Message from CMSC President:
One of the many advantages of attending the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine is, in fact, our student body. We are the largest medical school in the country—and, with that distinction, we boast one of the most passionate, diverse, and involved medical student bodies around. Each new class of students joins a rich history of student leadership—a history that includes the national founding of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society at our college in 1902 and the more recent founding of the Community Action Program in 2010. The quality of our students is seen in their commitment to many endeavors—from organizing health fairs for the underserved of Chicago, to lobbying Springfield and Washington, to educating our peers about their interests through guest speakers and special events. And, each year, UIC is host to numerous national and regional conferences—from the American Medical Student Association to the Student National Medical Association—as our students share their passions with their colleagues around the state and nation.
The Chicago Medical Student Council (CMSC) supports the numerous student groups of our college—and helps connect students with their interests. With so many groups already established, it’s easy to find a community of students motivated by shared interests. What’s more, if you find that a student organization does not exist based on your passions, you are sure to find other students to help you start a new group amidst the nearly 200 students in Chicago in each medical school class.
So, get involved and take charge of your medical education outside the laboratory and classroom! Whether you devote time to learn more about medical specialties through our numerous interest groups, find a community with others based on your cultural group or religious affiliation, or shape the education and curriculum of future classes through our Student-Faculty Committees, there is a place for you.
Of course, this is medical school—and your first priority is your education. It’s no secret that your time is a precious commodity. But, I encourage you to find what drives you and get involved, because there may be no better place and time for it than the years you will spend at UIC College of Medicine. That time spent pursuing your passions, developing relationships, and gaining leadership experience is sure to enhance your time here at UIC—and hopefully will transform you into a well-rounded physician, ready to be a leader in your community.
Brian Bamberger
CMSC President