Photo of a recent Caduceus Club annual grant recipient presentation.For medical students, travel is an essential part of training. Between presenting research at professional and scientific meetings, participating in mission trips, or taking part in away rotations, traveling as a trainee can provide many valuable opportunities. The Caduceus Club, a 60-year-old non-profit organization made up of physicians, healthcare workers, and community health advocates, supports medical students by funding these activities and encouraging them to stay in Alabama after graduation.
Founded in the 1960s, the club began with an idea from Carey Phillips., M.D. Phillips, a pediatrician at UAB and a teacher at Children’s of Alabama, took an interest in medical students considering careers in medical missions and wanted to provide opportunities to travel out of state on mission trips. This idea turned into a donation to fund the Carey Phillips Travel Fellowship.
As the medical school grew, applications for the fellowship began to flood in. This was due to students wanting to present their summer research projects but having limited access to travel. As a result, Alan Dimick, M.D., emergency and burn surgeon in the UAB Department of Surgery, and several faculty members expanded the fellowship program. They also encouraged other faculty, staff, and alumni to join their new organization, the Caduceus Club. Since then, the club has added more travel scholarships, as well as a mentorship program. They also support UAB International Travel Programs and the Medical Student Emergency Fund in the Department of Medical Education.
“We have been surprised to learn how much these fellowships have affected their career choices in a positive way,” said Richard deShazo, M.D., president of the Caduceus Club. “We are particularly gratified that the support and encouragement they have received during the process has increased their interest in remaining in Alabama after their training, an invitation we give to all recipients.”
In recent years, the club has needed to adapt to a changing medical school landscape. Halts in research funding present new challenges. Additionally, tuition, living expenses, and transportation costs are all higher than they were when the club started. Support from organizations such as the Caduceus Club can make all the difference for students and their families. “Every penny counts,” said deShazo. “We are motivated to step into the gap where we can. It is essential to expand to meet the new and increased needs of our medical students.”
While membership is open to faculty, alumni, and administrative staff across all Heersink School of Medicine campuses, the club also welcomes members outside those groups who have an interest in supporting medical education. “We are the midst of a membership drive for new members, who, like us, are concerned about the welfare of medical students,” said deShazo. You can learn more about the club, become a member, or apply for support by visiting their website.