A Letter to Our Graduating Members
May 17, 2020
Dear Graduates,
The 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.
SNMA chapters based at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools throughout the nation, and some colleges, implement our 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 entering and completing medical school.
The Wake Forest School of Medicine Chapter of SNMA is proud to celebrate members of the graduating class of 2020 who have been involved in implementing these goals during their time at Wake Forest.
On behalf of the Wake Forest Chapter of the Student National Medical Association and the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity, we virtually recognize our graduating SNMA students who have successfully and effectively worked to promote the principles of making excellence in inclusion and diversity with their commitment to SNMA and Wake Forest School of Medicine.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to proceed with our planned in-person SNMA Excellence Banquet. The SNMA Excellence Banquet stands as one of the biggest traditions apart of SNMA recognizing dedicated students who give tirelessly to diversity, equity and inclusion here at the School of Medicine. Celebrating the awesomeness within SNMA is always important, especially now, and the show must go on – so the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity and the Student National Medical Association would like to virtually acknowledge and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of the SNMA graduating class of 2020.
First and foremost, we would like to give a big CONGRATULATION to the Class of 2020! Every one of you has worked incredibly hard to be where you are today. You’ve endured the rigors of a medical education and have lived to tell the story! You have each left a special and incredible mark on Wake Forest School of Medicine. You have been mentors, role models, trailblazers, and much more to the members of this chapter. For that we say thank you!
As you move on to experience the joys of a wonderful, fulfilling career in medicine, know that you will always have the support of your Wake Forest School of Medicine’s SNMA family. We can’t wait to see what amazing things you accomplish in your workplaces and communities and we hope that you will continue to keep in touch with us so that we can celebrate those accomplishments with you. We wish you the best as you move forward to the next chapter in your life.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the nation’s oldest and largest independent, student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Membership includes over 6,000 medical students, premedical students, residents and physicians.
Established in 1964 by medical students from Howard University School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College, SNMA boasts more than 50 years of service to underserved communities and medical students. SNMA is dedicated both to ensuring culturally sensitive medical education and services, as well as increasing the number of African-American, Latino and other students of color entering and completing medical school.
By reaching out to disadvantaged and underrepresented premedical students in undergraduate institutions across North Carolina, the Wake Forest School of Medicine chapter of the SNMA strives to encourage academic excellence, cultivate professional skills and provide mentorship and guidance.