I spent the majority of last week in New Orleans at my last SNMA Conference as a medical student. It was an amazing conference. I hold a national leadership position in the organization and had to spend the majority of the conference in meetings. Some of the conference highlights were the SNMA Commencement ceremony, where all graduating students got an SNMA stole and an NMA lapel pin, the Kaplan session where flashcards and books were distributed for all of the USMLE Steps, the President’s luncheon with speaker Vivian Penn, and of course the SNMA Board of Directors banquet with a great Mardi Gras/Masquerade Ball themed procession. Not to mention, I ran into my premed advisor Dr. Carmichael and his assitant QuoVadis from Xavier. It was neat to come “full circle” being back in New Orleans just 4 years after graduating college, knowing I am just months away from graduating medical school.
This conference was the prime example of the saying, “Work hard, play hard.” I spent most days in meetings from 8:30 am until around 6 or 7pm. Shortly thereafter, I had people over in my suite to socialize. I then spent the remainder of the night out at the parties until 4 or 5 am. Then back up again for an 8 o’clock meeting! The parties were well attended and it was fun being back in my old stomping grounds. One of the parties was in the nightclub that I went to the night I graduated from college. I’d have to say that I got only about 3-4 hours of sleep every night from Tues to Sun. Talk about exhaustion.
Anyhow, as I said goodbye to many of the friends and colleagues that I have made over the past year, I found myself getting emotional. I really have dedicated so much of my time to this organization. Through this organization, I learned so much about what a true leader is. I learned more about the needs of underserved patients, and those of minority pre-medical and medical students. While I accomplished alot in my years in office, there still is so much work that needs to be done. I received a few thoughtful gifts and toasts from those that worked closely with me over the last few years. I even broke down into tears saying goodbye to those that really supported me.
The greatest part about the SNMA is the network that I have formed. Word travels fast, and several people know where I will be going for residency next year. I met quite a few other people that will be at that hospital for various other programs! In addition, the medical school chapter at this program is a strong chapter. I really hope to get involved with them and their Regional Director to continue to stay involved with the organization throughout residency. I know that I always enjoyed meeting residents through my SNMA events and hope to provide similar guidance and support now that I will be on the other side.
Although this is my last conference as a student, I don’t intend it to be my last involvement. I hope that my new program will allow me to go and exhibit at the national conference, or at the very least, I could be a panelist at a chapter or regional event. Don’t worry SNMA… this won’t be the last of me!
. Can’t wait til the next one in September. Too bad it’s not close enough to drive!
