Students from the UAB School of Medicine will take the stage Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 at the historic Alabama Theatre for The Best Medicine Show, an annual philanthropic event showcasing the students’ creative sides with short digital films, music and dance. Proceeds from the event go to Equal Access Birmingham, a student-run program that operates a free primary care clinic for underserved people in the Birmingham area. The Best Medicine Show is an opportunity for students to poke fun at medical student life and showcase student talent through live singing, dancing and acting, along with pre-recorded video skits.
“Although medical students spend a lot of time studying, we also share interests in a wide variety of other activities ranging from athletics to the outdoors to the fine arts. There often isn't a convenient way in medical school for students to express creative talent, so the Best Medicine Show strives to be that outlet,” says Andrew Chou, a second year medical student and producer of this year’s The Best Medicine Show.
UAB School of Medicine students have put on the annual skit night for more than 20 years, expanding its audience beyond fellow medical students to family, friends, professors and the public.
“The show is an opportunity for students to create and perform, for classmates to cheer each other on, for teachers to see their students in a non-academic light and for the public to see that their future doctors have a sense of humor and creativity,” Chou says.
The show also gives students a meaningful opportunity to serve the Birmingham community by raising money for Equal Access Birmingham. Last year, students raised $13,500 and planned to create an endowment to help ensure EAB’s financial sustainability.
And though the performers may be poking fun at their own lives, the show’s organizers say there will be acts for everyone in the community to enjoy.
“The whole premise of the show is that laughter is really the best medicine. That’s what we're about: coming together as a community to have fun,” says Ignasia Tanone, a fourth-year medical student and head of the show’s creative direction committee. “I think it's great as a point of pride for Birmingham. UAB is the community’s medical school, its students and its future doctors, who are doing something amazing and fun at the same time.”
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 $7 for students and $10 for general admission. All tickets purchased at the door are $15. The student discount for advanced tickets will extend to students from other colleges and universities.