Beyond the MD Classroom
Despite the long hours of class work and study, most medical students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health become involved in extracurricular activities to relax, promote their own wellness, meet peers with similar interests and help others.
Some extracurricular activities that medical students are involved with include:
- Conducting health clinics and fairs for the uninsured in Madison
- Advocating for victims of domestic violence and child abuse
- Visiting local schools to teach children about living healthy lifestyles
- Participating in Medical Student Association (MSA) and serving in student organizations
- Serving on curricular and admissions committees
- Playing on intramural sports teams
- Community service and civic engagement activities
Students help address societal and public health issues by joining one of many professional or health-related organizations. The school has student representatives on local chapters of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Wisconsin Medical Society.
Medical Students for Minority Concerns explores ways to provide effective health care in minority communities. Women in Medicine sponsors guest speakers and allows students to learn more about opportunities available to women physicians. PRIDE in Healthcare explores issues around LGBTQ+ health care.
Students also gain experience and insight into specialty areas they might be considering by participating in various interest groups and student organizations.
In addition, the school offers many research opportunities through the Office of Health Professional Student Research.