Application Form

Please identify the RIG leads:

1. Approval of a RIG is contingent on whether or not the Faculty Anchor is a current SMSNA member in good standing. The Medical Student Champion and Resident Champion do not need to be members of SMSNA for their RIG to be approved; however, it is understood they must apply for membership prior to the initial RIG meeting. RIG student and resident applications will be fast-tracked through the membership approval process.
2. Once a RIG is approved, this agreement will be circulated among the Medical Student Champion, the Resident Champion, and the Faculty Anchor. All must agree to and sign this agreement to move forward. Once all three (3) agreements have been received by the SMSNA Executive Office, the initial meeting will then be scheduled.
3. Upon Regional Interest Group (RIG) approval from SMSNA, the initial meeting is to take place within 6 weeks. The SMSNA Executive Office will set up the initial meeting and will provide the MS Champion, Resident Champion, and the Faculty Anchor with the meeting invitation and Zoom link for participant distribution. NOTE: For the SMSNA office to track attendee participation, registration for all participants is required.
4. RIG’s are expected to hold meetings on a regular basis to maintain interest and to keep on track with goals and objectives. SMSNA expects each RIG to meet at least once every quarter, if not more frequently. Once the meeting frequency has been determined, it is expected that this be reported to the SMSNA Executive Office.
5. The SMSNA Executive Office will schedule meeting frequency, using the SMSNA’s Zoom account and again, registration is required of all participants for every meeting.
6. If a RIG meeting takes place in-person, it is expected that each participant record their name on the supplied sign-in sheet provided by the SMSNA Office (can also be found on the SMSNA website HERE.
7. After each RIG meeting, the SMSNA will require and will be expecting the following (all forms can be found on the SMSNA website):
   • Participant roster (if meeting was held in-person)
   • RIG Meeting Report Form
   • SMSNA RIG Post Event Evaluation from each participant
8. SMSNA will financially support RIG activities and events, up to a certain amount per RIG per year (depending on size, requirements, etc). Prior approval of the activity/event with expenses overview is required to receive reimbursement of expenses. Eligible expenses are Audio Visual equipment/support, Food & Beverages and/or Room Rental. Receipts are required for reimbursement. The SMSNA RIG Expense Reimbursement Request form can also be found on the SMSNA website. Reimbursement of expenses incurred is contingent on the RIG meeting all expectations mentioned herein.
9. The Medical Student Champion, Resident Champion, and the Faculty Anchor agree to hold each other accountable. If a RIG is found in breach of this agreement, the RIG will be disbanded and removed from the program. If a RIG is removed from the program, the respective champions and Faculty Anchor will be barred from creating another RIG for a period of one (1) year.

RIG Application Review & Next Steps
Thank you for submitting your RIG application. It will be reviewed by the Medical Student & Resident Committee. Please allow 5–7 business days for a decision.

If Approved:
Upon approval, you’ll be asked to schedule your initial RIG meeting within six weeks.

What Is the Initial Meeting?
The initial meeting is meant for the Student Champion, the Resident Champion, and the Faculty Anchor to schedule as an introductory to the audience of others in your region of whom you would like to invite to join your RIG. It is a “kick start,” of sorts, to explain what a RIG is and what your particular RIG’s goals are. Please also discuss with your group your regular meeting cadence. The expectation for each RIG is to meet at least once per quarter, if not more frequently. A decision on your meeting frequency should be made during your initial meeting and communicated with the SMSNA Executive Office. If you have any questions about your initial meeting, please reach out to the SMSNA Executive Office at info@smsna.org.

Membership Requirement:
All RIG leads must be active members of SMSNA. If you’re not yet a member, you’ll need to submit a new membership application. Applications referred through the RIG program will be expedited. You can begin your application now using the dedicated link below:

👉 Apply for SMSNA Membership (RIG Program)

The SMSNA Executive Office will reach out if you are not currently a member, but you're encouraged to get a head start by applying today.