Supporting Medical Student Organizations through the Medical Alumni Annual Fund
The Medical Alumni Annual Fund is the heartbeat of opportunity in the Wayne State University School of Medicine. By funding more than 110 student organizations and enhancing hands-on learning experiences, this vital resource empowers future medical leaders. Gifts made to the Medical Alumni Annual Fund support the programs and initiatives that shape the physicians and scientists of tomorrow, ensuring they receive the rich, diverse training that sets them apart.
Sara Naessig, a passionate medical student who serves as Senate class president, research coordinator of the Wayne State Student Garden and co-founder of the Detroit Public Schools Health Corps student organization, shared how impactful her involvement in student organizations has been. Going into medical school, she sought opportunities for personal and professional growth, and to get involved with organizations that emphasize dynamic approaches to health, service and leadership. She was determined to be a part of an organization that aligned with her passions and gave her the chance to engage with the community.
“Due to my background in school sports, I was especially driven to channel that passion and medical training toward supporting student athletes, but when I saw that such an organization did not exist, I sought to work with my peers to form one ourselves,” Naessig said. “Establishing [one of the School of Medicine’s] first official partnerships with the athletic programs of the Detroit Public School system, we were able to identify a need and come together to address it.”
Medical student members of the Detroit Public School Health Corps, with the support of the MAAF, attend weekly sporting events of more than 20 schools in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, providing medical aid and injury care for student-athletes. To further build on the sideline care, the organization also plans to work with DMC Orthopedics to provide follow-up injury care. Additionally, recognizing the steep cost of medical care, DPSHC has partnered with Wayne Pediatrics to provide discounted physical exams to help Detroit public school student-athletes participate in school sports.
Sara reflects on how grateful she is for alumni and friends' contributions to the MAAF, adding that because of their support, DPSHC can help students all over Detroit.
“Participating in various organizations that give me joy and purpose has rejuvenated me during the difficult parts of my medical journey, enriching the education experience through service and engagement,” Naessig said. My work through these organizations has prompted me to venture outside of my comfort zone to gain new confidence and skills. As I work alongside fellow members and the organization’s partners, I truly feel a part of a broader community of students and physicians dedicated to the advancement of the medical profession and the good it can do in the world.”
In contributing to the Medical Alumni Annual Fund, donors are not just supporting student organizations, they are influencing the next generation of medical professionals. Naessig said her involvement in student organizations has taught her how to communicate with professionals from all backgrounds, medical or otherwise, harnessing a valuable skill as a colleague, advocate and leader that will serve her throughout her career.
Steven Daveluy, M.D., a 2008 graduate of the WSU School of Medicine and now program director for the Department of Dermatology, finds the work the student organizations perform incredibly inspiring, noting that it always excites him to see that the future of medicine is full of people who care and are eager to give help where help is needed. As a former Medical Alumni Association Board of Governors president, he knows exactly how important support for the Medical Alumni Annual Fund is to student organizations.
“The student organizations depend on this funding. [Supporting the MAAF] is a huge investment for the community and for the students, because they get to have these amazing experiences and do incredible things for the city of Detroit.”
Dr. Daveluy spoke highly about his recent experience at the Medical Alumni and Friends Appreciation Reception, an event the Medical Alumni Association hosts annually to showcase the impactful work the student organizations conduct with the support of generous alumni.
“You can see the fruits of your contribution and see how the students’ faces light up when they tell you about their organization and what they do, why they do it and the passion they have,” he said.
Dedication to service outside the traditional settings of medicine differentiate Wayne-trained physicians. Thanks to supportive alumni and friends, WSU School of Medicine students uplift the entire community.
For more information on the Medical Alumni Annual Fund and how to support student organizations, visit: https://alumni.med.wayne.edu/maaf