Community Service

Medical students play a key role in improving the health of patients and their communities. Active participation in experiences that focus on community needs provide critical opportunities to understand the effects of the environment on patient wellbeing, reflect on one’s role in society, apply skills and knowledge gained in medical school, and develop of a sense of caring for others. Further, community service provides students a means to demonstrate altruism and their sense of duty (COM Program Objective 5.0).

The COM Curriculum Committee requires students to report on the community service activities in which they have participated on an annual basis. Collection of this information is not only necessary to meet accreditation requirements but will be provided to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs for inclusion in your Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) and may be used for additional recognition.

Community service activities as defined by the LCME are those designed “to improve the quality of life for community residents or to solve particular problems related to their needs. Community service opportunities provided by the medical school complement and reinforce the medical student’s educational program. (LCME Element 6.6)”. Activities to report include those sponsored by UNMC/COM organizations or undertaken independently. They may or may not involve direct patient care.

Students are required to complete the community service requirement checklist in OASIS. Community service activities may be logged as they occur. As a reminder, annual reporting of community service activities is a graduation requirement.

"how-to" OASIS Checklist Tutorial

Community Service Awards

The University of Nebraska Medical Center is committed to supporting students’ efforts in serving their communities. As such, the College of Medicine recognizes outstanding engagement in community service and leadership with two awards.

Rising fourth-year medical students are eligible for the following:

Community Service Award

This will be conferred to students who exhibit outstanding civic commitment, community awareness, and personal development. Awardees will demonstrate incorporation of their experiences into their personal goals, perspectives, and values.

Community Leadership Award

This will be conferred to students who exhibit active leadership in community service with clear vision, innovation, and creativity. Awardees will demonstrate strong initiative with a clear impact, motivate others, and exhibit a high standard of integrity.