College Students
The AAN provides resources for college students with an interest in neurology and sponsors a program for college students who:
- Are interested in a career in medicine
- Want to learn more about the opportunities in neurology
- Want to talk with students who have chosen a career in medicine
The CO-SIGN program was developed in 2002 to reach out to college and pre-med students who want to develop their interest in neurology. The AAN matches college and pre-med students interested in starting a CO-SIGN chapter with the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) chapter in a medical school nearest them. The SIGN chapter members serve as sponsors/partners/mentors in getting the chapter started and including students in their activities.
The mission of SIGN and CO-SIGN is to foster student interest in neurology by providing opportunities for students to participate in clinical, research, and service activities in neurology; to increase the student's neurologic knowledge; and to create an interest in the AAN.
What are the Benefits of Starting a CO-SIGN Chapter?
The benefits of free CO-SIGN membership include socializing with students, residents, and faculty who share your interest in neurology. You will participate in educational and career activities and community service, and develop experience, leadership, and strong relationships with practitioners, academic leaders, and fellow students. CO-SIGN offers student involvement in local and national CO-SIGN and SIGN activities. Chapters are entitled to expense reimbursement funds. CO-SIGN is an excellent introduction to the exciting and challenging field of neurology. It is an excellent addition to your resume while you participate in free food and fun activities.
How Do I Start a Chapter?
Contact Cheryl Alementi, Staff Liaison to SIGN and CO-SIGN, for an information packet that includes chapter activity suggestions, marketing materials, and a registration form to complete and return. Once registered, the chapter is eligible for its expense reimbursement funds.
How Do I Run a Chapter?
Choose a faculty advisor who has the time, energy, and enthusiasm to support and guide the group. Elect officers and begin the process of organizing the group, choosing and planning activities, inviting speakers, locating additional funding, etc.
Advertise planned events in the campus newspapers, bulletin boards, webpage, etc. to encourage attendance. Provide refreshments and keep your receipts. Keep track of number of times the group meets, how many attended, what topic was discussed, and any new activity ideas and suggestions for the end-of-year report that is due at the end of June.
Apply for your expense reimbursement funds every year; they do not carry over to the next year. Maintain a record book that will contain all the details, forms, and contact information that next year's officers will need to assure a good transition and continuity. Elect and train the chapter president for the coming year so there is continuity of activities from one year to the next.
Most importantly, have fun with people who share your interest in neurology.