The SNMA is comprised of ten regions. Region IX encompasses all the medical schools in New Jersey and New York. The DHWS' mission is undertaken with the understanding that medical students of African-American, Caribbean, and Latino descent have unique obstacles which create a common ground of need even in the face of diverse histories, cultures, and languages of these peoples. In order to help fulfill this need a democratic organization of underrepresented medical students is a necessary part of finding and implementing potential solutions. DHWS is more than an organization, we are a family.
Members support each other emotionally, as well as, educationally.
All new entering students are assigned a big brother or sister and a faculty mentor through the Office of Minority Affairs. During the year, DHWS holds monthly meetings to discuss relevant medical school issues and exchange ideas. We often invite prominent physician and professional guest speakers to share their experience. Annually, we host a Premedical Conference and participate in the celebration of Latino and Black History Months. We are active in community events such as, health fairs, preventive medicine outreach programs, and mentorship to various high schools and colleges in the Brooklyn area.