The College of Medicine encourages its students to become involved in projects and programs that improve the health of communities and promote appreciation for the social role and responsibilities of practicing physicians. Many of the College's students become regional and national leaders in organizations such as the American Medical Students Association, Medical Students' Section of the American Medical Association, Students National Medical Association, Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association and Boricua Health Organization. It is under the umbrella of these and other student organizations that a large number of the College's students participate in the Hepatitis B Vaccination Program, the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Students Teaching AIDS to Students program and many other activities that enable students to acquire knowledge and skills in community health care through direct experiences. The College provides funding for a substantial number of students to attend conferences sponsored by student organizations, and it also provides whatever support is necessary to assure successful implementation of student-run community service programs. 

During the past few years, a group of medical and graduate students have worked together with assistance from faculty advisors, to develop an annual elective course in Social Medicine. The purpose of this program is to enhance students' knowledge of societal influences on the health of individuals and populations and to encourage future physicians to accept the responsibility of promoting social change as an integral part of their education and practice.

For additional information about community service projects, see Medical Student Projects Program.