Big buddies accompany little buddies to oncology clinic appointments, to planned organizational functions, and in general, provide emotional support to the patient and to the family of the patient. The American Psychiatry Association sponsors this club which meets monthly to discuss current psychiatric topics of interest. They also have a number of guest speakers and usually open these meetings to any interested students. This group is comprised of medical students and their spouses, or significant others. The Sloane Society was started in 1999 and is partly funded and supported by the Humanities in Medicine program.
Activities range from lectures on bioethical issues to film viewings and play readings.
They enjoy tremendous popularity for their performances in class, on the wards, and throughout the state. Membership is open to all male members of the first and second-year class. Enthusiasm more than talent is the major requirement. It offers AMA membership to students at a substantially reduced fee. Funding is provided by the state organization for members to represent fellow medical students at local, state, and national meetings.