University of Florida AMSA
UF's Largest Pre-Med Student Organization
Committees
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 and puts on events like CPR training, ER tours, EMR and EMT connections and Speakers in Emergency Medicine. We collaborate events with other EMS focused organizations on campus. Along with this we also want to introduce you to the many professionals in this field such as firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs, and so on. As part of this committee 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 this for you with fun socials where you get to know each other, make new friends and have a great time.
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!
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.
Health Disparities in Medicine
The Health Disparities in Medicine Committee focuses on educating members on the differences in quality and accessibility of health care amongst disadvantaged populations in the United States of America. HDM discusses some of the most controversial issues currently facing the medical field, such as abortion and women’s rights, health care policy and funding, control of disease epidemics, use and abuse of pharmaceuticals, and public health and government intervention. Ultimately, the goal of HDM is to inform members about politics and ethics as they relate to medicine and to have them emerge with more balanced and worldly perspectives that will enhance their decision-making ability as future health professionals. Some events that we host are Krishna Lunch Socials, Food Drives, Volunteering with Days for Girls, and presentations with professors in the field. Furthermore, HDM provides a platform to discuss and learn about pertinent health issues affecting women and members of the LGBTQ community today. This committee aims to prepare and mold, compassionate health care professionals that are able to care for a vast patient demographic with events that they offer. Some of these events will include an LGBTQ Forum and guest talks.
Health Outreach and Education
The Health Outreach and Education committee serves to build ties with the community here in Gainesville, FL. Through service and educational initiatives, H.O.E. offers opportunities for all pre-medical students to positively influence the local community. We offer experiences for you to aid and support the Gainesville population through hands-on medical experience and the promotion of health awareness. H.O.E. is continuously hosting events that explore some of the more unique aspects of medicine and we enjoy sharing this knowledge with the community. We strive to create an enjoyable membership for those who join and achieve this by hosting trivia events, game nights, and more to bring our AMSA family closer together. Some of our past events include: Workshops on Learning to Take Vitals, Epilepsy First Aid education, Research Symposiums, Habitat for Humanity, and much more.
Mental Health
With more than 25% of Americans suffering from a diagnosable mental illness every year, the ability of clinicians to appropriately identify, treat, and understand patients is of utmost importance. The mental health committee aims to promote mental health awareness while working to reduce the stigma in the community. Through professional speakers, community outreach, and mental health first aid training, we provide our members with opportunities to engage in mental health affairs. Our committee also offers adult literacy tutoring through the Gainesville Opportunity Center, an organization that aims to empower adults affected with mental illness through social involvement and employment for self-directed recovery. Our goal is to provide premedical students with the knowledge and training to confidently navigate mental health matters in their respective future professions, while also providing a welcoming environment to relieve stress.
Oncology Committee
Our committee is dedicated to learning about oncology, cancer awareness and serving our community. Working in direct conjunction with the Gift of Life (GOL), the Oncology committee is committed to adding to the bone marrow registry and supporting people battling cancer. In the fall, members participate in GOL tabling, a fun, interactive and educational outreach experience to educate the population of UF about the bone marrow registry. 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 trivia night. Moreover, the Oncology committee also hosts AMSA’s annual Lip Sync Battle, where members face-off in hopes of winning the grand prize! All money fundraised through oncology committee events go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We look forward to meeting our new members!
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 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. The committee also has an array of social activities such as our holiday cookie exchange, picnics at Depot Park, tie-dye events, and potlucks. We also hold an array of basic skills training such as a vitals workshop, and CPR certification through UF.
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!
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 often said to be the bread and butter of healthcare. 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 potlucks, pumpkin carving, and Lake Wauburg getaways. 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!