Tulane MPH student recognized as SNMA Region III Chapter President of the Year

The Student National Medical Association supports current and future underrepresented minority medical students across the country, and the SNMA chapter at Tulane University School of Medicine helps carry out that work on campus and throughout the community. Third-year MD/MPH student Jonathan Allotey served as President of SNMA’s Tulane Chapter for the 2021-2022 school year and has been recognized as the Region III Chapter President of the Year. Region III is the largest region in the country with 50 combined SNMA and Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) chapters in seven states including Texas. 

“As president, my job was to work with our team of leaders to set goals, work towards them and nurture our chapter to its next phase,” said Allotey. “It’s a huge honor for Region III to recognize the work Tulane has done this year. Our SNMA chapter was very productive throughout the year because of the commitment of our members.”

Tulane’s SNMA Executive Board worked tirelessly to organize sixteen different educational and service-oriented events for students, faculty, and community in just their first few months of leadership. The events included a 3-day Black History Month awareness program, medical school admission panels for undergraduate students at Tulane and Dillard Universities and supply drives for area shelters. The chapter also provided guidance and support to 3rd year students in clinical rotations and 4th year students preparing for The Match program.

“I believe this award is a recognition of our collective effort despite the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida in the past year,” said Allotey. “I’ve led different groups during my career, and our 2021-2022 leadership team is certainly one of the best teams I’ve had the opportunity to lead.”

Tulane’s SNMA Executive Board is advised by Bennetta Horne, PhD, Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. 

“Jonathan is the true definition of a servant leader,” said Horne. “He approaches each initiative with careful consideration and gives those whom he leads, the ability to lead with purpose and authority. He is both intentional and transparent in his endeavors.”

To get involved with Tulane’s chapter of the Student National Medical Association, contact Chapter President Erin Johnson (ejohnson12@tulane.edu / tulanemedsnma@gmail.com).