Join the MAPS Community

The Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS), founded by Dr. Jeffrey Sterling, originated at Northwestern University with a mission to enhance the representation of minorities across various health professions, including medicine, nursing, public health, health care administration, and entrepreneurship. Since its inception in 1989, MAPS has expanded nationally, boasting over 250 active chapters today. As part of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), MAPS serves as a platform for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students, constituting a significant portion of SNMA's membership. Associate members of SNMA, including MAPS members, enjoy national benefits and are pivotal in the organization's efforts to increase diversity within the healthcare workforce.

SNMA, deeply committed to fostering diversity and addressing ethnic health disparities, emphasizes mentorship, pipeline outreach, and community service. The organization champions the development and preparation of pre-health students, envisioning them as future leaders in healthcare. SNMA encourages academic excellence, graduate school pursuits, and the eventual emergence of its members as exemplary healthcare providers. Through its rich legacy and dedication to empowering underrepresented minorities in medicine, SNMA and its MAPS chapters strive to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape, honoring the struggles of the past while forging a brighter future for generations to come.