USM Student Organization Spotlight: Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)

Wed, 10/05/2022 - 09:30am | By: Emily Holmes

The Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, known as MAPS, is a national organization with the mission of increasing the pipeline of minorities in all health professions. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) chapter of MAPS, being one of over 250 national chapters, strives to uphold this very mission through the provision of skills workshops, community-building programs, and mentorship.

MAPS at USM was chartered in 2019. In just a few short years, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has emerged as a star up-and-coming group. Last year, MAPS provided suturing clinics, volunteer opportunities, transportation to medical school visits, and a $250 student scholarship through fundraising efforts. The chapter plans to continue providing such resources this year. USM chapter president Angel Walker stated that the goal for the 2022-2023 academic year is to provide more skills workshops, certification programs, and access to conferences. MAPS is currently fundraising to provide free CPR clinics to increase access to job opportunities and health careers. It is also networking with community partners to take more members to the 2023 Annual Medical Education Conference for exposure and to present their research.

Walker, being excited for this year's plans for MAPS, stated, “As the president of USM MAPS, it brings me joy knowing that I lead an organization where I can mentor others

and contribute to the success of the pre-health community on campus. I know that MAPS will continue to impact USM, and I cannot wait to see all the future success that comes from it.”

USM MAPS is one of approximately 200 student organizations at the university registered through its Office of Leadership and Student Involvement (LSI). LSI provides valuable co-curricular experiences that exist to foster student growth and development while creating pathways for students to engage in the USM community. For more information on LSI, visit www.usm.edu/LSI.