University of Florida AMSA
UF's Largest Pre-Med Student Organization

Dance Marathon

AMSA’s Dance Marathon Committee partners with UF’s Dance Marathon to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through year-round service, advocacy, and fundraising. This committee gives members a direct way to champion pediatric healthcare by engaging with miracle families, organizing events, and participating in the 26.2-hour Main Event each spring. Through family meet-and-greets and fundraising initiatives, members gain a deeper understanding of the challenges children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses face. The DM Committee blends purpose and community, empowering future healthcare professionals to uplift young patients and their families with empathy, energy, and hope.

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Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine is the medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of unforeseen illness or injury. It is a broad field, encompassing all body systems in a unique area of medicine. The Emergency Medicine Committee is dedicated to promoting interest in emergency and critical care medicine among premedical students. We host events (some in collaboration with other EMS-focused organizations on campus!) like Suture Clinics, EMS Workshops, CPR Training, Fire Rescue Ride-Alongs, Pre-Med Advice Workshops, and Speakers in Emergency Medicine. Along with this, we also want to introduce you to the many professionals in this field, such as firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and so on. Our goal is to really immerse you in the fast-paced world of EM and help you realize whether this is a field of interest to you. We also understand that college can be very stressful, so we try to relieve some of that stress with fun socials like Chats in Plaza, Medical Pictionary, Scrabble Socials, and House MD and Grey’s Anatomy Watch Parties!

 

Events Committee

​The Events Committee is composed of behind-the-scenes directors responsible for publicizing all AMSA-related things! Events works alongside other AMSA committees and different organizations to hold socials, guest speakers, and volunteer opportunities that set general members up for success. Additionally, events will manage the Instagram and other media platforms as well as direct the mentor-mentee programs

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Future in Health Professions

Futures in Health Professions is the committee within AMSA that is responsible for our annual Health Career Convention (HCC). This convention is a way for AMSA to reach out to Florida high school students who are interested in the healthcare field. Each year the committee invites high schools from all over Florida to attend our convention, where they offer information, advice, hands-on experience, and contact with esteemed professionals from all different health disciplines. The committee starts planning for this convention five months in advance and each member is expected to participate and be involved in its production. In addition, FiHP is also focused on helping and inspiring the underprivileged students in our area so that they may excel in school and understand the importance of their education. Members of this committee volunteer at a local elementary school each week as tutors and mentors to the students in the after-school care program. Other events that FiHP provides throughout the year include FUNdraisers for the convention, plenty of socials, and more!

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Global Health

Global Health targets international health-related problems and educates AMSA members about them. Global Health also serves internationally as medical relief in developing nations with significant need through donations and volunteer efforts, particularly through our yearly Medical Mission Trip to a nation in need. Locally, this committee serves as a setting to advocate and forward global relief efforts. This committee addresses global health issues by targeting economic, social, political, and environmental factors related to health. Members will have the opportunity to participate in various projects, including feminine product campaigns, social nights, and international relief missions, while advancing their personal global awareness. By engaging in these activities and learning from guest speakers, members may better understand the many aspects that influence access to care and the growing need for education abroad. Ultimately, Global Health’s goal is to develop its members into culturally competent future health professionals.

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Health Disparities in Medicine

The Health Disparities in Medicine Committee(HDM) focuses on educating members on the differences in quality and accessibility of health care amongst disadvantaged populations in the United States. HDM provides a space to discuss some of the most pressing and often controversial issues facing the medical field today, including abortion and women’s rights, health care policy and funding, disease epidemics, the use and misuse of pharmaceuticals, and the role of public health and government intervention.  The committee hosts a variety of events, such as volunteering with the North Florida Sewing Center to help make reusable pads for girls in rural communities to improve their health and quality of life. We also organize donation drives, semesterly book clubs, and documentary screenings followed by discussions on the realities of health care and disparities in our country. Through these experiences, HDM provides a platform for members to learn about and engage with pressing health issues affecting underserved populations. The ultimate goal of HDM is to help members develop a deeper understanding of the politics and ethics of medicine, leaving them with more balanced and informed perspectives that will enhance their decision-making as future health professionals. 

 

Health Outreach and Education

The Health Outreach and Education committee serves to form a bridge between the local Gainesville Community and UF students. Understanding and interacting with the community that we are serving is an important value in healthcare, one that HOE reflects through our service and education-based events. We offer many experiences to get directly involved in the surrounding Gainesville community, joining with local organizations in the past to spread our AMSA values beyond UF’s campus. HOE is continuously hosting events that explore some of the niche aspects of medicine and we enjoy sharing this knowledge with the community. Some of our past events include: Vitals Workshops, volunteering with Project Downtown, Ronald McDonald House, McCarty Woods Restoration, and an annual trivia night!

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Mental Health

With more than 20% of U.S. adults experiencing a mental health issue at some point in their life, it has become imperative for medical practitioners of all kinds to understand and treat mental health disorders. Our mission in the Mental Health Committee is to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills and resources to address both physical and mental health crises in themselves and their patients. Through events such as Basic Life Support (BLS) training, educational experiences on topics like seizure awareness and mental health first aid, and guided mediation sessions, we provide a foundation of support for our peers. Ultimately, we strive to foster a supportive environment that enables our members to prioritize their own mental well-being and become compassionate advocates for others, both in their personal and professional lives.

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Oncology Committee

Our committee is dedicated to learning about oncology, cancer awareness, and serving our community. Working in direct conjunction with cancer-focused organizations in the community, raising funds, volunteering, and furthering education to support those battling cancer. All money fundraised through oncology committee events goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We also have guest speakers throughout the semester, providing our committee members with the opportunity to ask questions and interact with those who specialize in oncology. We also believe in having a tight-knit committee in order to form long-lasting relationships that will benefit careers and mental health through fun social events like including ceramic class, painting, and bowling. Through this committee, you will have the opportunity to network, learn, and gain hands-on experience while exploring the field of oncology. We look forward to meeting our new members!

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Primary Care Committee

Primary care is the foundation of the world’s most effective health care systems and is vital to U.S. health care reform. The goals of this committee are to introduce students to the diverse scope, settings, and patient populations that primary care addresses. As “gatekeepers” of patient treatment in healthcare, special topics in primary care, and the role of physicians in community and public health will be discussed. Activities include various volunteer opportunities such as Project Downtown and Ronald McDonald House. The committee also has an array of social activities such as our holiday cookie exchange, painting socials, etc. as well as a variety of guest speakers including current medical students and medical professionals. The most exciting and popular activity is the yearly medical mission trip! Each year students spend a week in Central or South America providing care for patients. We also hold an array of basic skills training such as a vitals workshop, and CPR certification through UF.

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Pediatric Interest Committee

The Pediatric Interest Committee aims to promote the health and well-being of children while exposing members to the pediatric field in a fun and educational way. Members will be able to experience direct interaction with children in a variety of volunteering opportunities including Camp Boggy Creek, Top Soccer, and UF Health Pediatric Units. Members will also be able to attend guest speaker presentations from a variety of pediatric careers. The goal of this committee is to expose members to as many enjoyable opportunities as possible while continuing to grow and share our love for the field of pediatrics and children

 

Sports and Preventative Medicine

The Sports & Preventative Medicine committee introduces aspects of healthcare such as injury prevention, recovery, lifestyle improvement, and performance enhancement in individuals. It emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and nutrition in reducing risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The committee works with a weekly volunteer organization known as TOPSoccer, where volunteers will participate in active play and fun activities with local children in the community who may suffer from physical and/or mental disabilities. Opportunities to hear from nutritionists, physical therapists, and orthopedic physicians are also planned. Additionally, the committee is responsible for organizing team intramural sports within AMSA. So gear up and get your game face on!

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Surgical Interest Committee

The surgical Interest committee provides a vast variety of events centered around surgery, fun, and community. SIC explores the field of surgery within medicine which is crucial for patient care. We host hands on experience through suture workshops, surgical watch parties and guest speakers. As the largest AMSA committee we aim to create a community of friends to join us in our social events like game nights, making surgical soundtracks, and potlucks.  We also provide plenty of opportunity to learn from peers on topics such as the MCAT, Research, and any other topics you need help in. We hope you join us in such an interesting and fun field!