"Participating in SMA during medical school has been an incredibly valuable part of my education. As both a member and a leader on the Physicians in Training committee, I had the opportunity not only to present at conferences but also to help plan and run them. SMA also allowed me to build meaningful connections and friendships with students and residents across the Southeast. The organization’s leadership consistently encouraged my growth and provided opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. I am especially grateful for SMA’s support during the residency match process and look forward to continuing my involvement as a resident."

Ben Loftis, MD

"SMA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my medical school experience. From presenting at PIT as an MS2 to serving in a leadership role MS3/4, SMA has been instrumental in developing my research, presentation, and networking skills and helped me become a more competitive applicant in my chosen field. I have especially enjoyed being involved in the PIT committee, which provides the opportunity to get to know students from medical schools across the southeast. I am looking forward to continuing to be involved as a resident and am excited to see what the future holds for SMA!"

Jordan Beam, MD

"Being part of SMA has been a meaningful part of my medical school experience. Serving on the Physicians in Training committee gave me the opportunity to engage academically in ways that were vital to my own development as a trainee, not only presenting my own research at SMA conferences but also helping to plan and run them, judging presentations, and asking questions of other presenters. That kind of involvement sharpened my ability to critically appraise research outside my own areas of interest, to give constructive feedback to peers, and to think on my feet in an academic setting. SMA's commitment to the education of medical trainees has affirmed my own aspirations, and I hope to build a career in which medical education is a central part of my work as a physician. I am looking forward to staying involved as a resident and continuing to contribute to an organization that has been a valuable part not only of my own training but of the education of so many future and current physicians."

Ethan Jetter