Brody School of Medicine Family and Friends Association (BFF)
The Brody School of Medicine Family and Friends (BFF) was started in 2014. The association was previously named The Brody School of Medicine Parent (and Family) Association (BSOMPA), to accommodate all of the different types of support our students receive. The Association has worked to develop ways to support Brody students as they strive to succeed through the many stresses and responsibilities of medical training. Our primary mission has been to make the medical school experience more successful by providing support for “creature comforts” and organizing and hosting events that enhance a sense of community. Originally founded as a Parent specific organization, we have recently expanded our mission to be more inclusive of family and supportive others.
Historically, the BFF members have funded and volunteered in support of various initiatives, both year specific and for the entire Brody student body. Some examples include:
- Providing emergency support and supplies for students impacted or displaced by unprecedented life events and/or natural disasters
- Delivering healthy snacks and homemade meals at stressful times of year, such as before high-stake exams (M1s-M3s), and dedicated Step Study times (M2s and M3s) *a student favorite*
- Sponsoring events during all-day orientations and training programs (M1s-M4s)
In 2018, we received seed money for a BFF fund so these efforts did not require raising funds initially. However, we would like to be able to host more events for students that include meals and provide for some regular creature comforts to assist students. To do so, we must raise funds to make these initiatives sustainable. The simple math of nearly 400 students at a nominal $10/person puts a single annual event at $4000, so the costs add up easily! A current goal of the organization is to subsidize a coffee service for the student lounge to create inexpensive access to coffee/tea for all students. In addition to planned events, meals, or snacks, we also would like to expand support for students faced with financial emergencies when life takes an unpredictable turn.
Please consider giving your time and or financial support to the Brody Family and Friends Association so that we might be able to enhance our efforts beyond the occasional event and move into creating sustainable, long-term support for our students and those that follow in their footsteps.
If you prefer to send a check, please write “Family and Friends Fund
” on the memo line and mail it to: ECU Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, 525 Moye Blvd, Mail Stop 659, Greenville, NC 27834.
The 2023-2024 BFF Board
- Student Affairs Liaison, Dr. Kema Gadson, (Associate Dean for Foundational Sciences, Student Affairs) and Dr. Amanda Higginson (Associate Dean for Clinical Sciences, Student Affairs)
- Alumni Affairs Liaison, Krista Wilhelm (Director, Alumni Affairs)
- We are currently seeking parent volunteers interested in joining the 2023-2024 Board! Please reach out to Dr. Gadson, Dr. Higginson, or Krista if you are interested.
