include an undergraduate mentoring program, yearly undergrad ‘open house’ visits/tours to the School of Medicine, and maintaining a comprehensive website with resources for undergraduate.

Please feel free to contact any of the individuals below for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Thomas Regan

Student Contact:
Lily Zhong, zhong@uchc.edu

A bleeding injury can happen anywhere. We've all seen it happen too often—on the news or in everyday life. Life-threatening bleeding can happen in people injured in serious accidents or disasters. Instead of being a witness, our goal as the Stop the Bleed Club is to teach our local communities how to take an active role and help save lives. Our main goal with these classes is to teach three quick techniques to help save a life before someone bleeds out:

1. How to use our hands to apply pressure to a wound;
2. How to pack a wound to control bleeding;
3. How to correctly apply a tourniquet.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Alfred Croteau

Student Contacts:
Jonah Haber, jhaber@uchc.edu
Maxime Braun, braun@uchc.edu

The Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) and its meetings are open to students who are curious about the brain and its powerful ability to perform complex tasks ranging from emotional processing to coordinating the synchronized rhythm in which we walk. We welcome anyone with even a small interest in opening up discussions. Each year, our events aim to show what neurology and its subspecialties are about and how to get involved in research, shadowing, and volunteering. We host various physicians who speak about their work, lifestyles, and research. Some past events have included: Neuro Jeopardy for 1st and 2nd year students, Stroke Day, “how to succeed in neurology” panels with advice from fourth years who matched in the field, and a 5K to raise awareness for the CT Brain Tumor Alliance. We are also part of the Student Interest Group in Neurology, which offers numerous research and scholarship opportunities for students interested in the field.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Marie Eugene-Mbewe

Student Contacts:
Qingli Hu, qhu@uchc.edu
Jessica MacIntyre, jmacintyre@uchc.edu

The Student National Dental Association and Hispanic Student Dental Association promotes oral health awareness for disadvantaged populations through service, mentorship, and camaraderie among its members and the community. Members help advance the leaders of tomorrow through promoting good fellowship and aiding in the advancement of minority students in dentistry. These goals are achieved through local and global service events, publications and public service announcements, attendance at national conventions, and collaboration with other national dental groups.​

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Sarita Arteaga

Student Contacts:
Princess Stark, pstark@uchc.edu
Jaelon Blandburg, blandburg@uchc.edu

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the nation’s oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Membership includes more than 8,000 medical students, pre-medical students, residents and physicians. The SNMA boasts over 40 years of service and is committed to addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious physicians. UConn's SNMA organizes Culture Shock annually, which is one of the biggest social events of the year. It is a celebration of the diverse and unique heritage of the University of Connecticut student body and is attended by many members of the UConn Health community. In addition to the wonderful festivities, all proceeds are donated to a selected charity. Our UConn chapter is also involved in mentorship, community outreach, and service. National website.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Marja Hurley
Dr. Hynes M. Birmingham

Student Contacts:
Marc Merriman, mmerriman@uchc.edu
Edith Oteng, eoteng@uchc.edu

Website

The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry is a national, student-driven association that was established to promote and support students' lifelong commitment to ethical behavior in order to benefit the patients they serve and to further the dental profession. Our chapter at the UConn School of Dental Medicine hosts several events throughout the year. We discuss legal and ethical issues that face dentists and dental specialists, and invite guest speakers to share their experiences and professional opinions on issues.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Jacqueline Duncan

Student Contact:
Lenka Serdar, lserdar@uchc.edu
Keelin Hurtt, hurtt@uchc.edu

The Surgery Interest Group provides medical students with events, panels, and resources to explore all medical fields involving a surgical component. The group is a home base for all surgical subspecialties, in addition to general surgery. This 2023-2024 academic year, the group's four student leaders are planning a wide array of events, including a welcome meeting, a surgical Jeopardy night, a tour of UConn's operating suites, a surgery night in UConn's simulation center, a suture class, a specialty panel with residency program directors, and a panel of graduating M4 students with advice on surgical residency applications and acceptances. The SIG also organizes a surgical mentorship program, pairing M1/2s with M3/4 mentors. For any questions, please reach out to the group's leaders listed below.

Follow us on Instagram! @uconn_sig

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Alyson Cunningham

Student Contacts:
Weston Carpenter, wcarpenter@uchc.edu
Ross Bernstein, rbernstein@uchc.edu
Madison Sakheim, sakheim@uchc.edu
Kelly White, kelwhite@uchc.edu

Sustainability at UConn Health is an interprofessional team of students striving to make changes within the greater UConn Health community through advocacy, curriculum building, institutional changes, and engaging events. We recognize the responsibility we have as health professionals to improve the environment for ourselves, our patients, and all future generations. Our mission is to address the health impacts of environmental damage and fight the progression of climate change.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Kirsten Ek

Student Contacts:
Kiran Singh-Smith, singhsmith@uchc.edu
Braeden Sagehorn, sagehorn@uchc.edu

TEDxUConnFarmington student organization is a licensed team created to form a platform that harbors ideas worth spreading within the UConn Health community. The main goal of the group is to organize at least one main TEDx event per year as well as other engagement activities through the year.

What is a TEDx event? A TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED-like talks and performances are shared with the community. It is an independently organized event that is unique but shares some common features with other TEDx events around the world.​

Mission Statement:

• Create a community and a platform to share our own ideas.
• Sharing the ideas with the rest of the world!
• Provoke conversations and discussion as well as inspiration and wonder.

Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Zita Lazzarini
Dr. Aniuska Tobin

Student Contact:
(temporarily paused, no upcoming events)

UConn Against Gun Violence is committed to ending gun violence and building safer communities. In collaboration with other community organizations, this group provides a platform for students to discuss the current state of Connecticut and federal gun laws and brainstorm ways to advocate for change. Past activities have included participating in the March for Our Lives, hosting student education forums such as physician panels, creating and delivering gun violence prevention curricula, and organizing voter registration drives.

Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Bruce Gould

Student Contacts:
Sarishka Desai, sardesai@uchc.edu
Khaoula Ben Haj Frej, benhajfrej@uchc.edu

As defined by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, “The Mission of American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS) Medical Student Chapters is to provide early support and leadership training to medical students exploring a career in neurosurgery. AANS Medical Student Chapters provide a forum for students to organize professional, educational, and research activities within individual programs, promote mentorship, and facilitate participation at a national level for the next generation of neurosurgical leaders.”  At the University of Connecticut, we embrace this mission.

The University of Connecticut AANS Medical Student Chapter emphasizes three foundational pillars in our approach to cultivating future leaders in neurological surgery:

1.  Clinical Excellence: From bedside to operative theater, clinical excellence in operative technique, medical management, and patient-provider relationships is a defining feature of a successful neurosurgeon. At the University of Connecticut, clinical excellence is continually developed through educational initiatives such as weekly teaching conferences, hands-on experiences/simulations, and journal club review of evidenced based literature.
2.  Advancing Frontiers of Knowledge: Cutting edge treatment options for neurosurgical patients requires a foundation in basic and clinical research. This is also imperative to advance the field. At the University of Connecticut, we endorse a collaborative approach that includes our affiliated hospitals and regional/national hospitals incorporating faculty/staff at all levels of training and experience. Members of our group publish high quality research and present findings at local and national conferences.
3.  Team-Driven Success: Neurosurgery is a highly collaborative discipline - clinical excellence and advances in knowledge rely on the success of the unit as a whole. At the University of Connecticut, we strive for open and honest communication, synergistic learning, and to establish a culture of trust and mutual support.

Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Ketan Bulsara
Dr. David Hersh

Student Contacts:
Patrick Halloran, phalloran@uchc.edu
Prabath Mannam, pmannam@uchc.edu
Jimin Shin, jishin@uchc.edu

The goal of this group is to bring in outside speakers, ranging from alumni to financial specialists, to promote and better understand financial aspects of dentistry.

Activities and Events:
Dinner discussion and lunch and learns including topic such as:

• Debt management
  • Loan repayment options
  • Refinancing options
• Financing a practice
• How to build a dental office
• Managing a practice
  • Military
  • Health Care Center
• Balancing a dental practice with home life
• Accounting 101
• What to look for when buying a practice
• Job offers and Contract Signing
• Marketing a dental practice
• Smart Investments in the future
• Always ask the students what they want to hear about or set up next

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Ron Albert

Student Contacts:
Mishil Nana, nana@uchc.edu

UConn Health Leaders (UCHL)​ is a student-run community health organization that recruits pre-health students to address barriers patients face due to social determinants of health. Operating independently within primary care clinics and inpatient at John Dempsey Hospital, our volunteers screen patients for barriers to care and help them overcome any issues identified by connecting them to community resources. Our volunteers currently serve outpatient at UConn Health Farmington and the Family Medicine Center at Asylum Hill, inpatient at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, and virtually in collaboration with UConn Population Health. Our program hopes to improve pre-health students' understanding of how to address social determinants of health and inspire them to pursue careers working with underserved populations.

You can contact us at healthleaders@uchc.edu or reach out to our medical students.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Christopher Steele

Student Contacts:
Erin Cova, cova@uchc.edu
Nivedha Natchiappan, natchiappan@uchc.edu

UConn Immigration Rights Initiative (UIRI) is an organization that encompasses education, advocacy, and a student run asylum clinic. Education involves resident training, electives for medical students, and monthly meetings. UIRI has partnered with various Connecticut organizations that provide services to refugees and asylees. The asylum clinic is run in conjunction with Physicians for Human Rights to provide free medical and psychiatric evaluations for persons seeking asylum. Students can assist with evaluations and write the legal document after attending a Physicians for Human Rights one-day training course.

Prior events include: IRIS Run for Refugees, organizing a showing for documentaries, Human Flow and This Is Home, public charge event. UIRI has now completed six asylum evaluations.

Physicians for Human Rights website

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Susan Levine

Student Contacts:
Isha Walawalkar, walawalkar@uchc.edu

The purpose of the UConn Medicine Plastic Surgery Interest Group (PSIG) is to act as the primary resource for all medical student seeking more information on this dynamic and rapidly changing field. Our goal is to help all students navigate this multifaceted and competitive specialty, from students who are exploring a wide range of specialties to those who already have their sights set on a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency. Accordingly, there is a variety of informational, surgical, and networking events students may attend. PSIG further aims to coordinate and foster connections between established medical professionals and medical students interested in this field. More specifically, students will have the opportunity to interact with surgeons and residents in the field and gain knowledge, mentorship, and research advice. Please view our events, list of mentors, OR tips, and more at our website.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Andrew Chen

Student Contact:
Daniella Dennis, dennis@uchc.edu
Catherine Qiu, qiu@uchc.edu
Daniella Carnevale, carnevale@uchc.edu
Margaret Boudreau, mboudreau@uchc.edu

The Ultrasound Interest Group seeks to introduce medical students to the widespread use of ultrasound across many different specialties. We will have a variety of events throughout each year, including lectures on various topics (from hypotension management to musculoskeletal ultrasounds), hands-on practice sessions, and journal clubs to review the latest literature.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Meghan Herbst

Student Contact:
Jaelle Thorne, jthorne@uchc.edu

The Urology specialty interest group will help introduce medical students to Urology, providing exposure to a diverse medical and surgical field. The intention of the group is to enhance student academic interests, technical skills, and career planning. We will begin with general events for students of all levels to attend. Ideally we will support opportunities for shadowing, mentoring, and research. The group will also offer the chance to meet and interact with current residents.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Jennifer Lindelof

Student Contact:
Grant Dorman, gdorman@uchc.edu
Kelvin Peterson, kpeterson@uchc.edu
Katrina Jackson, katjackson@uchc.edu

UV & Me is a community-service-based organization whose mission is to reduce the burden of skin cancer by delivering interactive educational presentations on sun safety to children and adolescents in their K-12 school classroom. Members will strive to not only educate but also to motivate youth to protect their skin from sun damage by adopting a sun-safe lifestyle. In reflection, members will discuss and evaluate their service experiences, with the goal of maximizing their communication skills and effectiveness.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Mary Chang

Student Contact:
Stephanie Humen, humen@uchc.edu

The Vascular Surgery Interest Group (VSIG) aims to expose medical students to the rapidly growing field of vascular surgery. Students will have the opportunity to explore the field and its unique surgical procedures and patient population through interactive presentations given by current attending physicians and through hands-on simulation events. Students will also have the opportunity to work closely with current vascular surgery attending physicians and fellows to learn more about their experiences in the field, different research opportunities, and the different residency training tracts.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Kwame Amankwah

Student Contacts:
Colin Cleary, cleary@uchc.edu

Videography for Care seeks to empower students with the knowledge and skills to integrate technology effectively into education. We aim to transform traditional presentations and classes into engaging and informative video content that enhances the overall learning experience for students. Our goal is to create a dynamic community of students passionate about utilizing technology as a tool to revolutionize education. Through our video projects, we envision a future where students can access high-quality educational content anytime, anywhere, fostering a love for learning and academic excellence.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Sophia Saeed

Student Contacts:
John Todd, jtodd@uchc.edu
Megna Senthilnathan, senthilnathan@uchc.edu

Walk With A Doc is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging healthy physical activity in people of all ages, and combatting the nationwide epidemic of obesity in order to improve the health and well-being of our country. Our role as a UConn chapter of Walk With a Future Doc is to bring medical students and doctors together with members of the community for a brief 5-minute talk about timely health-related issues before walking together in the park for the remainder of the hour. During the brief address and throughout the walks, we engage members of the community and encourage them to speak with doctors and health care personnel in this non-threatening environment. In essence, we strive to encourage behavioral changes and physical activity within the Greater Hartford community in order to support healthy habits while simultaneously strengthening relationships between community members, future doctors and doctors. Walks are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month from 9 to 10 a.m. at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, CT.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Wynee Lou

Student Contacts:
Felicia Tanu, tanu@uchc.edu
Priya Gupta, prgupta@uchc.edu

The White Coat Network seeks to improve student’s understanding of the business, finance, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Together, it hopes to explore two different avenues. The first avenue is exploring entrepreneurship, business, and administration, and management within medical and dental careers. The second avenue is personal finance by exploring investing like real estate, cryptocurrency, and other options. Through various activities, we hope to explore a number of topics in business and entrepreneurship ranging from private practice to NFTs.

Activities and Events:

• Student Panels
• Guest Speakers
• Investing interest groups
• Financial Education Seminars
• Group projects

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Jason Ryan

Student Contact:
Lucia Duenas-Bianchi, duenasbianchi@uchc.edu

The goal of Women in Dentistry (WID) is to encourage young girls to seek careers in the STEM field, support those currently within the dental profession, aid those in need through volunteer work, and help educate the next generation of dental providers in issues pertaining to gender equality.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Sarita Arteaga

Student Contacts:
Lexie Vasciannie, vasciannie@uchc.edu
Lingli Zou, lzou@uchc.edu
Demi Tsitsopoulos, tsitsopoulos@uchc.edu
Kara Christensen, kchristensen@uchc.edu

The Women in Surgery Interest Group at the UConn School of Medicine is a student run organization that aims to educate all medical students, but particularly women, about surgery as a career option. The group will expose participants to surgeons in different specialties to understand not only the surgical field but also the lifestyle of a surgeon, contrasting male and female perspectives. Additionally, the group aims to teach and foster the ability of medical students to network amongst peers and senior medical personnel. WISIG is committed to providing mentorship opportunities for students by creating partnerships with faculty. WISIG's goal is to support female medical students interested in the field of surgery by helping them get into a surgical residency and be competitive candidates through research opportunities and collaborative partnerships. Meetings for WISIG are open to anyone who is interested in surgery or might be interested in surgery. There are many opportunities for students who wish to become involved in the group.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Linda Barry

Student Contacts:
Lavanya Sambaraju, sambaraju@uchc.edu
Sarah Horowitz, shorowitz@uchc.edu
Mehreen Pasha, mpasha@uchc.edu