Pre-Medical Associations
BreakThru
Learner Series:
4 Critical Pre-Medical Associations
Table of Contents
The Power of Association(s)
They say that you're judged by the company you keep. This holds true for pre-medical students too. It's important to join the right pre-medical associations, be active in those associations, an1d be able to share what you learned from them as a member. Let's look at some of the benefits of being a member of a pre-medical association, in no particular order.
1. Credibility: There’s a world of difference between being a pre-medical student and being a pre-medical member of organization XYZ. In the case of the later, that student is showing that they’ve done the homework and taken concrete steps towards medical school. In turn this builds their credibility.
2. Education: Pre-medical associations are great places to learn more about medicine. Associations are organized around some specific cause, and educating people about it is perhaps their raison d’etre.
3. Leadership: Organizations serve as great places to develop and showcase leadership.Â
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4. Mentoring:Â Aside from Project BreakThru, associations are one of the best places to get online mentoring. Many have their own built-in mentoring programs or at least ways they can connect you with local mentors.Â
5. Interest:Â Because associations are organized around a cause, you can use them to further your exploration of a particular interest. In turn, you can use your experience to discover new interests.
6. Friends:Â Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of finding friends along the way to medical school. Associations are a great way to do this!
Pre-SOMA
Pre-Students of Osteopathic Medicine(Pre-SOMA): This is a great association to join, especially for pre-meds interested in becoming DOs at it’s the pre-medical division for SOMA. Membership is free and they have a whole host of activities and learning opportunities. For instance their four annual events include, Pre-SOMA at DO day on the Hill, National ShaDO Week, National Osteopathic Night Out, and PreSOMA at OMED.Â
If you are interested in learning more, here is a link to their website.Â
Some Highlights
- National and Local Memberships
- Free National Membership
- Multiple National and Local Events
- Many Learning Opportunities
- Largest DO Organization with Multiple Membership Levels
- Easy Sign-up
- Great Networking Opportunities
- Many Local Leadership Opportunities
- Unique Membership Benefits
- Scholarships and Awards
AMWA
American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA): Established in 1915, this long-standing association works to “advance women in medicine, advocate for equity, and ensure excellence in health care.” Membership is open to both women and men, so if you have a calling towards medicine and equity, this is a great organization to be part of! It has a tremendously impressive history of advocacy and foresight that only a few other associations can match. Membership fees are very reasonable and come with a host of benefits. Plus, on a local level you can gain valuable leadership and volunteering experience. Famous members include Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn an MD from an American Medical School. Click here to learn more about AMWA.
Highlights
- National and Local Memberships
- National Membership only $35
- Strong and Lengthy History of Advocacy
- Pre-Med, Medical Student, Resident, and Physician Membership LevelsÂ
- Valuable Membership Benefits
- Awards and Scholarships
- Many Learning Opportunities
- Great Networking Opportunities
- Leadership Opportunities
AED
Alpha Epsilon Delta: Since 1926 AED has functioned as both a service organization and an honor society. Membership is open to undergraduate or post-bacc students who meet a minimum scholastic achievement level. This includes a sGPA of 3.20 of higher, enrollment in a pre-health major, at least 3 semesters of classes, and other requirements you can read about here.Â
Highlights
- Membership Fee is a one-time $75
- Ability to Start a ChapterÂ
- Scholarships and Awards
- Many Learning Opportunities
- Volunteering and Service Opportunities
- Great Networking Opportunities
- Leadership Opportunities
HOSA
HOSA: This is a massive international pre-health student organization. It features a quarter million members, local, national, and international bodies, tons of activities and learning opportunities and much more. Unique amongst the associations listed here is that HOSA has active chapters that you can join as early as middle school. Honestly, the organization is so large and has so much going on, there’s a lot to unpack regarding everything you can do with them. Learn more about HOSA and how you can join here!
Highlights
- Membership Fee Varies
- Middle School and High School Memberships
- Can Start Local Chapters
- International Organization
- Many Scholarships and Awards
- Learning Opportunities
- Networking
- Competitive Pre-Health Events
The Path to Medical School Can Feel Long And Unclear
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