Student Organization Spotlight: In Service

Student National Medical Association

Born from a lack of inclusion of African Americans in the American Medical Association, the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) acts as a place where underrepresented minorities at LSU can feel a sense of belonging while working in their community to increase diversity in medicine and mentor younger generations.

In the community, SNMA members perform health screenings and participate in Tiger Scholars, where they visit local 8th grade classes to tutor students and educate them on opportunities in the medical field. Annually, members organize a food drive for the homeless and host panels at undergraduate institutions to give students advice on how to pursue medicine. “SNMA encourages me to share the challenges and struggles that I went through to get into medical school. Being a leader in SNMA and a minority in medicine, I feel empowered to share my experience and encourage others in their journey,” said Jaudé K. Petrie, co-president of LSU’s chapter.

SNMA supports its members by hosting mock exams to prepare them for rigorous medical school tests. These members turn to SNMA as a place where they never feel alone in their experiences – academic or otherwise. Keionne Green, co-president of the chapter says, “SNMA is an opportunity to feel confident and encouraged. It is a good space to find mentors and reach out to the community.”