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STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

A Message from the Director of Student Life:

"Engagement in clubs and organizations, including student committees, at RVU is going to be one of the most fruitful investments of your time. It is through your participation in these committees and organizations that you will be introduced to experiences and knowledge that will go beyond your curriculum. This is where you are in the driver’s seat, and you make the decisions to explore topics that peak your curiosity, plan engaging and educational activities and special events, and gain important leadership skills ."

The ACO (Associations, Clubs, and Organizations) Membership Fair is held every Fall. Students may join as many ACOs as they can effectively contribute to. All events sponsored by ACOs must be approved through the Event Approval Form process. This process entails the completion of a digital form with an automated approval workflow, allowing the ACO advisor, the Director of Student Life, and other appropriate approvers to quickly and easily approve the event, vet any speakers, meet risk requirements and secure operational assistance. Policy details and more information on the functioning of ACOs can be found in the ACO HANDBOOK. Below are some of the available ACOs, for a complete list, please reach out directly to the Director of Student Life.

American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Founded in 1968, the American Academy of Physician Associates is the national professional society for PAs (physician associates/physician assistants). It represents a profession of more than 150,000 PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the uniformed services. AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PAs serve. We work to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence, and recognition of PAs. We also enhance their ability to improve the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare.

American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP)/Emergency Medicine (EMRIC)

The American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians (ACOEP) exists to support quality emergency medical care, promote interests of osteopathic emergency physicians, support development and implementation of osteopathic emergency medical education, and advance the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine through a system of quality and cost-effective healthcare in a distinct, unified profession.

American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP)

The objective of the undergraduate chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) is to advance the specialty of family practice in the field of osteopathic medicine and surgery. The organization works toward the advancement of family practice and recognition of the importance of the family practitioner’s role in the context of osteopathic medical services in the community. The chapter advances the role of the family practitioner as the backbone of modern medical practice. Membership in this organization entitles students to benefits such as seminars, educational programs, and financial support to various family practice conferences.

American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP)

The purpose of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatrics (ACOP) is to foster and stimulate interest among osteopathic medical students in the practice of Pediatrics. National membership includes discounted rates to the National Convention and access to online education and support materials. The local RVU chapter utilizes speakers, community service, public outreach, and cooperation with local clubs and organizations to further the understanding and appreciation of Pediatric Medicine.

American College of Osteopathic Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (ACOPMR)

American College of Osteopathic Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (ACOPMR) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), also referred to as Physiatry (PM) or Rehabilitation Medicine (RM) is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and treating persons with physical disabilities. The primary goal of the physiatrist is to achieve maximum restoration of physical, psychosocial, and vocational function through comprehensive multi-disciplinary rehabilitation.

American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)

The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) is a national organization that also functions at the local level to advance women in medicine and improve women’s health. The RVU branch of AMWA is designed to foster female students as leaders in medicine by providing resources to female students, access to networking and mentoring opportunities, and connecting female students with national AMWA initiatives and leadership. Additionally, the AMWA Club seeks to raise awareness of gender equity through outreach and recruitment, by promoting the increased study of women’s health issues, and through funding and education initiatives.

American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM)

American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists (AOCA)

Association of Women Surgeons (AWS)

Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDA)

Colorado Medical Society (CMS)

The mission of the Rocky Vista University chapter of the Colorado Medical Society (CMS) is to bring the students of medicine in the state of Colorado into one organization; to promote the science and art of medicine, the betterment of the public health and the unity, harmony and welfare of the medical profession; and to unite with county and district medical societies to form and maintain the Colorado Medical Society.

Dermatology/Pathology (DERM/PATH)

The Dermatology/Pathology ACO is formed of RVU students that are interested in learning more about pathology—a specialty of medicine that is dedicated to the study of disease, the processes of disease, and how departure from the normal inner workings of the body impact the person as a whole. Students will be introduced to the overview of pathology as a medical specialty and learn what pathology will encompass in the academic environment. DERM/PATH endeavors to introduce students to current pathological issues through events, speakers, and journal ACO presentations. DERM/PATH also focuses on bringing to light pathology residency options (with attention to COMLEX and USMLE scores and test differences), potential shadowing experiences, presentations of gross specimens throughout the academic semester, student tutoring, fundraising for humanitarian and research causes, and the delicate balance between the practice of medicine and the pathology behind it. Any current student or entering student is encouraged and welcome to join DERM/PATH if they are considering pathology as a specialty, are interested in delving further into the realms of pathology, or would like to enhance their academic learning!

Global Medicine Outreach Club

The Global Medical Outreach Club (GMO Club) or DOCARE at RVUCOM is established in recognition and support of global health outreach programs and efforts to provide healthcare to underserved people worldwide. This club arranges speakers, events, and programs for students to explore areas of medicine that they ordinarily would not have the ability to access in their university training. This includes service to medically underserved communities abroad, as well as within the United States. It promotes exposure to diverse ethnic and cultural groups and fosters cultural sensitivity and advocacy for vulnerable populations. GMO Club / DOCARE offers insight to student physicians looking to participate in various medical missions.

Interprofessional Addiction Medicine Student Interest Group (IAM SIG)

IAM SIG aims to promote an interdisciplinary, interprofessional discussion of current and future issues relating to licit and illicit drugs in medicine and society, and to brainstorm, create, and engender productive solutions to healthcare barriers in the context of recovery and rehabilitation from addictive substances. Additionally, our goal is to critically examine political, social, and economic landscapes of the opioid crisis –and all drugs- through interprofessional education and collaboration.

Integrative Medicine Club (IMC)

Integrative Medicine Club (IMC) club is meant to embody the osteopathic model of viewing the body as a whole and looking through various lenses of treatment. The club provides students with information and opportunities to understand, explore, and pursue various treatment modalities and aid in expanding knowledge on topics such as meditation, yoga, nutrition, Eastern medicine, and functional medicine.

Medical Spanish Club

The purpose of the Medical Spanish Club is to enhance Rocky Vista University Students’ Spanish speaking skills to proficiently communicate with patients in the Spanish speaking communities. The primary goals and objectives of the Medical Spanish Club are to increase fluency in medical Spanish by creating a space for students to collaborate in the learning process, provide opportunities for Spanish practice via Spanish speaking standardized patients and community outreach, and to spread awareness of Spanish cultures to RVU students.

Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA)

The Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA) is a social organization committed to empowering sexual and gender minority medical students, other health professional students, and allies through activism to increase the number of physicians and other health care providers trained in LGBTQ+-inclusive healthcare, while also addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities through research, advocacy, and service.

Neurology Club

Obstetrics & Gynecology Club (OB/GYN)

Osteopathic Medicine Student Coalition (OMSC) of the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine (CSOM)

The OMSC promotes the public health and art and science of osteopathic medicine by bringing into one organization the students of medicine enrolled at fully accredited institutions granting Doctorates of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) in the state of Colorado. The OMSC aims to encourage active participation in the legislative process to advocate for our patients and our profession, advance the professional knowledge of surgery, obstetrics and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease in general, and encourage the establishment and expansion of the training and education of osteopathic physicians within the State of Colorado. Additionally, the OMSC aims to unite with county and district medical societies to form and maintain the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine, hereafter also referred to as CSOM; and, ensure that the evolution of the osteopathic principles shall be an ever-growing tribute to Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O. who made possible osteopathy as a science.

Rotary Community Corps of Rocky Vista University (RCC/RVU)

Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP)

Sigma Sigma Phi is the National Osteopathic Honor society for Osteopathic Medical Students. Rocky Vista University’s Chapter is Omicron Theta, and membership is by invitation only. To be eligible to apply for membership, students must rank within the top 25% of their class, have a cumulative GPA of at least 80.0%, and have no honor code violations. Eligible students will receive an invitation to apply. Invitations are sent out at the end of each semester.

SIM Scholars Club

The Sim Scholar Clubs mission is to facilitate realistic learning environments for medical students to practice and develop teamwork, communication, and technical skills that will be fundamental to their future clinical safety and success. This is accomplished through simulation events in surgical, emergency, and obstetrics labs while accompanied by physicians from the medical community who offer guidance and constructive feedback on how to handle the presented cases.

Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO)

The Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) is a professional organization dedicated to serving osteopathic medical students. It is the COM’s extension of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), a national association established in 1937. The academy maintains the goal of developing the science and art of total healthcare, with an emphasis on palpatory diagnosis and the use of osteopathic manipulative medicine. Membership in SAAO allows students to receive AAO publications and to attend the annual convocation, both at reduced prices.

Student American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics (SAOAO)

Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (SAMOPS)

Student Initiative for Greater Mental Health Awareness (STIGMA)

Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)

The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) is the official organization for osteopathic medical students and the affiliated student organization of the American Osteopathic Association. Its purpose is to advance the osteopathic profession, advocate for public health and welfare, and to represent the views and opinions of osteopathic medical students. SOMA national affiliations with similar groups at other schools provide the largest network for information exchange and interaction available today. Membership in SOMA brings many benefits, including free subscriptions to Student Doctors and Medical Students and discount prices on diagnostic equipment, the Preceptorship Program, SOMA scholarships, life insurance programs, and more. Locally, SOMA is involved in the school, hospital, and citizen communities through various service projects and socials.

Student Osteopathic Surgical Association (SOSA)- SURGERY

Student National Medical Association (SNMA)

The purpose of the SNMA is to support current and future underrepresented minority students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious providers. SNMA aims to equip, support and create a safe space at RVU for underrepresented students, to advocate and represent underrepresented students, and to help guide and support the development of medical education that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations to mold socially conscious providers. We also strive to educate RVU and the surrounding community regarding current healthcare disparities in the U.S, with a focus on minority affairs.

Ultrasound Group

The USIG is designed to build leadership in the use and understanding of ultrasound technology, specifically at the patient bedside or point-of-care. Through education, the main goal is to teach and encourage proper use of this tool in the clinical setting. The USIG is a mentorship program open to all students at RVUCOM. Students will have the opportunity to learn, practice, and hone their ultrasound skills during monthly workshops.

Ultrasound Society Club (US)

Wilderness Medicine Society Student Interest Group (WMSIG)

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The various clubs and organizations provide the opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom while giving them space to heighten skills that produce more engaged community members, more innovative practitioners, and more balanced individuals.

The purpose of the RVUCOM Peer Mentoring program is to assist the incoming class in having a successful transition to medical school by providing opportunities for networking and support resources during their first year.

From Orientation and the White Coat Ceremony at the beginning of the students' medical school career to the residency match and Commencement towards the end, here are some of the notable events to look forward to.

CONTACT THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

COLORADO CAMPUS
8401 S. Chambers Road
Englewood, CO 80112
(720) 262-3964

For faster response, please direct inquiries to the campus email:
studentaffairs@rvu.edu