Dr. Jeffrey Sterling founded the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students as a pre-medical student at Northwestern University in order to increase the pipeline of minorities into all health professions, inclusive of medicine, nursing, public health, health care administration, and entrepreneurship. MAPS was nationally recognized in 1989 and spread throughout the nation with over 250 active chapters today.
(POMS was recognized as a MAPS chapter, but was allowed to keep its name).
Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, or MAPS, represents the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students of SNMA (Student National Medical Association). MAPS members are considered national Associate members and make up more than one-third of SNMA's membership. Associate members are eligible for most SNMA national benefits. Pre-Health and Post-Bac students are encouraged to start MAPS chapters at their respective institutions.
Associate Members of SNMA attend some of the strongest and most influential undergraduate institutions and constitute a large percentage of our membership body. Our members are active in all fronts; we are creating diversity and making strides in all aspects of medicine and patient care. SNMA has a great interest in increasing the number of physicians of color entering the workforce and know that our pre-medical students are our future colleagues and successors. Through community service and dedication to eliminating ethnic health disparities, we strive to provide ourselves and those around us with a larger sense of being. We stand strong in the light of the many that struggled before us, and are hopeful that we make each step easier for those who come after us. We are leaders in our communities.
Known for our mentorship and pipeline outreach, SNMA is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of pre-health students are met. SNMA is founded upon the great principles of educating and preparing our members to be the best in the healthcare field and that mentality extends to our pre-health members. We wish you the best in your academic endeavors. Achieve your goals, move on to graduate school, and become the excellent healthcare providers that our community so desperately needs. We are also hopeful that you share the knowledge gained from participation in SNMA activities with your peers.