Statement of Purpose

The Student National Medical Association is a national organization which was founded in 1964 as the student arm of the National Medical Association. In 1971 SNMA became a nationally independent organization which focused on the need to produce competent and committed physicians with a desire to work in underserved communities. Currently, SNMA brings together students committed to the health and well being of underserved populations with a focus on clinical care, academic medicine and service. The chapter at UC Davis School of Medicine currently has 8 members. In 1994, SNMA members founded the Imani Clinic - a student run facility which provides health care to the Oak Park and South City communities of Sacramento on a weekly basis. The goals of the organization follow:

• To educate students, faculty, policy makers and the medical community about healthcare needs and concerns within underserved communities.
• To increase student access to clinical opportunities working with and within underserved communities.
• To address issues concerning the medical education of traditionally under-represented students.
• To provide a network of support and resources for current and prospective medical students.