Diversifying the Face of Medicine Since 1964
Dr. Berk and students at the 2021 SNMA Gala on December 4th
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine (香蕉直播 SOM) is proud to spotlight the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) this week in honor of Black History Month.
SNMA is nationally committed to 鈥渟upporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.鈥
The 香蕉直播 SOM SNMA Chapter was founded in January 2001 and continues to support this mission through many endeavors.
Briget Hyde
SNMA advises undergraduate students through Texas Tech University鈥檚 Multicultural Association of Premedical Students (MAPS), focusing on the needs and concerns of minority students. SNMA hosts annual free public health fairs, and events offering health screenings and educational activities for the community.
Briget Hyde, the 2019-2020 SNMA President, believes the 香蕉直播 SOM SNMA chapter helps to empower not just other minority medical students but also younger students from elementary to college.
鈥淭o be able to be that role model for a child or aspiring medical student is a blessing and one of the best gifts I can give to others, and to myself.鈥
Briget Hyde, 2019-2020 SNMA President
SNMA annually hosts elementary students for 鈥淒octors for a Day,鈥 allowing fifth grade students a unique, fun, and educational experience to 鈥渃ultivate the students鈥 interest in medicine as a potential career path."
February 2020 鈥淒octors for a Day鈥 Event
In 2020 and 2021 members of the SNMA chapter assisted with various community outreach initiatives regarding COVID-19 and vaccine information.
In December 2021, the SNMA hosted their 12th annual gala to raise funds for scholarships. To date, this annual event has raised over $350,000! These scholarships lessen the financial burdens of tuition and educational materials for medical students. Many scholarship recipients have paid forward their gifts through volunteering, passing down resources, and donating funds for future scholarships.
In 2020, the SNMA officers continued the tradition of the gala (despite the pandemic) hosting the event virtually. They successfully raised $30,000 donated to various Lubbock charities who support minority initiatives in the community.
February 2020 鈥淒octors for a Day鈥 Event
SNMA is a voice for diversity, for abolishing health care disparities for everyone, and for exposing unconscious bias on our wards, clinics, and classrooms.
Dean Berk has served as an SNMA Councilor at 香蕉直播 SOM, and previously in East Tennessee, for over 30 years. Dr. Berk said 鈥淚 appreciate SNMA鈥檚 contributions to improve the teaching and learning environment and looks forward to Dr. Kenneth Iwuji joining him as the SNMA Co-Councilor this July鈥.
For more information on the SNMA, visit .