Medical students aren’t just great in the classroom—they’re also active leaders in their communities and beyond.
Need more evidence? With 23 students, IU School of Medicine comprises nearly half of those honored for the Elite 50 list, which honors graduate and professional students at IU-Indianapolis who demonstrate excellence beyond the classroom in areas such as campus leadership, scholarship work, and community engagement.
MD Student News spoke to several students who took home the honor. Read more from them below:
Jacobus Barnard, Class of 2027
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Through IU School of Medicine Northwest-Gary, I have joined many community action organizations that empower its residents. I have volunteered with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, assisted the Gary-based urban farm Families Anchored in Total Harmony (FAITH CDC) Farm, and served at events hosted through Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) by speaking on professional panels and exposing high school students to the life-saving training of CPR and Stop the Bleed.
Thus far, my most meaningful experience has been serving on the student committee that organizes the annual Go for Gary 5K, a community food drive charity event hosted through IU School of Medicine to support the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana in its mission to fight food insecurity in our area. Service activities such as this are important for medical students in engaging with their community and integrating the medical school into local efforts, uplifting well-being, and improving the health of their region.
Within the IU School of Medicine community, I have taken on several roles that promote statewide collaboration and fairness in the development of our multi-campus institution. I’ve served as a regional representative on the Student Curriculum Liaison Committee, presenting student feedback for curricular change; the Independent Student Analysis Committee, assisting IU School of Medicine in its LCME re-accreditation process through outreach efforts and analysis of student satisfaction survey results; and the Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Committee, where I’ve acted as a liaison for statewide efforts and contributed to a culture that embraces POCUS utilization.
My peers and I, in this effort, have initiated our own regional POCUS Student Interest Group to further increase regional access and training beyond the classroom, especially since POCUS offers itself as a unique clinical tool with a low cost that mitigates certain disparities in healthcare access and affordability. I believe that as medical students, our involvement with internal committees and interest groups are important avenues for shaping the IU School of Medicine experience, both present and future.
Sydney Clark, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I am primarily involved in the Indiana State Medical Association's Medical Student Society and the American Medical Association. Most of my work has been surrounding advocacy for access to reproductive healthcare, public health measures, and expanding healthcare access for undocumented immigrants.
I would encourage every medical student to find their passion outside the classroom. Medical school is a long, difficult road, and the things that help remind you why you're here or re-center you will be what drives you to the finish line!
Kyra Colston, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
As a member of the Urban Medicine Program, I am involved in activities related to promoting health equity and reducing health disparities within Northwest Indiana’s medically underserved communities. My research project is aimed at investigating how socioeconomic factors influence local disparities in lung cancer screening and timely diagnosis. I have also served our community partners at organizations such as the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Families Anchored in Total Harmony (FAITH) Farms, and Project Outreach and Prevention (POP) on Youth Violence to facilitate local initiatives targeting food insecurity and youth violence.
Within the statewide IU School of Medicine community, I am involved with the Medical Student Council as a Northwest campus representative, plan no-cost kidney disease screening events with Students for the Prevention of Kidney Disease, promote student advocacy with the Indiana State Medical Association Medical Student Society, and have served as a peer tutor. Nationally, I am involved with the American Medical Association and collaborate with medical students from around the country to propose healthcare policy changes. I am also involved in research and mentorship opportunities within the American Society of Nephrology and American Medical Women’s Association.
Ana Danner, Class of 2026
What orgs are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other med students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Outside of the classroom, I've enjoyed partaking in various extracurriculars that have definitely enhanced my time at IU School of Medicine! I’m involved in the Medical Humanities Scholarly Concentration Program, which allows me to explore the humanistic and socio-cultural aspects of medicine and health care. As part of this scholarly concentration, I have had the opportunity to extend my IMPRS (Indiana University Medical Student Program for Research and Scholarship) project into longitudinal, mixed-methods research examining barriers to mental health service use in breast cancer survivors, with a focus on fear of cancer recurrence. My work aims to uncover unmet patient needs and identify strategies to improve access to holistic care. I’ve had the privilege of presenting my findings at various conferences and symposiums, including the American College of Physicians (ACP) state and national annual meetings.
Beyond my research, I am committed to mentorship, service, and physician well-being through various organizations. I am an active member of the IU School of Medicine chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), where I engage in initiatives supporting gender equity in medicine and leadership development for women in healthcare. I've also had the opportunity to collaborate with IU School of Medicine students across various campuses to present case studies at the AMWA national conferences. I am also involved in the Wellness Coalition, which promotes medical student well-being. I serve as a Fort Wayne campus representative as well as the current VP of Occupational Wellness on the statewide Executive Board. Through the Wellness Coalition, I have helped advocate for mental health resources, wellness programming, and initiatives that address burnout in medical training. I also am active with the Internal Medicine SIG, which provides opportunities to explore different fields, develop clinical skills, and connect with peers and mentors who have helped shaped my career aspirations.
In the Fort Wayne local community, I volunteer at the Fort Wayne Student Outreach Clinic at Matthew 25 Health and Care, which operates as a student-led free clinic caring for underserved patients. I also work with Erin’s House for Grieving Children, supporting children and adolescents navigating grief and loss. These experiences keep me grounded in my purpose, reinforcing my commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
These experiences have not only strengthened my skills in advocacy, service, and physician well-being but have also allowed me to build meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and community members. I strongly encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurricular activities that align with their passions and interests, as they provide invaluable opportunities to apply knowledge beyond the classroom, explore career interests, develop leadership skills, and make a tangible impact on both the medical community and the patients we serve.
Austin Darden, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Outside of the classroom, I have been involved in various campus organizations, including the Student Outreach Clinic, as well as local organizations such as NeighborLink, Habitat for Humanity, and Grow Local.
I encourage other medical students to get involved in their communities, as it provides a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health while also balancing the rigors of academia with meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Kylee Darden, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Service Learning Coalition, OrthoSIG, and AMWA were the primary organizations I was involved with throughout medical school.
I recommend being involved with extracurriculars because they provide opportunities to connect with other medical students who have similar interests, making the medical school experience more fulfilling!
Quen Deckbar, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I am involved in the Medical Student Council as the VP of Statewide Affairs, among a few other organizations around school like the Campus Connections Committee, Communications Ambassador Program, and The Professional Development Initiative. In these initiatives, I work to provide helpful resources to students that I wish I had in my first years, such as the IU School of Medicine Backpack, Residency Happy Hours, and Resource Guides for different regional campuses and Indianapolis.
I really enjoy the outdoors and working with my hands, so I do a lot of my volunteering with gardens, farms, and parks in the Gary area. In undergrad, I worked as a tutor and supplemental instructor, which led me to get involved with the tutoring services here and help mentor students applying to medical schools. I would encourage other medical students to get involved with extracurriculars because it breaks up the routine of studying, especially if it is something you are passionate about, like the outdoors and teaching!
Conner Earl, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I am involved in the Advancing Innovation in Medicine (AIM) Student Interest Group. I love it because it’s a space and a time where anyone with an interest can learn and apply engineering skills to innovation projects important in medicine. Additionally, mentor premed students through the Growth Through Guidance program and find a lot of joy in helping peers through their application process as I have benefited and continue to benefit from mentors and others in my medical trajectory. I also volunteer time helping to lead a church-based youth group in Indianapolis which has also been extremely fun and helps me balance my focus each week on the spiritual aspect of my life.
One reason I would encourage others to get involved in extracurriculars is so that you can do things that take you out of your comfort zone, but that also align with your values.
Nicole Frey, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in several curriculum committees, including serving as chair of the Student Curriculum Committee. Our role was to read all student evaluations of preclinical courses and provide student feedback to course administrators to help improve the course for future classes. I enjoyed this position because we were helping enact student-led change in our medical school curriculum. This was a fantastic leadership position, and I learned a lot about working with my peers and communicating effectively with faculty and administrators.
My other major involvement was serving as a patient experience volunteer at the Riley Hospital Emergency Department, which I did weekly for nearly three years. This helped foster my love of pediatrics and I like to think it will help keep me grounded in the future when it comes to thinking about the hospital experience for our patients and their families.
My other involvements included serving as a tutor, admissions ambassador, and mentor at Prescribe it Forward. Overall, being involved in various extracurriculars really helped round out my medical school education and has provided me with a lot of meaningful experiences that have helped guide me in determining what I want my future practice to involve.
Elsie Gasaway, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Medical Student Council Executive Board, Admissions Ambassadors, Neurology SIG, Camp Mariposa - Aaron's Place. Extracurriculars allow students to explore their interests outside of coursework.
Involvement is also as a great way to meet peers with similar interests and develop your own leadership skills!
David Gunderman, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
At IU School of Medicine, I’ve been involved with the Medical Student Council, the Student Outreach Clinic in Indianapolis, the Hoosier Public Health Corps, and the Finding Inspiration and Resilience in Medicine (FIRM) conference. I’ve also collaborated with various faculty members and fellow students on research projects primarily focused on improving medical education and overcoming disparities in healthcare.
Off-campus, I’ve volunteered as a crisis specialist for the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline with Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region, a non-profit dedicated to improving mental health in North Central Indiana. Helping others has been my guiding light in life: continuing to help others through extracurriculars has been key to finding fulfillment and wellness during medical school.
Clayton Hicks, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I have been involved in the Christian Medical and Dental Association, the IU Student Outreach Clinic, History of Medicine SIG, Oncology SIG, Med-Peds SIG, Student Curriculum Committee, Curriculum Council Steering Committee, and the Mentoring and Advising Committee. Outside of IU, I am actively involved as a leader in my church’s youth group and serve as a tour guide at the Indiana Medical History Museum.
Being involved in extracurriculars has been what has given me wellness and helped me be a better student and future physician. Find something to get involved with and actively use your interests to better those around you!
Marie Karam, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I am involved in extracurricular activities as a medical student as a way to channel and expand upon my passions. For example, under the guidance of Catherine Sears, MD, I completed a summer research project in thoracic oncology in the summer between my first and second years of medical school. And, after learning that lung cancer screening rates are only at about 7 percent among eligible Hoosiers, I was inspired to introduce a resolution to the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) Annual Convention advocating for legislation that supports expanded lung cancer screening access in Indiana.
Other extracurricular activities I’m passionate about include my involvement in the Student Research Committee as its chair, Internal Medicine Student Interest Group as its vice president, the Student Outreach Clinic as a volunteer and clinic manager, the Empower Refugee Service Learning Coalition (SLC) initiative as a donation coordinator and volunteer, and other oncology research projects relating to leukemia and pancreatic cancer.
In my free time, I am a classically trained pianist, and I find that playing the piano is a rejuvenating activity that helps me decompress after a long day.
My advice would be to get involved in extracurricular activities that stimulate and fulfill you. Find projects that align with your values and pursue them. There is such a diverse realm of opportunities at IU for people of all interests.
Finally, a lesson I learned after leaving my family behind in Lebanon: never take for granted the social and emotional support that your family and friends provide you. Appreciate them and value the time you spend with them.
Alyssa Iurillo, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I currently serve as a research fellow at Brown University, where I coordinate tumor board meetings and multidisciplinary clinics, ensuring seamless collaboration between dermatologists, oncologists, and other specialists. Additionally, I contribute to multiple research projects in dermatology, melanoma risk analysis, and patient decision-making tools. My role as a co-founder and chair of the Psychodermatology Student Interest Group reflects my dedication to bridging dermatology and mental health, providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. At IU School of Medicine, I have taken on leadership roles in student government, serving as the vice president of communications for the Medical Student Council (MSC) and organizing campus-wide events, such as the annual Spring Formal, which was recognized as the "Best Social Event" through the IU School of Medicine Leadership Awards.
These opportunities allow students to develop leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills—all crucial for success in medicine and beyond. Additionally, engaging in extracurriculars fosters networking, mentorship, and a sense of purpose, providing a broader perspective on the field and its real-world impact. I strongly encourage students to step outside the traditional academic setting and pursue experiences that align with their interests, as these endeavors enrich both their education and the communities they serve.
Savannah Phipps, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
My primary extracurricular activities during medical school have been being a clinic manager and board member of the IU Student Outreach Clinic, vice president of the Pediatrics Student Interest Group, Finding Inspiration and Resilience in Medicine (FIRM) Committee, Student Curriculum Committee, and tutoring. These organizations have provided me with multiple avenues to engage with the local community in an impactful way that continues to reignite my passion for medicine.
Among these groups, I have been able to connect with individuals who share similar interests as myself, such as community engagement, pediatrics, medical student wellness, and teaching. I would encourage students to engage in extracurriculars that speak to their values and bring them back to their core passions.
Ujwala Pamidimukkala, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I was the vice president of service for the Medical Student Council, the president of the Service Learning Coalition, and the administrative chair of the Community Immersion Project. I really enjoyed all of these roles as they allowed me to become more involved with volunteering around different IU School of Medicine campuses and to meet new students and community leaders I may not have gotten to know otherwise. I became more acquainted with the social issues that local residents face and what resources are available; this knowledge has even empowered me to assist patients on my clinical rotations beyond the medical scope.
I strongly encourage other students to become involved in extracurriculars because not only do they allow you to broaden your network, but they also allow you to learn about your own strengths and weaknesses, which is valuable to becoming a well-rounded physician.
Carl Russell III, Class of 2027
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
One of my most significant commitments is to the IU Student Outreach Clinic, where I serve as research co-chair and clinic manager. In this role, I oversee diverse research initiatives to improve patient care and clinic operations. I highly encourage students to get involved in any capacity—whether as a general volunteer, a team member, or even a board member. The clinic offers an invaluable opportunity to work with Indiana’s underserved populations in a student-led environment backed by extensive resources.
Academically, I am an executive member of several student interest groups. I serve as an executive member of the Advancing Innovation in Medicine SIG, which supplements medical education by integrating device development and engineering. Students interested in innovation and creative problem-solving should consider joining, as it allows them to collaborate on projects that can significantly impact patient care.
Overall, getting involved in extracurricular organizations enhances your medical education and helps you build a strong professional network, develop leadership skills, and contribute to causes you’re passionate about. I encourage every student to find an organization that aligns with their interests and make the most of these opportunities!
Nate Smith, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
I am involved in the student government of my program (MD/PhD), have been tutoring math/science for over a decade, and have been active in peer mentorship (such as the Molecular Medicine in Action and Growth Through Guidance programs).
It's important to do well in coursework while you are in school - it's the primary purpose for you being there in the first place. But, on top of that, classes are just the start - the foundation - of your training for tackling life's challenges. For us in medicine, extracurricular involvement allows us to take the didactic learning and gain experience in applying our knowledge to create positive change in our community, whether advocacy/legal, mentorship, education/literacy, or service to those in need. Extracurricular involvement is also a great way to meet like-minded people who share a similar passion and attitude about extending themselves beyond the classroom!
Raymond Smith, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Outside of the classroom, I have been involved in founding the Urology Student Interest Group, working at the Student Outreach Clinic, mentoring pre-medical students through Prescribe It Forward, mentoring younger medical students, participating in the United States Bowling Congress, and serving as an assistant coach for Decatur T-ball.
I encourage others to participate in extracurricular activities because it provides professional development, leadership experience, and networking opportunities while reinforcing skills essential for residency and beyond. Additionally, they offer a way to contribute to the community, gain hands-on experience, and develop interpersonal skills that aren’t always emphasized in the classroom. My leadership in the Urology SIG, commitment to mentoring, and clinical involvement show that extracurriculars help shape a well-rounded physician.
Mychael Spencer, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Outside the classroom, I participate in various extracurriculars, including Medical Student government, SNMA, the IU Student Outreach Clinic, Admissions Ambassadors, Clinical Research, and the DEI Coalition.
These organizations allow me to advocate for my peers, engage in community service, support initiatives that support an inclusive learning environment, and contribute to patient-centered research. I encourage other students to get involved in extracurriculars because they provide opportunities to further develop leadership and interdisciplinary skills that complement our medical education.
Kaylee Tutrow, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
During my first two years at IU School of Medicine, I established the Disability Advocacy in Medicine SIG to raise awareness surrounding disability issues in medicine. I have additionally served as president of Rock for Riley, among other leadership positions.
Involvement in these extracurricular activities has provided an enormous opportunity to build skills in managing a team, collaboratively developing goals and working towards timelines, creative development of events, and education about the communities we work in.
Hope Tominack, Class of 2025
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
In medical school, sometimes it is easy to "miss the forest for the trees" when you are in the midst of clinicals and board exams. One of the ways I combat this and the burnout that results is through volunteering. Volunteering in the community helped me reconnect with the reason that I pursued medicine in the first place.
During my time in the Pediatrics SIG, I have served as the Evansville representative and the IU School of Medicine American Academy of Pediatrics student delegate. In these roles, I got to organize a new event, "Bears4Babies" in which we stuffed and donated over 30 bears to a local hospital. I also helped reboot the reading wagon in my community, which gave students the opportunity to read books and visit with children in the ER or hospital. I loved every second of coloring with them and hearing about their favorite cartoon characters or animals.
Being a pediatrician is one of the best jobs in the world, and when I felt overwhelmed with academics, working with children reminded me why it was all worth it. It truly is a privilege to play a role in advocating for the next generation to have the happiest and healthiest childhood possible.
Jalyn Warren, Class of 2026
What organizations are you involved with outside the classroom? Why would you encourage other medical students to get involved in extracurriculars?
Outside the classroom, I'm involved with several organizations that not only enrich my professional journey but also provide opportunities for personal growth and community service. Notably, I serve as the co-president of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) at IU School of Medicine, where we focus on supporting underrepresented minority medical students and addressing the needs of underserved communities. My role involves overseeing the chapter's activities and fostering a supportive environment for my peers in medicine.
I also hold the position of statewide vice president for the Class of 2026 for the Medical Student Council. In this role, I advocate for equitable clinical clerkship opportunities and collaborate with Deans to ensure resources meet student needs.
I encourage other students to get involved in extracurriculars because these roles provide vital leadership experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible difference in the community. Being involved can also enrich your personal development by building skills that are essential for a successful professional career.
