School of Medicine Students to Host Regional SNMA Conference

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter will host the Region III /MAPS Conference from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at the TTUHSC Academic Classroom Building. A welcome reception will take place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Hawthorne Suites, 4435 Marsha Sharp Freeway.

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the oldest and largest student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Membership
includes more than 6,000 medical students, pre-medical students, residents and physicians. MAPS is the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students and represents the
undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students of SNMA. MAPS members are considered national associate members and make up about one third of SNMA's membership.

Thea Murray, second year medical student and Chapter SNMA President, said Region III includes students from Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

“Our School of Medicine SNMA chapter is excited to host this year’s event,” Murray said. “Our members are active on all fronts and it is a privilege to coordinate an event that will continue to educate our members on becoming great physicians while being the best advocates for diversity.”

The conference will include breakout sessions and an exhibit fair. Guest speaker will be Leon McDougle, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of family medicine and the first chief diversity officer for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. McDougle helped lead the establishment of two primary care residency programs in Columbus focused on training physicians to provide leadership and health care in underserved communities. McDougle also serves as the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Diversity & Inclusion National Chair. His research is focused on health empowerment technology for older African Americans and workforce diversity and inclusion.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.snma.org/index.php?pID=120.

For more breaking news and experts, follow @ttuhscnews on Twitter.