Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine offers a wide range of student activities to enhance the academic, professional, and personal lives of its students. These activities provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, engage in research, develop leadership skills, and pursue their passions outside of the classroom.
Academic Organizations
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society: Recognizes academic excellence and provides networking opportunities for top students.
- Gold Humanism Honor Society: Promotes patient-centered care and advocates for the human aspect of medicine.
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society: Recognizes excellence in all academic disciplines.
- Sigma Alpha Lambda Leadership and Honors Society: Develops leadership skills and recognizes outstanding achievement in scholarship and service.
Research Opportunities
Temple Medical School offers a vast array of research opportunities for students.
- Center for Translational Medicine: Conducts research at the intersection of basic science and clinical medicine.
- Fox Chase Cancer Center: Provides opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge cancer research.
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine: Supports research in genomics, evolution, and personalized medicine.
- Temple University Hospital: Offers clinical research experiences in various specialties.
Professional Development Programs
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA): Advocates for student rights and promotes professional development.
- Gold Humanism Scholars Program: Enhances empathy and communication skills in medical students.
- Multicultural Medical Mentorship Program: Provides support and guidance to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Student National Medical Association (SNMA): Supports the needs of African American, Black, and Caribbean medical students.
Leadership and Service Activities
- Class Government: Represents student interests and organizes social events.
- Student Medical Association (SMA): Plans academic, social, and community service activities.
- Society of Hispanic Medical Students (SHMS): Promotes the interests of Hispanic medical students.
- Temple Emergency Medical Service (TEMS): Provides emergency medical services to the Temple community.
Arts and Culture Groups
- Dance for Parkinson’s Class: Offers a free dance program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
- Music Club: Organizes performances, open mics, and music lessons.
- Student Art Gallery: Exhibits student artwork and promotes artistic expression.
- Theater Group: Produces plays, musicals, and other theater productions.
Recreation and Fitness Activities
- Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI): Plans events and initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity within the student body.
- Intramural Sports: Offers various sports leagues and tournaments for students.
- Wellness Center: Provides fitness equipment, group classes, and personal training.
- Student Recreation Center: Features basketball courts, a swimming pool, and fitness facilities.
Benefits of Student Activities
Participating in student activities offers numerous benefits to medical students:
- Academic Enhancement: Activities complement classroom learning and provide opportunities for practical application of concepts.
- Professional Growth: Involvement in professional organizations and research helps students develop their leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and understanding of the healthcare field.
- Personal Fulfillment: Activities outside of studies allow students to pursue their passions, connect with others, and enhance their well-being.
- Career Advancement: Participation in student activities can enhance a student’s resume and make them more competitive for residency and fellowship positions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing student activities, it’s important to avoid these common mistakes:
- Overextending Yourself: Engage in activities that you are genuinely passionate about and that complement your academic goals without overwhelming your schedule.
- Neglecting Academics: Prioritize your studies first and use activities as a supplement to your academic experience.
- Choosing Activities for the Wrong Reasons: Participate in activities that align with your interests and career goals, not solely for their prestige or resume value.
- Ignoring Diversity: Seek out organizations that represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Missing Opportunities: Don’t hesitate to explore new activities and take advantage of all that Temple Medical School has to offer.
Why Participation Matters
Student activities are not simply an addendum to your medical education; they are an integral part of the Temple Medical School experience. By actively participating in these activities, students enhance their overall education, develop valuable skills, and create a fulfilling and balanced medical school journey.
Temple Medical School student activities have garnered recognition and accolades over the years:
- The Temple Chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) has received the National Chapter of the Year Award multiple times.
- The Multicultural Medical Mentorship Program was recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) as a model program for supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- The Dance for Parkinson’s Class has been featured in national publications and has received funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH).
- The Student Art Gallery has showcased the work of dozens of student artists and has curated exhibitions with local and regional partners.
Temple Medical School student activities provide a wealth of opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. By actively engaging in these activities, students enhance their medical education, develop valuable skills, and create a fulfilling and balanced student experience.