By Aaron Shaykevich, Opinions Editor
Each month, the YU Observer aims to highlight one club available to the YU undergraduate community. For the May 2022 issue, the YU Observer is highlighting the YU Journal of Medicine and Dentistry.
Disclaimer: The author of this article is a member of the editorial board for this journal.
Club Name: YU Journal of Medicine and Dentistry
Heads: Co-Editors in Chief: Isaac Silverman & Naomi Fried
Relevant Campus(es): Wilf and Beren
What is your club’s mission statement?
The YU Journal of Medicine and Dentistry aims to foster a greater interest in and appreciation for the medical and dental sciences at Yeshiva University. Our goal is to be a part of Yeshiva University’s mission to serve as a “wellspring of wisdom.”
Why is this club important?
This club will educate readers on various health-related issues. The health-related topics covered can be both understood and internalized by the reader. We hope to be an educational journal that can also serve as a guide for practical applications in certain areas. The main purpose is to serve as an outlet for students who want to write about the research they have done and an opportunity for them to get published.
What was your pull to get involved in/start the club?
We saw the great need for a club like this at YU. Many students pursuing pre-health related majors conduct some form of research over the course of their undergraduate years. This journal would serve as an outlet for their work. Additionally, while Biology is one of the most popular majors, there is no proper place for students to share what they are learning or to demonstrate the skills that they are gaining. After noticing that YU has professional publications for several other major fields like political science and history, we knew that it was imperative for a pre-health devoted journal to be created. We are extremely grateful to Professor Radhashree Maitra for being the faculty advisor for the journal. It is thanks to her that all of the articles submitted are carefully reviewed and accurate. She always tells us that if we are doing something, we should do it the best way possible, and we could not agree more.
What are some plans you have for this semester/future semesters?
We hope to publish an issue of the journal every Fall and Spring semester going forward. Additionally, we would like to host an event for the contributing writers and editors where they will be able to present their research to a larger audience at YU. Our goal for future issues is to assemble a team of medical and dental professionals in various fields to peer review the journal. Future events will also hopefully include the ability to meet and hear from those professionals.
What is your advice to someone looking to get involved on campus?
Don’t wait, reach out to people in your major, students in higher class years, and student council members. Actively research what your first steps should be. This club was opened because two students were passionate about something, and spoke to the right people to turn this into reality.
Anything else to say about your club:
We are always looking for writers. If you are conducting any medical or dental-related research, this is a great opportunity for you! We have the right resources and editors to help you ensure that you will publish a quality piece that you will be proud of and can share with friends, family, and graduate schools. You can email us at YUmeddentjournal@gmail.com and join our writer’s chat at https://chat.whatsapp.com/CzkPnQmuvJLAHIOAobRvMR.
Are you a YU undergraduate club head interested in seeing your club featured in a future edition? Email us at theyuobserver@gmail.com with your club name and the names of the club heads!