By Madison Hiser
Beyond the lecture halls and labs, there are various University of Arkansas student groups and organizations, made up of driven individuals, paving a path of service and impact within the Northwest Arkansas community.
The university’s Emergency Medical Club (EMC) embodies this ideal as it not only serves as another preparation resource for emerging medical professionals, but it helps cultivate skills and develop their empathy and sense of community before entering the field. Through their enthusiasm and dedication to service, these students are proving that the journey to becoming a healthcare provider begins long before graduation – and that a student’s impact extends beyond campus.
The Emergency Medicine Club, established on the UA campus last spring, is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of emergency medicine, providing hands-on experience, and creating a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the medical field.
The club holds events that provide students interested in exploring emergency medicine with engaging experiences that further their knowledge, while bringing the general student body valuable emergency medicine skills. Members of the club are able to gain experience in various aspects of the field, such as volunteering and connecting with healthcare professionals.
EMC President Shivani Koundinya, a junior pre-med student, shares that the RSO allows a space for students to immerse themselves in the world of emergency medicine early in their pre-med journeys.
“It can sometimes be scary coming to college as a pre-med (student) because it feels like everyone is already ages ahead of you,” Koundinya said, “being involved in the pre-med community can help students feel grounded and realize that they aren’t alone in this process.”
The club also hosts guest speakers from the profession to share insight into their day-to-day experiences. The meetings are open to anyone interested in attending, allowing students another space outside of their programs for connection and further learning.
“I think the most impactful aspect about being a member is connecting with others who are also interested in emergency medicine,” Koundinya said.
Similarly, Abby Cox, a biomedical engineering major, says that the most impactful aspect of her experience as a member of the club has been the community of like-minded students that come together to serve the NWA community.
“This club seeks to immerse students in the medical field, to gain experience and meet others with the same goals and majors (in order) to gain confidence within the medical field,” Cox said.
As for volunteering, EMC holds drives and other opportunities for students to volunteer in and give back to the community. EMC Vice President Sydney Bain shares that the club invites anyone interested in the cause to donate or become involved.
“Nonmembers of the club are welcome to all of our events and to participate in any drive or community-based activities that we may do,” Bain said, “students can join the club at any time, but they are welcome to participate as nonmembers if they wish.”
Recently, the RSO held a First Aid kit-making event that allowed students to customize their own kit. The event also served as a community outreach opportunity, as attendees also made kits that were donated to the 7hills Homeless Shelter. This was the organization’s first community initiative.
The club is currently holding a fundraiser drive for the Compassion House of Springdale, Arkansas, a nonprofit focused on helping pregnant teens to remain safe and be productive parents and contributors in their communities.
The End-of-School Drive will be held throughout the month of April until May 3. Ideal donation items requested for the drive include diapers, wipes, tampons, and postpartum pads.
“The current drive is to aid young mothers with the necessities that they may not be able to get on a regular basis, ” Cox said, “it allows the (student body) to come together to help an underserved community.”
Several Greek organizations and other RSOs on the UA campus are participating in the fundraiser drive to support Compassion House’s local cause.
EMC officers shared that Compassion House’s cause is closely aligned with the mission of the club.
“We wanted to do a drive benefiting a group similar in age to us and Compassion House is one of the few in our area specifically for teens and young adults,” Bain said. “This organization does vital work for the community, but it does not always have the resources the population they serve needs.”
This is the first year that EMC is holding the End-of-School drive, but officers have the intention of making it an annual event for the spring semester.
The club encourages anyone on campus to participate in the drive, whether that is donating items or volunteering their time. Anyone interested in participating can contact officers Shivani Koundinya and Sydney Bain at their emails, snbain@uark.edu and sskoundi@uark.edu.
Students interested in joining the club can do so on HogSync; more information about the organization’s events can be found on Instagram (@emcuark) and GroupMe.
