Southern california
Medical Student Summit 2026
Hosted by Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Chapter at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
For the 2026 summit, we aim to expand on the work of the inaugural team by increasing student outreach and providing new professional development opportunities, such as the research symposium. With these changes led by the established planning committee of twenty-three (23) medical students, we anticipate a significant increase in summit registration and turnout. Our objectives for the summit are as follows:
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The summit aims to uplift, empower and celebrate current medical trainees on their journeys in becoming future physicians, while creating structured opportunities for cross-institutional networking and peer connection.
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Recruit and host ≥ 120 attendees representing all 11 medical schools in Southern California, with a focus on underrepresented students in medicine.
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Create structured opportunities for cross-institutional networking, mentorship, and peer connection among medical students, residents, and physicians.
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Deliver educational programming that increases participant understanding of health disparities, structural determinants of health, and strategies to address inequities in clinical practice.
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Showcase student-led research addressing health disparities and disparities in medical education through a poster session, promoting scholarly engagement.
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Connect students with residency programs and organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion to support long-term workforce diversification.
Event Schedule
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Summit Check In and Community Mixer
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Welcome Dinner with Residency Panel
Friday;
September 25, 2027
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Summit Check In and Breakfast
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Community Health Activity Rotations
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Keynote Speaker and Lunch
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Health Equity and Skills Workshops
Saturday;
September 26, 2027
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Community Mixer and Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM: Physician Panel
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Research Symposium
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Closing Remarks
Sunday;
September 27, 2026