American Medical Association (AMA) - All medical students are eligible for membership in AMA, the largest physician's organization in the country.  The membership includes a subscription to the weekly AMA newspaper, the Journal of the American Medical Association and the AMA's drug evaluation handbook.

American Medical Student Association (AMSA) - The local chapter is a very active organization.  For example, AMSA sends you their monthly journal, The New Physician.  In addition, AMSA offers a low-cost health insurance plan and a MasterCard application.  On the national level, local chapter members are encouraged to seek leadership roles in the organization and to attend the annual AMSA convention.  The local chapter arranges several speakers and seminars throughout each semester.

American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) - Since 1915, AMWA has been at the forefront of women's health issues.  AMWA is the largest professional organization for women physicians, and all medical students are eligible for membership.  The membership fee is $65.00 for all four years of medical school and includes a subscription to JAMWA, long distance telephone savings programs, discounts on car rentals and medical education loans.

ASAP - Members of this organization visit area elementary schools to present skits and work with them to promote self-esteem and to prevent self destructive behavior such as drug taking.

Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS) - This highly active society holds meetings, brown bag lunch discussions and pot-luck dinners, and plans many activities helpful to those who hope to integrate their medical school experience and future careers as physicians with faith in Christ.  CMS sponsors family interaction groups, symposia on ethical and/or medical religious topics, and medical missionary trips to the interior of Mexico.  Because membership is open to faculty and staff in addition to all medical students, CMS offers an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with your colleagues and professors.

Class of 2005 - Around October during your first semester, your class will nominate and elect class officers.  Officers include President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and two representatives for Student Government Association.  Contact Dr. Leonard Lawrence or a faculty advisor for more information.

Emergency Medicine Students Association (EMSA) - EMSA is a very active organization for students interested in the practice of Emergency Medicine.  The club sponsors social events, has speakers on residency programs and clinical practice, and offers ambulance ride-outs and helicopter fly-outs for students seeking a little excitement.  Membership is not limited to those planning on entering the Emergency Medicine Specialty.  AR students with even a passing interest are encouraged to join and participate.

Family Practice Student Association (FPSA) - FPSA is devoted to promoting student interest in primary care and family practice professions.  FPSA organizes an annual spring residency fair, places students in summer preceptorship programs, sponsors delegates to national family practice conventions, fosters student involvement within the community and is actively involved in the "Tar Wars" antismoking campaign.

Medical Students for Choice (MSFC) - MSFC is a national organization addressing the role of medical education in the role of medical education in the reproductive health of all Americans.  MSFC is dedicated to protecting access to the full range of reproductive health services.  AU students are encouraged to join.

Medical Student Psychiatry Club - This organization seeks to provide interested students with the opportunity to learn about the diverse and rapidly growing field of psychiatry.  Activities planned for the upcoming year include an informal mixer at which students can interact with psychiatry residents and faculty, seminars aimed at giving residency information, a movie club (arm-chair psychiatric analysis of characters in dramatic roles), and noontime meetings featuring speakers on topics in psychiatry.  Eligible members may attend county, state, or national meetings.

MS Too's - The MS Too's consists of the spouses and significant others of medical students.  Members have the opportunity to spend time with others who are in the same position as themselves.  This group plans numerous activities for both families and couples, such as holiday parties.  Children are welcome to attend all meetings and most functions.  Members have the unique opportunity to network with participants from first, second, third and fourth year and benefit from their knowledge and experience.

Moslem Student Association

Orthopaedics Club - The Orthopaedics Club is a very casual club which meets once or twice per month.  Initially, the club was started to help identify what is necessary to make it in Orthopaedics since it has become the most competitive field of medical specialties.

Pediatrics Club - The purpose of the Pediatrics Club is to provide opportunities and practical experiences for medical students who are interested in becoming pediatricians.  The club holds monthly meetings, organizes social activities and parties at children's hospitals, provides summer internships, and gives tours in various hospitals (i.e. Santa Rosa Children's Hospital Cancer Ward).  They also organize fundraisers such as bake sales and T-shirt sales to medical students as well as social gatherings with residents and faculty members.  Any medical student who is interested in a career in pediatrics and who enjoys working with children is encouraged to join the club and take advantage of these opportunities.

Student National Medical Association (SNMA) The SNMA seeks to unify African-American medical students.

United Latin-American Medical Students (ULAMS) - This organization serves as a support group and information network for Hispanic medical students and other students interested in Hispanic health issues.  Periodically, the organization invites speakers to address the group on issues relevant to pursuing a medical career.  The members also participate in student recruitment, admissions, and matriculation projects.  ULAMS sponsors community service and civic programs for the San Antonio area.  In addition to being able to attend the annual statewide ULAMS conference, members can participate in the annual Fiesta de Tejas fundraiser and the annual Senior Banquet in honor of graduating minority medical students.  For more information, contact Monica Ramos at [email protected].

Texas Medical Association (TMA) - The Texas delegation to the AMA, the TMA, is made up of individual county medical societies and the Medical Student Section.  Membership in the Bexar County Medical Society and TMA is free to all medical students.  The TMA publishes a monthly journal that students receive free.  The TMA offers a low cost health insurance plan as well as a term life insurance plan that is dirt cheap.  'The TMA sponsors a blood drive each Fall.  When the TMA and the BCMS host medical symposia, they are usually free for students.  In addition, the county medical society really wants student involvement in their activities.  Students serve on local committees where the student's input is actually desired and weighted.  Involvement in the TMA is a great way to meet and work with local physicians.  Also, the TMA will organize a book sale in the fall for the incoming class to buy used textbooks.