Academic Affairs

Statistics show that although underrepresented minorities constitute roughly 11 percent of individuals enrolled in U.S. medical schools, they represent less than five percent of medical school faculty.

SNMA is not only working toward increasing the numbers of minorities entering the medical professions, we are also aiming to increase SNMA members' awareness of careers in academic medicine.

While academic excellence is a hallmark of any individual seeking a career in health care, it does not merely translate into impeccable grades and outstanding standardized test scores. Rather, it also entails a commitment to scholarly pursuits, leadership, and professionalism. Particularly for aspiring physicians, it is not enough for one to be able to regurgitate scientific facts and adhere to standard medical procedures; but, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard and be leaders and not simply followers.

MedConnect / E-mentoring

MedConnect is an online forum for SNMA members to communicate with other SNMA members, SNMA alumni, and physicians. Established in 2007, MedConnect affords SNMA members opportunities to learn more about specialties they are considering, receive guidance in matching in a particular residency, network with physicians and students across the country, and interact with individuals having similar interests. In addition, health care entities such as medical institutions, health management organizations, and hospitals come together to create a true online community for minority medical students.

Academic and Clinical Excellence in Training (ACE-IT)

The Academic and Clinical Excellence in Training (ACE-IT) protocol was developed as a guide to facilitate academic success during medical school. Specifically, the ACE-IT protocol provides guidance and instruction in the areas of leadership, test-taking strategies and skills, communication skills, and information and time management. With the ACE-IT protocol, SNMA provides a tool to its members to improve the retention of minority medical students in medical school and foster their career advancement. Look for the ACE-IT protocol on MedConnect under "Documents."

Workshops and Forums

Each year, the Annual Medical Education Conference and ten regional conferences feature workshops and forums geared toward ensuring academic excellence and cultivating future academicians. Topics span topics such as the importance of research in the medical school and residency application processes, opportunities for medical students to perform research, the significance of research in career advancement, a comparison of private practice and academic medicine, and the impact of research on the future of medical practice. These workshops and forums are designed to encourage SNMA members to strongly consider pursuing a career in academic medicine with the end result of increasing the number of minority faculty at medical institutions across the country.