UAB medical students present artistic side at annual show

Medical students at UAB turn to song, dance and art to raise money to treat the medically underserved.

By Kendra Carter
Media Contact Bob Shepard

Students from the UAB School of Medicine will take the stage Friday, March 1, 2013, to showcase short digital films, music, comedy, dance and more at the historic Alabama Theatre for The Best Medicine Show, an annual philanthropic event benefitting Equal Access Birmingham (EAB), a student-run community service initiative that operates a clinic to provide primary care for underserved people in the Birmingham area.

best_medicine_show_sThe Best Medicine Show is an opportunity for students to poke fun at medical student life in live acts, songs and videos.

“Even though we are going to be doctors, that’s not all of who we are,” said Kara Graves, a fourth-year medical student and member of the show’s creative direction committee. “We want to share all the other parts with the Birmingham community.”

Graves said there is medical humor throughout the show, but that it is not the show’s total focus.

“You don’t have to be in medical school or a medical professional to understand the show,” she said. “We’re trying to make fun of all parts of life. We’re really hoping to share our humor and share our fun with everyone.”

The UASOM Student Senate, which hosts the show, raised $56,000 for EAB last year through sponsorships and donations, as well as match contributions from the Dean’s Office in the School of Medicine.

Best Medicine Show 2013
7 p.m.
Friday, March 1
Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North

“We use the show as an opportunity to give the proceeds we raise back to the Birmingham community in a meaningful way,” said Omar Ahmed, a second-year medical student and producer of The Best Medicine Show.

The show begins at 7 p.m. inside the Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North, Birmingham. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Advance tickets are $5.50 for students and $11 for general admission. Tickets purchased at the door are $15 general admission and $10 for students. The student price extends to students from other colleges and universities. A valid student ID is required.