A Holistic College Experience
With more than 40 active student organizations, the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine prides itself on providing a holistic out-of-classroom experience. Our co-curricular activities give you the opportunity to put what you are learning in the classroom into practice, while also providing you the space to heighten skills that produce more engaged community members, innovative practitioners, and — ultimately — more balanced individuals.
Involvement, service, and community engagement is a part of our culture and as a COM student, you are always evolving and pursuing new opportunities to influence your community. Below are some examples of what we have to offer.
If you don’t see a student organization that aligns with your interests, it is easy to start your own. Email COMSA, and we will be happy to guide you through the process.
Student Affiliate Organizations List
The 51°µÍø COM Chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists is a medical specialty interest club for anyone interested in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive health, and/or sexual health. It provides lectures, clinics, fundraisers, and academic events to bolster medical education in OB/GYN topics that are otherwise not addressed in the standard didactic curriculum.
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The American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians Club promotes pediatric medical education by hosting lectures and organizing attendance at the AAP and ACOP National Conferences. Members engage with the local community by volunteering with the Biddeford school system, cooking meals at Ronald McDonald House, and getting involved with advocacy campaigns that keep children happy and healthy.
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The Medical Student Section of American College of Osteopathic Surgeons is for those interested in surgery or early exposure to techniques such as suturing. The club provides exposure to the field of surgery by sponsoring lectures, meetings, and workshops. The club builds interest in surgery as a specialty while showing how surgery fits into the overall patient care experience.
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The 51°µÍø COM Chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association supports and educates about the equity and advancement of women in medical professions. This group is open to all students interested in learning more about gender differences in terms of treatment and expectations at work, healthcare outcomes, and salary gaps. AMWA hosts a variety of speakers, networking events, and fundraisers to help make the world a better, healthier place for everyone.
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This is not a group that is exclusive to women. AMWA has male members and they are very welcome in the group. We provide support for one another. We introduce medical students to female physicians in the hopes of forming an alliance/mentorship and sharing experiences. As a group, we look to laugh and learn together in the promotion of osteopathy and women’s health.
The American Muslim Medical Student Association upholds the Osteopathic principle of promoting a holistic approach to health and medicine through holding cultural sensitivity workshops with fellow faith groups on campus to facilitate dialogue, awareness, and understanding. Additionally, the American Muslim Medical Student Association will combat the media narrative about Islam and educate those interested regarding the true teachings of our religion through interfaith discussions. The American Muslim Medical Student Association will also ensure the facilities and services can adequately accommodate religious obligations, such as having places for prayer and providing halal food on campus.
American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine raises awareness among future physicians regarding substance use disorders and addiction through collaborative events with other student organizations and hosting speakers from the field to share their experiences.
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The AOCOO-HNS aims to expose students to ophthalmology and otolaryngology and support students interested in pursuing these specialties through outreach, physician networking, education.
It is the mission of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Student Affiliate Organization to promote and expand opportunities to enhance the learning of Anesthesia and Pain Management for the students at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. We aim to host clinics and workshops with local Anesthesiologists to gain simulated experiences and expand the networks of 51°µÍø COM students.
The mission of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) is to empower and support our community by fostering an environment that recognizes and respects Asian American culture. We aim to cultivate a strong group of medical professionals who are consistently motivated to advocate for Asian-American representation in the medical community and beyond.
The 51°µÍø COM chapter of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons/Government Service Physicians caters to the needs of all Health Professions Scholarship Program students from all three military branches. Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons/Government Service Physicians connects members to the national organization and provides updates to requirements of military training, applications to military residency programs, and engagement opportunities surrounding Veteran's Day and community outreach for Maine veterans.
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The mission of the Cardiology Student Organization is to provide a platform for students interested in Cardiology to enhance our understanding of the field of cardiology and its subspecialties. Offer educational experiences to develop clinical skills related to Cardiology Hear from current practitioners about the many paths available for students interested in this specialty (i.e. Cardiac Anesthesia, Cardiothoracic surgery)
Do you have to give up your mission in pursuit of your medical career? The Christian Medical Dental Association provides a place for students to talk about their Christian faith, share experiences, and hear first-hand stories from doctors and professionals to help clarify this question. The group is dedicated to figuring it out together.
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Critical Care Student Interest Group aims to increase student awareness of critical care medicine and provide full exposure to the interdisciplinary nature of the specialty by describing the specialty and the various pathways toward critical care. We hope to better prepare students for critical care rotations through physician panels and guest speakers, grand rounds-style case reviews, and critical care events/activities. We will be providing opportunities for students interested in critical care medicine, including research, shadowing, and mentorships.
The Dermatology Interest Group promotes interest in dermatology by exposing students to different subspecialties within the field through guest speakers, journal clubs, and hands-on experience such as melanoma screening workshops.
The Global Health Student Organization advocates for patients in global environments and educates the community about global health. They also provide lectures and training related to global health such as tropical medicine, infectious disease, cross-cultural awareness and diversity, and medical access in resource-limited settings.
The Health Policy Interest Group provides opportunities for you to educate yourself on health policy issues in general, and advocate for a better health care system that works for all people.
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Integrative Medicine Interest Group promotes and supports student interest in modern and traditional healing modalities that augment the holistic practice of osteopathic medicine, and encourage students to regularly engage in activities that bolster their own health and wellbeing.
The Jewish Medical Student Association (JMSA) serves as a resource for Jewish medical students and other students interested in Judaism. JMSA promotes awareness and understanding of the Jewish community at COM and the Osteopathic profession through events such as Shabbat dinners, Passover Seders, and a Latke fundraiser.
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) unites and empowers medical students through service, mentorship, and education as it advocates for Latino health. LMSA hosts weekly class, leading members through the medical interview in Spanish. In addition to the medical interview content, the leaders of the club integrate cultural education on a variety of topics such as how to best bridge social and language barriers when serving the LatinX community.
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Medical Simulation Student Organization works to provide opportunities for students at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine to practice their clinical assessment, diagnosing, and procedural skills through high-fidelity medical simulations.
The Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA) promotes awareness and understanding of diversity, inclusivity, and the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ community members by fostering communication on LGBTQIA+ topics and working to infuse such topics into the 51°µÍø COM curriculum.
Medical Students for Choice is an advocacy and educational group dedicated to supporting tomorrow’s abortion providers and pro-choice physicians. The group upholds the belief that all people deserve sexual and reproductive health consistent with their own personal and cultural values and recognizes that people are the experts in their own bodies and make their own decisions regarding sexuality, health, and whether and when to have children. It supports future physicians who believe that abortion and contraception are vital aspects of medical care that should be embraced as standard practice.
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The mission of Medicine in Motion is to provide a variety of fun and welcoming fitness classes/events to 51°µÍø COM students in an effort to promote mental and physical health and wellness, build community, reduce stress and have fun.
The Neurology and Psychiatry Student Interest Group represents a motivated group of students with diverse interests. Its focus is academic and centered on promoting research in each respective field. The club is also involved in our local community through events at Maine mental healthcare facility Sweetser and 51°µÍø’s brain fair.
The New England Student Research Organization promotes student research opportunities at 51°µÍø COM and affiliated institutions. The club introduces students to new and continued research opportunities, connects students with faculty and other possible research mentors, provides support in the application and grant writing process, and provides tips for successful applications.
Nutrition in Medicine Initiative has a mission of promoting enhanced nutritional education to the student physicians of 51°µÍø COM and the local community. Through community and school-wide outr