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Student Interest Groups

All YSM student interest groups are open to all YSM students (MD, PA, and MD-PhD).

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African Health Professionals Interest Group (AHPIG)

The mission of the African Health Professionals Interest Group is to facilitate discussion and collaboration among medical, nursing, PA and public health students with an interest in healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA). Our goal is to promote, embrace and celebrate the diversity in African cultures, explore SSA healthcare systems and connect students with potential mentors.

Examples of Activities:

  • Welcome Event
  • African Health Today Round Table Discussions

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Anatomy Teaching Program (ATP)

ATP is a science enrichment program in which YSM students teach basic anatomy to high school students from Hill Regional Career High School. Activities range from observation of dissected cadavers to examination of slides in histology laboratories to exploration of virtual anatomy iBooks.

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American Physician Scientist Interest Group

The purpose of the physician scientist interest group (APSA local chapter) is to educate and support health professions students to pursue scientific cross-training and develop as physician-scientists. We aim to connect students with resources, mentors, and opportunities to help them fulfill their potential as physician-scientists.

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Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Interest Group (AIR)

The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Interest Group (AIR) aims to foster interest, knowledge, and mentorship in the fields of allergy, immunology, and rheumatology. Our mission is to promote understanding of immune-mediated diseases through education, clinical exposure, and research opportunities, while connecting students with faculty and professionals dedicated to improving patient care in these specialties.

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Anesthesia Interest Group

The Anesthesia Interest Group aims to foster interest in anesthesiology among medical students by connecting them with faculty and resident mentors, showcasing ongoing and innovative research within the department, and providing hands-on learning opportunities.

Examples of Activities:
  • One event that has the most interest is our anesthesia simulation workshop. This is mainly run by the anesthesia department here with huge thanks to the residents. We get to learn how to practice endotracheal and nasotracheal intubation, listen to lung sounds to make sure the intubation tube is on the correct space, and learn to place IV and central line.
  • Another interesting event we held was a career panel offered to second year students, with faculties from various different backgrounds and specialties talking about why they chose anesthesia.
  • And of course, there is the usual research meet and greet! We invite a lot of faculties (~8) who are all very heavily active in field of anesthesia research.

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Association of Women Surgeons - Yale Chapter

The Yale Chapter of the Association of Women Surgeons aligns with the national organization in aiming to inspire, encourage, and enable women surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals.

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AI in Medicine

We aim to provide students with early exposure to AI in medicine, create awareness and address concerns about advanced technologies that are already shaping and will continue to transform all areas of healthcare. We also work to develop strategies and initiatives that help students engage with AI in medicine through research, education, and clinical opportunities. Examples of Activities: We host a monthly speaker series in conjunction with the Biomedical Informatics & Data Science Group. We help students get involved with research, attend conferences, and connect with groups across YSM and YNHH working on AI applications in medicine. Our activities also include AI in Medicine social events that introduce faculty and students interested in research or shadowing opportunities, as well as collaborative events such as a panel with the Medical Education Interest Groups exploring the role of AI in medical education across training levels and clinical settings.

Examples of Activities: We host a monthly speaker series in conjunction with the Biomedical Informatics & Data Science Group. We also help students get involved with research, attend conferences, and get them connected to different groups at YSM and YNHH working on AI applications to medicine.

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Bioethics Interest Group

The Bioethics Interest Group (BIG) is a student-run interest group, serving as a resource for medical students, and students across Yale University, who are interested in the ethical challenges faced by patients and by those who work in healthcare and medical research. In collaboration with the Program for Biomedical Ethics, we host lectures, discussions, and small group seminars with experts from across the country. Members of BIG actively support each other in connecting with potential mentors, as well as finding ways to engage in research and clinical ethics. Central to BIG's mission is encouraging respectful disagreement among students, learning from the historical failures of bioethics, and working towards a future more ethical than the one we inherited.

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Cafecitos at YSM

Cafecitos at YSM hopes to enhance the cultural competence of YSM students as they care for the Latin American members of the New Haven community by providing sincere, informed, and layered immersions to the culture through sharing authentic food, drink, and sweets among members of the YSM community, discussing the variety of unique traditions across Latin America, and engaging in reverent conversations about how these cultural foundations manifest in the patients we care for. Through this deeper understanding, we hope that our members can better empathize with, work alongside, and empower their patients, thereby leading to improved care outcomes and higher satisfaction in the perceptions of the care encounter for both the patient and practitioner.

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Cancer Student Interest Group

The Cancer Student Interest Group (CSIG) works closely with the Yale Cancer Center to expose students to oncology and the oncological subspecialties. We coordinate events that seek to connect students with ongoing research, faculty mentors, and shadowing opportunities.

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Cardiovascular Interest Group (CVIG)

Our mission is to connect medical students to structured means of finding opportunities for volunteering, research, shadowing, and learning in the field of cardiology. We aim to cultivate a relationship between medical students and residents, fellows, and attendings who are working or interested in the field.

Examples of Activities: Cardiovascular Faculty Meet-and-Greet, Cardiovascular Research Mentor Meet-and-Greet, CVIG MS1 Introduction Dinner

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Cushing Society

The mission of the Cushing Society is to foster a direct educational and research interface between Yale undergraduates and medical students with neurosurgery residents and faculty. To accomplish this, the Cushing Society is dedicated to: Building a mentoring network and community that spans all levels of neurosurgical training and interest, allowing students access to work closely with neurosurgeons and scientists. Connecting interested, dedicated students to basic science and clinical neurosurgery laboratories to spearhead research projects aimed at pushing our field forward.

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Child Psychiatry Interest Group/Donald J. Cohen Mentorship Group

The Donald J. Cohen Mentorship Program/Child Psychiatry Interest Group is sponsored by the Yale Child Study Center and designed to expose medical students to the field of child development and psychiatry. We strive to foster an interest in pediatric medicine and psychiatry through a variety of events, as well as through mentoring relationships with physicians in the Child Psychiatry Department.

Examples of Activities:

  • Opportunities to hear from, learn from and network with child psychiatrists
  • Opportunities to travel for child psychiatry focused conference

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CineMed

CineMed uses film to help future clinicians see medicine through a broader and more human lens. The project invites students to slow down and reflect on the values and relationships that shape clinical work. Through curated screenings and guided discussions with invited expert guests (healthcare providers and/or patients), participants explore themes such as communication, empathy, decision making, identity, and the realities of working within complex medical systems to broaden their own clinical perspectives. The screenings serve as starting points for honest conversation about what it means to care for others and to be part of a clinical team. The goal is to support future healthcare providers as they develop habits of thoughtful observation, emotional awareness, and open dialogue so they can approach patients and colleagues with empathy, humility, and respect.

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Claudia Thomas Orthopaedic Society

The Claudia Thomas Orthopaedic Society is an organization committed to increasing representation and opportunities for women through outreach and community engagement efforts in the field of orthopaedic surgery. All health professions students of any gender identity are encouraged to join.

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Connecting Through Art

We aim to create student-led arts and humanities initiatives which in turn supports medical education.

Examples of Activities:

  • An Art x Medicine tour at Yale Art Gallery with gallery fellows
  • a Graphic Memoir Workshop exploring how graphic medicine can be used for personal narrative, op-ed, patient education and medical education,
  • portrait drawing workshop led by MFA students

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Creative Writing Workshop

Creative Writing Workshop is a bi-weekly series of sessions led by Dr. Lorence Gutterman, physician, author, and playwright. The workshops aim to develop your lyrical prose and poetry writing while also enhancing empathy.

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Dermatology Interest Group (DIG)

The Dermatology Interest Group (DIG) is a student-run organization committed to providing volunteering, networking, and research opportunities to medical students interested in a career in dermatology.

Examples of Activities:

  • Dermatology Research Panel
  • Dermatology Match Panel
  • Medical Student and Dermatology Resident Dinner at BAR

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Diagnostic Radiology Interest Group

The Yale Diagnostic Radiology Interest group aims to help medical students learn more about diagnostic radiology through shadowing, small workshop sessions, and other hands-on activities.

Examples of Activities:

  • Radiology Mixer
  • Match Panel
  • skills nights

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Digestive Diseases Interest Group

The Digestive Diseases Interest Group aims to expose medical students to career paths in gastroenterology and hepatology. Our goal is to educate medical students in a fun and engaging manner while connecting them with faculty and trainees who work in digestive diseases.

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Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Interest Group

The mission of the Diving & Hyperbaric Medicine Interest Group is to facilitate exploration and interest in diving and undersea medicine among medical students. We strive to give medical students exposure to this unique specialty by introducing them to faculty mentors within the field, connecting them with similarly interested peers, and providing opportunities for hands-on learning

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Doctors for Immigrants Geared toward Non-Medical Advocacy (DIGNA)

Todos nos merecemos una vida digna. DIGNA is a student group with the sole mission of advocating for the non-medical needs of immigrants in New Haven. Collaborating with the YNHH medical legal partnership and various community-based organizations, we seek to teach YSM students how to be community advocates, whether that is helping navigate legal processes, look for housing, or access important information about legal-, financial-, and health-related topics. We will host educational sessions taught by community leaders and YSM faculty that does community-based advocacy. Our hope is provide students with the skillset to become advocates in their future careers when working with underserved patients.

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Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)

Yale's EMIG is a student-run organization that serves Yale School of Medicine. Our aim is to provide opportunities to students interested in Emergency Medicine to explore career options, network with professionals in the field, and gain hands-on experiences through workshops and volunteer opportunities. Most importantly, we hope to foster an engaging and supportive community for people interested in EM at all stages of training!

Examples of Activities:

  • Skills Workshops
  • Space Medicine Panel
  • Faculty Speed Mentoring
  • EM Match Panel
  • Stop the Bleed (joint with surgery)

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Family Medicine Interest Group

The Yale Family Medicine Interest Group's goal is to expose the next generation of Yale medical students to the field of family medicine and beyond, including primary care and rural medicine.

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Food is Medicine (FiM)

The mission of Food is Medicine (FiM) is to increase awareness about the use of food as an integral part of patient care to specifically address chronic disease and health-related disparities. In pursuit of this goal, FiM is committed to: (1) creating a community at YSM for individuals interested in understanding how nutrition is part of evidence-based, preventative clinical care, and (2) offering ways to directly impart food-related knowledge to patients.

Examples of Activities: This spring, we will host a panel with various leaders in the field to expose students to the relevance and importance of nutrition education across a broad range of clinical specialties. Additionally, we will host several culinary medicine sessions in Yale New Haven Hospital's teaching kitchen, where students will be able to experience hands-on learning in the kitchen, while also learning about how to combat health disparities related to food and nutrition as future clinicians.

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Geriatrics Interest Group (GIG)

Geriatrics Interest Group aims to acquaint healthcare students to the needs of older adults, who are an underserved population and will increasingly comprise a larger fraction of the patient population over the coming decades.

Examples of Activities:

  • Film screening showcasing the impact of YMCA aquatics classes nearby
  • book club discussion with dinner featuring books such as Elderhood, Being Mortal, etc.
  • case workshops to understand how to care for patients who are older adults

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Global Health Interest Group (GHIG)

The Global Health Interest Group (GHIG) exists to support students interested in global health issues, going abroad, collaborating with international students and faculty, research, and obtaining the Global Health Certificate. We work closely with the Office of Global Health Education to publicize fellowships for global research, inform students about global clinical electives, organize socials with visiting international students, and collaborate with residents and faculty to host events. Through various opportunities for research, advocacy, and leadership, we hope to help students better understand the various ways in which we can ethically and responsibly partake in global health.

Examples of Activities:

  • Global Health Ethics Panel
  • Global Health Research Night
  • Yale Global Health Students United for Regional and Global Education (YGH SURGE) Program

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Global Surgery Interest Group

To provide a network and foster collaboration between global surgeons and aspiring global surgery trainees.

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Healthcare Enthusiasts Assembling Remarkable Trivia Sessions

HEARTS seeks to build community among health science students through trivia session and foster the life-long pursuit of knowledge and the joy of learning.

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Healthcare Policy Interest Group

The Healthcare Policy Interest Group at Yale School of Medicine aims to empower medical students to explore the intersection of medicine and policy. We provide opportunities for engagement through faculty mentorship, research, and interdisciplinary collaborations across departments at Yale working at the forefront of health policy. By fostering discussions on healthcare systems, legislative issues, and reform, we seek to cultivate a community of future leaders committed to advancing equitable and effective healthcare policies.

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  • Aish Bhattacharya
History, Health, and Humanities Working Group

History, Humanities, and Health (HHH) aims to explore the multidimensionality of medicine by exploring the social, political, and cultural facets through a historical lens. HHH sits at the nexus of medicine and the humanities, uncovering the ways these disciplines have been in constant conversation with one another. Topics include, but are not limited to, race and health disparities, the history of bioethics and medical experimentation, health activism, and psychiatry and sexuality. This interdisciplinary group is open to medical students, residents, historians, and anyone interested in the medical humanities.

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Secondary Contacts:

  • Wonik Son
  • Dalena Ngo
  • Nora Grand
  • Weston Lowry
Immersive Reading Club

The mission of the Immersive Reading Club (IRC) is to create space and time for students to read deeply, together. Rather than meet just to discuss the book, we will meet to read, in a rare tech- and distraction-free environment. Longer sessions will focus on reading a particular book, and the more-frequent short sessions will simply carve out time to read whatever you've been meaning to. By engaging with the humanities, we hope to reduce burnout in medicine.

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Infectious Disease Interest Group

The Infectious Disease Interest Group is open to all who are interested in or curious about the subspecialty! Our group aims to connect students with faculty, potential mentors, and each other all to promote a passion for infectious disease.

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Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG)

The purpose of the Internal Medicine Interest Group is to facilitate the exploration and interest in internal medicine among medical students. We value connecting medical students to potential mentors and giving them the opportunity to learn from their peers who are pursuing internal medicine. Additionally, we partner with the CT ACP chapter to facilitate collaboration with UConn & Netter IMIG groups, and physicians across CT.

Examples of Activities:

  • Speaker dinner hosting a patient educator from the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau
  • mentorship program connecting medical students and internal medicine residents/fellows
  • match panel a week after Match Day featuring students going to various IM residencies
  • research meet-and-greet to aid students in finding IM research mentors
  • events connecting Yale students to the ACP

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International Ophthalmology Interest Group

The International Ophthalmology Interest Group (IOIG) at Yale School of Medicine is dedicated to fostering a community of future leaders passionate about advancing eye care on a global scale. Our mission is to introduce medical students to the field of international ophthalmology by providing them with educational experiences, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities.

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Interventional Radiology Interest Group

The Interventional Radiology Interest Group is a student organization that aims to expose medical students to the diverse and evolving practice and training in interventional radiology. We also assist students in connecting with potential mentors for shadowing and research opportunities.

Examples of Activities:

  • IR faculty student dinner
  • faculty meet and greet
  • student research night

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Med-Peds Interest Group

To connect students interested in learning more about the combined internal medicine and pediatrics (Med-Peds) specialty with faculty in the field.

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Medical Education Interest Group

MEIG's mission is to encourage, empower, and support future medical educators and to provide opportunities to learn about and experience medical education as a profession. We have worked with the Center for Medical Education to establish and launch the longitudinal Medical Education Concentration at YSM that provides a structured pathway for medical students to pursue medical education opportunities, practice educating throughout their medical school careers, and strengthen applicable techniques for their future practice as educators.

Examples of Activities:

  • Medical Education Career Panel: A diverse panel of 5 medical educators beloved and respected by the YSM community spoke on their paths to med ed, opportunities available to students now, and their advice to students interested in pursuing med ed. House of Naan provided.
  • Medical Education Research Networking Event: An event for students who are interested in pursuing medical education research to network with numerous faculty members from YSM and YNHH, all of whom are conducting medical education research projects and are enthusiastic to involve student researchers. Food provided, of course!

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Medical Students for a Sustainable Future at Yale

The Medical Students for a Sustainable Future (MS4SF) Yale School of Medicine Student Chapter aims to promote human health in Connecticut and the New Haven community by addressing pollution and climate change through education, service and advocacy.

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Medical Students for Choice

Medical Students for Choice is an international organization of medical students and residents dedicated to integrating equitable and accessible reproductive justice education into the curriculum and works to foster the next generation of reproductive healthcare providers. Yale's chapter of MSFC is a safe community to advance these goals, while collaborating with local organizations and activists, to secure comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care for all. MSFC is really special since it's a chapter of the MSFC international organization, so we're able to collaborate with MSFC chapters from other medical schools and try to enact action on a larger scale. We also collaborate frequently with Reproductive Health Equity Now (RHEN) at the School of Public Health and the If/When/How chapter at the Yale Law School.

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Mindfulness in Medicine

The Mindfulness in Medicine Interest Group aims to explore the integration of mindfulness into clinical practice, both for our patients and ourselves. The interest group will provide opportunities to learn about programs, such as Mindfulness-Based Stressed Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, with first-hand experiential learning of the practices employed in these programs. We will delve into the clinical research on these therapies to raise awareness amongst providers. Additionally, we will discuss the difficulties and controversies of employing mindfulness-based practices, which are often adapted from different cultures and religious backgrounds, into a clinical setting. The Mindfulness in Medicine Interest Group will work to raise awareness amongst providers about evidence-based complementary treatments.

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Mission: BRAIN at Yale

The Mission:BRAIN Yale Chapter is committed to advancing neurosurgical equity through education, local outreach, and global partnership. We bring together students across disciplines to learn from frontline providers, support underserved communities, and contribute to sustainable, collaborative solutions in global neurosurgery.

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Secondary Contacts:

  • Jose Anzueto - Vice President
  • Abraham Castaneda - Secretary
  • Adebayo Efunnuga - Treasurer
Music in Medicine

Music in Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine was founded to build community amongst musicians and promote opportunities to share music. All are welcome!

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OB/GYN Interest Group

The OB/GYN Interest Group strives to educate students about issues related to all areas in the field of OB/GYN and women's health, including maternal-fetal medicine, fertility, reproductive endocrinology, gynecologic oncology, family planning, as well as urogynecology and pelvic surgery. We seek to inspire health students to pursue research and clinical opportunities in the field through faculty shadowing and speaking events, mentorship, and hands-on skills workshops.

Examples of Activities:

  • OB/GYN Skills Night
  • OB/GYN Faculty & Resident Mentorship Program
  • OB/GYN Faculty & Student Happy Hour

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Ophthalmology Interest Group

The Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG) is a student-run organization at the Yale School of Medicine. The mission of OIG is to expose Yale Medical Students to the field of ophthalmology and foster excitement for the field. This is accomplished through peer-to-peer mentorship as well as faculty shadowing, mentorship, and research.

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Outdoor Medventures

The Outdoor Medventures Interest Group brings together anyone interested in joining or leading trips to go hiking, camping, skiing, and biking amongst other fun outdoor adventures! Our mission is to get YSM students outside regardless of prior experience. We believe that nature provides its own form of medicine and education. Our goal is to create opportunities for the YSM community to explore and enjoy the incredible natural environments across New England!

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Palliative Care Scholars (PCS)

Our group aims to introduce students to the central tenets of palliative care including multidisciplinary teamwork, consideration of patient goals, thorough communication, and emotional support.

Examples of Activities:

  • Interdisciplinary palliative care team panel
  • Workshop on delivering bad news to patients
  • Upcoming companionship initiative where students can visit and chat with patients receiving palliative care

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Pediatrics Interest Group

The Pediatrics Interest Group at Yale School of Medicine aims to inspire and support students interested in child health by promoting clinical exposure, mentorship, advocacy, and education. We work on building a collaborative community dedicated to providing students a glimpse into the profession of Pediatrics through compassionate care, scientific inquiry, and service.

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Peer Advocate Program

The Peer Advocates program was created to provide students with non-threatening peer listeners who are available at any time of day or night, to confidentially discuss strategies, reality-test, brainstorm solutions when encountered with challenging personal, academic, or professional situations and point students in the direction of appropriate resources.

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Physician Administration Collaborative

Our mission is to facilitate networking and mentorship between Yale Physician-Administrators and medical students. We aim to provide opportunities for medical students to learn more about the administrator's role in the hospital and other healthcare settings.

Examples of Activities:

  • Physician-Admin Mixer,
  • Speaker series
  • Physician-Admin Panel

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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group

We aim to provide opportunities for students to do the following: 1) Learn about the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery from attending and resident physicians, connect with attending physicians for shadowing and research opportunities. 2) Become involved in plastic and reconstructive surgery research through the research opportunities we share through our listserv or research networking nights. 3) Gain insight and skills beneficial for rotations and applying through match panels and skill labs.

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Rackets and Remedies

Rackets and Remedies is an inclusive racket sports club for Yale medical students, committed to promoting wellness, connection, and balance. Through tennis, table tennis, pickleball, and badminton events, we offer a fun, low-pressure space to stay active, learn new skills, and build community across the student body. Our mission is to bring people together, support healthy habits, and make movement an enjoyable part of medical training.

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Radiation Oncology Interest Group

The Radiation Oncology Interest Group is dedicated to fostering early engagement, education, and mentorship for medical students interested in the field of radiation oncology.

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Student Interest Group in Neurology/Neurosurgery (SIGN)

SIGN fosters medical student interest in the field of neurology by providing educational opportunities to learn more about neurology subspecialties and participate in clinical, research, and service activities.

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Rising Youth

Rising Youth is a peer-led organization aimed at teaching local high schoolers about mental wellness. We believe that mental wellness is an essential skill to be taught, strengthen, and cultivated.

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Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic (SAFE)

We are the Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic (SAFE) student interest group here at Yale. Our mission is to ensure that YSM and the broader New Haven community are equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle gun violence to prevent injury and death. We hold various events including lectures, outreach/advocacy opportunities, and gun violence research promotion.

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Student Interest Group in Neurology

SIGN fosters medical student interest in the field of neurology by providing educational opportunities to learn more about neurology subspecialties and participate in clinical, research, and service activities.

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Socially Responsible Surgery at Yale

Socially Responsible Surgery at Yale is a resident and student led-organization that recognizes social responsibility as a core value of surgical practice, and surgery as an essential component of global health. This organization aims to identify opportunities for leadership, research, and collaboration in the training of globally-minded surgeons committed to surgical equity in and out of the hospital. Through our pillars of advocacy, education, service, and research, we believe in serving our local community as part of the larger global community. One of our featured service initiatives is screening patients admitted to Emergency General Surgery at Yale for social determinants of health and helping connect them with resources in the greater New Haven area. Additionally, we educate patients on the floor on general post-op instructions, wound care, and dietary information.

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Southwick Society

Provide Yale School of Medicine students with mentorship opportunities, clinical education, and tactile exercises to prepare them for a future career in orthopaedic surgery.

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Social Prescribing Interest Group

Social prescribing is a model of care delivery that enables health professionals to formally prescribe non-clinical community activities including the arts, movement, nature, and service (volunteering) to improve patient health. In February 2024, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Gov. Lamont announced the Social Connection Campaign to combat loneliness and social isolation in Connecticut. By leveraging Connecticut's community-based arts and culture organizations, social prescribing can catalyze a new way of addressing biopsychosocial determinants of health. Our mission is to support students in learning about and engaging with Connecticut's emerging ecosystem around social prescribing. The Social Prescribing Interest Group serves as a hub for students to advocate for and integrate holistic, community-based interventions (e.g. arts programs, outdoor activities) with patient care. Our goal is to support the implementation of social prescribing models in New Haven and across the United States.

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Stamp Out Stroke

Stamp Out Stroke is a community outreach initiative led by the Yale Stroke and Vascular Neurology division. We are comprised of stroke physicians, nurses, neurology residents, and students. Our mission is to educate the New Haven and surrounding communities about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of receiving prompt care. Examples of Activities: Monthly, we attend senior centers to give presentations on stroke and prevention through modifiable risk factors. Yearly, we run an event called Strokebusters to teach local high school students that are interested in science and medicine about stroke prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. We get to partner with awesome physicians, nurses, and students to spread life-saving information to our community, and we'd love to have you involved!

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The Hippocratic Society

The Hippocratic Society is a national organization committed to providing moral and professional formation to students and clinicians. Our goal is to renew the practice of good medicine by fostering community and hosting open dialogue about virtues and ethical questions vital to the profession.

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The Ultrasounds

The Ultrasounds are YSM's one and only acapella group! We welcome all experience levels. Event highlights include karaoke nights and singing for the General Internal Medicine Department holiday party. Whether you've sung in choirs all your life or are just now feeling brave enough to sing with other people, The Ultrasounds are happy to have you!

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¡Hablemos Juntos! Medical Spanish Interest Group

¡Hablemos Juntos! is a student-run initiative aimed at equipping Yale health professional students with the language skills needed to better communicate with Spanish-speaking patients. First started by Yale medical students and piloted with peers in the preclinical phase of training, ¡Hablemos Juntos! offers in-person workshops taught by native Spanish speakers, during which beginner and intermediate-level learners discuss clinical cases in Spanish, learn key medical Spanish terminology, and practice communication skills through roleplay and other modalities. In addition to our weekly sessions, we offer opportunities for additional Spanish practice through conversation tables, during which we engage in casual, free-flowing conversation in Spanish. By providing Yale health professional students of all Spanish levels with opportunities for language learning, ¡Hablemos Juntos! aims to bolster the delivery of linguistically and culturally sensitive care for Spanish-speaking patients in the New Haven community.

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Yale Genetics Interest Group

The Yale Genetics Interest Group (YGIG) is a student run organization dedicated to exposing students to the growing field of genetics and genomics. We work closely with faculty in the genetics department, as well as residents and other student groups, to promote YSM medical students' interest in medical genetics and its applications to clinical medicine, research, and public health and policy. YGIG aims to do this through various events throughout the year, such as career panel discussions, research mixers, and case discussions.

Examples of Activities:

  • Clinical Genetics Career Panel
  • YGIG Intro Meeting
  • Course Specific Genetics Case Conference
  • research mixers residents and faculty.

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Urology Interest Group

Provide Yale medical students with an early exposure to the great field of Urology and connect interested students with faculty for mentorship, research, and shadowing. Examples of Activities: Surgical Skills Fair - often attended by 100+ medical students this is our biggest annual event - students rotate through workshops where they learn surgical and urologic techniques from faculty ranging from suturing to ureteroscopy and vasectomy. Radiology Teaching Night - An annual event where Yale Urology faculty members walk medical students through the basics of interpreting imaging and diagnosing urologic diseases Research Night - a night where Urology faculty members present their ongoing research projects and specific opportunities for interested medical students to get involved/get publications. Presentations are followed by dinner and an opportunity to mingle with faculty

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Yale Center for Asylum Medicine

The medical student organization associated with the Yale Center for Asylum Medicine brings together Yale medical students committed to supporting forensic evaluations for asylum seekers facing persecution and violence. Students work alongside faculty physicians to observe and assist in detailed medical interviews and examinations that document trauma, including scars, functional impairments, and psychological sequelae. Through partnerships with advocacy groups such as Physicians for Human Rights and HealthRight International, students receive specialized training that equips them to conduct independent evaluations once licensed. The organization also engages students through lectures, workshops, and conferences on asylum medicine, often in collaboration with Yale Law School and the University of Connecticut School of Law. Together, these activities cultivate a community of trainees dedicated to advancing human rights and integrating rigorous clinical documentation into the asylum process.

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Yale Hematology Interest Group

YHIG is an organization for Yale Medical School students interested in exploring hematology across multiple facets, including clinical practice, research, and advocacy.

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Yale Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group

Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group (LMIG) is a student-led community dedicated to exploring the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and substance reduction—as defined by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Our mission is to empower future health care professionals with the knowledge and skills to integrate evidence-based lifestyle interventions into patient care. Through engaging events, expert-led discussions, and hands-on learning, we promote the prevention, management, and reversal of chronic diseases. LMIG is a space for students to connect, collaborate, and cultivate their own well-being while shaping the future of health care with a lifestyle-first approach!

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Yale Hands-On Pathology

Yale Hands-On Pathology (YHOP) aims to promote interest in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology by providing students with hands-on laboratory experiences led by Yale faculty and trainees.

Examples of Activities:

  • bone marrow biopsy simulation
  • facility tour plus resident panel with dinner
  • autopsies

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Yale Otolaryngology Interest Group (YOTO)

The Yale Otolaryngology Interest Group is dedicated to fostering interest, education, and collaboration in the field of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. Our mission is to provide medical students with opportunities to explore this dynamic specialty through hands-on workshops, mentorship, research, and community outreach.

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Yale Med Club Golf

Yale Med Club Golf brings together students with an interest in all levels of golf. With events spanning from social activities on the driving range and mini golf to competitive outings, the team fosters community and promotes wellness through golf, with the opportunity to connect with and learn from students of all years and interests. Our mission is to provide a space to unwind, network, and de-stress through the ultimate mix of sports and socializing.

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Yale Medical Student Psychiatric Association

Yale Medical Student Psychiatry Association (YMSPA) is a student group that seeks to foster interest in the field of psychiatry through events and opportunities bringing together faculty and students from Yale School of Medicine and other local organizations together. We also support student endeavors in psychiatry research and clinical experience.

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Yale Med School Intramural Softball Club

We are the official intramural softball team for YSM. We compete against other Yale grad schools on Sundays in the spring and Thursday evenings in the Summer. The team fosters community and wellness through bringing together students from all years with opportunities to play with (or against) YSM alumni and other graduate students.

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Yale Ophthalmology Screening Initiative

The Yale Ophthalmology Screening Initiative is a student-led organization that is committed to promoting community eye health. The group works with local healthcare organizations to host preventative screenings and increase access to vision care.

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  • Yuqing Huang
  • Lauren Killingsworth
  • Lydia Fozo
  • Mark Dibbs
  • Christina Jayaraj
Yale Medical Simulation Interest Group

The simulation interest group introduces students to working as a team to address acute medical problems in a simulation environment. Students learn from Dr. Samuel Buck, upper year peers, and each other. This is a great way to gain hands-on clinical experience and practice working as a team in a medical setting. At the end of the year, 1-2 teams of students participate in a formal medical simulation competition.

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Yale Patient Navigator Program

The YPNP is a student collaboration between the Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Nursing, Yale School of Public Health, and Yale College. We work with adult and pediatric patients referred to us from the Primary Care Center, the Refugee Clinic and IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, the Yale Cancer Center, and affiliated Yale clinics. Navigators work alongside patients to address social and economic barriers to health, including housing, food insecurity, transportation, medication reminders, insurance guidelines, and appointment scheduling.

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Yale School of Medicine Climbing Interest Group

To promote health, wellness, and community at YSM through climbing! To introduce YSM students to climbing and improve accessibility to climbing at YSM.

Examples of Activities:

  • Climbing at City Climb
  • Bouldering at Ascent

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Yale School of Medicine Research Collaborative

The YSMRC is being established with the mission of fostering collaboration among students by creating a centralized database of ongoing research projects that are actively recruiting, as well as additional research opportunities. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to engage in meaningful, collaborative research.

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Yale Surgical Interest Group

Connect students with mentors and research opportunities in the Dept. of Surgery and better prepare students for a successful surgical career Help students develop fundamental surgical technical skills and build longitudinal relationships with senior medical students via peer-to-peer teaching

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YSM Assistive Innovation and Design

Y ale Assistive Innovation and Design (Y -AID) seeks to assist patient needs locally and globally by designing and utilizing open-source 3D printed assistive devices. Y -AID aims to focus on creating innovative and affordable designs of prosthetics and other assistive technologies to reach and to serve patients in the New Haven and TOM Global communities.

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Yale Skin of Color Working Group

The Skin of Color Working Group (SOCWG) is an open, inclusive student-run organization. By skin of color, we refer to skin types typically represented by Fitzpatrick phototypes IV–VI. These populations experience unique dermatologic needs, presentations, and disparities in access and outcomes. Our mission is to provide medical students interested in dermatology with opportunities in education, advocacy, and research focused on skin of color, and to enhance awareness of its specific care requirements. We strive to enhance the understanding of the needs of the Skin of Color community and promote representation and equity in dermatology.

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YaleMedX

YaleMedX is a student-driven initiative committed to establishing Yale School of Medicine as a premier hub for healthcare innovation. We unite students, residents, faculty, and alumni across digital health, AI/ML, medtech, and life sciences to foster collaboration, accelerate learning, and expand access to innovation resources. Our mission is to support students in developing ideas, skills, and ventures that advance medicine while aligning with Yale's long-term strategic vision. By building community, expanding programming, and catalyzing new opportunities, YaleMedX activates the innovation flywheel that will shape YSM for decades.

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Yale School of Mileage

Yale School of Mileage strives to provide a supportive community for runners, walkers, hikers, bikers, etc. at YSM. We promote health and fitness and provide participatory events for people at all ability levels. Examples of Activities: Fun Runs with breakfast Joint runs with the YLS and SOM Informal races with YLS and SOM

Examples of Activities:

  • Fun Runs with breakfast
  • Joint runs with the YLS and SOM
  • Informal races with YLS and SOM

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Yale Vot-ER

Yale Vot-ER is a local branch of a national nonpartisan organization committed to improving access and awareness to civics particularly within the healthcare setting. We see healthcare as a unique avenue where many populations that may otherwise be neglected by more traditional outreach methods can be conveniently given resources and information about elections, policies, and similar. We aim to host events both within the YSM community and in the local community to achieve these goals.

Examples of Activities:

  • Voter registration drive for the YSM community, tabling at New Haven community events
  • organizing emergency absentee voting for hospitalized patients (future)

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Yale Heath Professional Christian Fellowship

We are a non-denominational Christian group of health professionals and graduate students committed to living out a Christ-centered faith in medicine.

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Yale Ultrasound Interest Group / Yale POCUS Interest Group

YUSIG, Yale POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound) Interest Group, is a student-led organization dedicated to empowering future clinicians to learn and effectively use ultrasound early in their clinical training. We also promote student education via peer-to-peer teaching and foster community in POCUS across all fields of medicine. During the academic year, we organize POCUS workshops for MD and PA students to train them in using and interpreting ultrasound as a bedside tool in clinical medicine, provide new faculty-led advanced POCUS training to the next generation of POCUS enthusiasts, conduct POCUS image review sessions with faculty instructors, and facilitate career exploration opportunities with residents, fellows, and faculty across different specialties, who are passionate about POCUS.

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YSM Habitat for Humanity

YSM Habitat for Humanity aims to connect with local community beyond Yale by volunteering with the New Haven chapter of Habitat for Humanity which supports families in need by providing and building affordable housing.

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Yale Veterans and Military in Medicine

We strive to provide a space for community building among Service Members and veterans at YSM, to foster mentorship from faculty with military background, and to connect YSM students with military and veteran groups throughout the greater Yale University community.

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YSM Craft Collective

The YSM Craft Collective provides opportunities for medical students to unwind, express their creativity, and build community — both with each other and with the patients we serve. We host monthly craft circle socials and lead art activity groups with patients at Yale New Haven Hospital and the Connecticut Mental Health Center. All forms of arts and crafts and all experience levels are welcome!

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Program Participation

Our programs are open to all members of the Yale School of Medicine community and participation is voluntary. We welcome engagement from students, staff, and faculty from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.

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