Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (MAPS)

The Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (MAPS) is the pre-medical section of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). The SNMA established in 1964 at Howard University Medical School in Washington, D.C. and Meharry Medical School in Nashville, TN is the nation’s oldest and largest student-led medical organization focused on the needs and concerns of underrepresented medical minority students. The SNMA is dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities, African Americans, Latinos and other students of color, that become physicians. The stated mission of the SNMA is to support current and future underrepresented minority medical students, address the needs of underserved communities, and increase the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians. MAPS members are Associate members of the SNMA and represents the future underrepresented minority students.

The Claflin University MAPS chapter sponsored by the SNMA (Region III) at the University Of South Carolina School Of Medicine was established during the 2004-2005 academic year as an outgrowth of the Pre-Med Club. Ms. Lakeisha Summers who was President of the Pre-med Club played an integral role in establishing the MAPS chapter and served as its first President.

The Claflin University MAPS chapter is actively involved in preparing for medical school via studying for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), learning the requirements for admission to medical school, hosting seminars presented by physicians and other medical professionals, participating in medical school workshops, attending medical school familiarization internship programs, shadowing physicians, educating others about healthy lifestyle choices, becoming aware of healthcare issues and policies and participating in medically related community service projects.