Clubs and Organizations : University of Dayton, Ohio

The University of Dayton has thriving student-run organizations that focus on activities, issues, service, and professional development opportunities that are relevant to medicine, dentistry and health.

Meaningful co-curricular involvements and demonstrated leadership ability are important pieces of competitive applications to health professional schools, and participating in student organizations is one way to gain these experiences. In addition, membership in the pre-professional health honors society, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), is encouraged for all qualifying students. A brief description of some of these clubs can be accessed from the navigation bar on this page. Current students can find more out about AED and other student organizations through UD’s 1850 site.

Groups of Interest to Pre-Health Students

A student-led chapter of the American Red Cross.

Professional co-ed fraternity for Health & Sport Science majors. Aims to increase knowledge of the health professions and preparedness for post-graduation goals, including graduate school and careers.

An interest group for students interested in chiropractic medicine.

Professional organization for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in Occupational Therapy. Provides opportunities for shadowing, leadership, service, professional development, and social activities.

Professional organization for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in Physical Therapy. Provides opportunities for shadowing leadership, service, professional development, and social activities.

An interest group for students interested in veterinary medicine.

Student-led organization, open to all UD majors. Provides members the opportunity to develop skills in providing cooking demos, engaging in community service, and learning more about the Dietetics profession through fellowship, service, and professional engagement. Dietetics majors are strongly encouraged to join and participate in the activities provided.

A state certified ambulance squad serving the UD community with emergency medical services.

Professional organization to unite and mentor students preparing to become registered nurses or interested in becoming a registered nurse. To promote professionalism in nursing and to develop skills that students will need to become responsible members of the nursing profession. To create an educational environment and to be an advocate for one another. To aid in the development of the professional responsibilities and qualities of a caring nurse.

Groups sponsored by Premedical Programs

The University of Dayton is a member of the Ohio Eta chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-professional health honors society. AED's main goals are to bring together similarly interested students, to promote interest and quality education in a pre-professional health program and to contribute to benefit charities and organizations as well as the health of the community. AED welcomes all students engaged in the pursuit of a professional healthcare career including medicine, dentistry, veterinary, physical therapy and others.

National AED website (www) >

The Dental Interest Group, known as DIG, is a pre-professional student organization that helps prepare students for a career in dentistry. The group invites a variety of local dental professionals to speak at meetings, giving students a broad look at the field of dentistry.

Students also participate in many activities. One popular project is Dental Days at local elementary schools where they educate students about dental hygiene and hand out toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.

Students from DIG also volunteer in the community by serving meals at St. Vincent De Paul and by assisting children at Trunk or Treat at UD. They have also participated in a STEM day at a local high school with activities and an informational display.

The juniors and seniors take an active role in mentoring the new pre-dental students by sharing important information about coursework, shadowing opportunities, and applying to dental school. DIG members also organize visits to The Ohio State University School of Dental Medicine to participate in activities for prospective students. DIG is open to students in any major who are interested in exploring careers in dentistry and dental medicine.

Healing Hearts is a health-related service club that promotes health service to the local community and fosters awareness of healthcare issues within the university community. Healing Hearts serves as a coordinator for several different volunteer opportunities.

Currently, students in this group volunteer with the Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton Children’s Medical Center, Grandview and Southview Medical Centers, and Hospice of Dayton. Membership is open to all students.

MAPS is open to all pre-health students who are interested in increasing the numbers of underrepresented minority students going to health professional school, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent, and socially conscious physicians and health practitioners. MAPS is an undergraduate affiliate of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), a student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color.

The University of Dayton chapter of MAPS was established in 2013. The MAPS members participate in service projects such as working on blood drives and helping with the garden at the Mission of Mary Farm. MAPS also hosted a networking dinner for MAPS student members, SNMA members from the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and some local doctors.

Student National Medical Association (SNMA) >

The Pre-PA Club is a great resource for students who wish to pursue a profession as a Physician Assistant. The Pre-PA club sponsors a number of annual events to help students prepare for a career as a Physician Assistant and connect with current PA students as well as practicing PAs.

Some highlighted events include a CASPA workshop held by UD's PA Program faculty, a student panel held with current students attending UD's PA school, and making blankets to donate to Dayton Children's Hospital.

During the academic year, bi-weekly meetings are held to help students learn more about potential PA schools, the application process, and ways to earn patient care hours.