How PPMA was founded
The Penn Pre-Medical Association (PPMA) was founded in 2009 by combining the John Morgan Pre-Health Society (JMPHS) and Penn’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) —two former student-run pre-professional groups at Penn. We are an organization that strives to meet the needs of the pre-med students at Penn. From speaker events to physician shadowing programs, we hold various events throughout the academic year to provide opportunities for our members to experience the field of health care. We strive to focus on the well-being of students and foster connections with other peers along their pre-medical journey.
What We Do
For incoming freshmen, coming to Penn with an interest in pre-med can be very daunting and overwhelming. PPMA, run by students who have been in that place before, acts as that first point of guidance both academically, extracurricularly, and personally for hopeful pre-medical students. Opportunities to fulfill certain experiential requirements, such as shadowing and volunteering opportunities, are made more accessible while other interesting events, such as suture or IV clinics, are also provided for richer pre-med experience. Furthermore, we initiate social events like study breaks and book discussions, so pre-medical students can get to know each other.
For upperclassmen, this organization is a reliable resource for experienced premed students. PPMA constantly in contact with other pre-health and relevant science organizations to provide opportunities outside the basic requirements, like MCAT practice test sessions. Our most popular program, the Physician Shadowing Program, prioritizes older students who want to experience a variety of clinical settings. Attendance in our events also increases priority for specialty preference when physician shadowing.
Whether you have any questions or concerns during your pre-medical track, feel free to meet board members one-on-one through our coffee chats. Feel free to sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our website to get up-to-date information about our events! PPMA is here as a resource and would love to facilitate any way to assist passionate students on their pre-medical journey!