Student National Medical Association
The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the United States' oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Membership includes over 6,000 medical students, pre-medical students, residents and physicians. Established in 1964 by medical students from Howard University and Meharry medical schools, the SNMA boasts over 40 years of service to underserved communities and medical students.
SNMA chapters based at medical schools and some colleges throughout the United States implement programs and activities locally. SNMA programs are designed to serve the health needs of underserved communities and communities of color. In addition, SNMA is dedicated both to ensuring that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations and to increasing the number of African-American, Latino, and other students of color and entering and completing medical school.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented minority medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians.
Over 130 SNMA chapters can be found at medical schools around the nation, while over 70 undergraduate institutions hold Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (MAPS) chapters. Official SNMA and MAPS chapters are recognized by national SNMA by yearly submission of chapter renewal forms. Active and Associate members are national dues-paying members of SNMA and are not required to be part of a chapter. Like regions, chapters are also governed independently, but must in accordance with the national Constitution and Bylaws.