
The Health Science Student Organization (HSSO) provides opportunities for students to learn more about varying health professions while making a difference on the University of Florida campus and in the Gainesville community. HSSO is open to all students, but targeted to those on a pre-health track within the Health Science or Public Health majors/minors.
President
Alexandra Abrew

VICE-PRESIDENT
Kelsey Ngo

TREASURER
Kailyn Minas-Beck

SECRETARY
Sofia Gallagher

HISTORIAN
Julianne Montes de Oca

NETWORKING CHAIR
Kimberly Feeney

OUTREACH CHAIR
Aylleen Gomez

What HSSO Offers
- GBMs
- Launching Into Healthcare Program
- Networking Events
- Committee Membership
- Guest Speakers
- Service Events
- Professional Development
- Leadership Positions
Connect with professionals in the healthcare field
Network with other students in the PHHP college and pre-health majors
Join a community of like-minded students making an impact on campus and in the Gainesville community
Connect with other students interested in health careers
Engage in professional development opportunities to become more competitive on graduate school applications
Serve on committees that have a direct impact on the PHHP college and Health Science program
Influence the next generation of healthcare professionals through a virtual program

Want to join?
Check out our social media for updates on GBM dates, times, and locations as well as our monthly newsletter which has more information on all of our programs and events. There is no application to become a member, everyone is welcome to join at any point during the year. Please note that we do use a point system to keep track of member involvement and active status and therefore recommend joining the organization at the beginning of the Fall or Spring semester to be able to get the most out of HSSO. Email us if you have any questions about getting involved.
Launching Into Healthcare
The Launching into Healthcare program serves as HSSO's outreach into the community. We hope to foster interest in healthcare careers by educating high school students about different options and career tracks, life as a pre-health student, resources, and preparing for college. In addition, our presenters provide general advice and tips, and answer any questions students may have. The program is held virtually over Zoom and days and times vary each year. Keep an eye on our social media for more details.

HSSO Committees
Undergraduate Liaison Committee
Purpose
– To serve as a point of connection between PHHP and students in the Health Science and Public Health programs
– To gain insight and feedback about PHHP undergraduate courses and the programs as a whole based on student’s experiences
– To offer suggestions for changes and improvements to the PHHP undergraduate curriculum and opportunities for students
– To evaluate the effectiveness of program resources and availability to students
– To serve as the point of connection between the HSSO E-Board and membership body

Membership
– The HSSO President will chair the committee
– Members of HSSO are eligible to participate if they are a Health Science or Public Health major, or are pursuing any undergraduate PHHP minor
– Interested HSSO members should fill out the interest form linked on Canvas
– There is no limit to how many people can participate on the committee
– Committee membership is for one semester at a time, members are invited to stay on the committee for both semesters if interested but should plan to fill out the interest form a second time

HSSO Connection
– Members who participate in the committee can have the participation count for one of their networking points
– Members must be involved in committee efforts for the whole semester to be eligible for the point
– Members can earn points towards the committee based on involvement throughout the semester

Responsibilities
The committee will:
– Serve as representatives of the PHHP college and Health Science program
– Put together a comprehensive review of the Health Science program including
courses, resources, and opportunities
– Offer suggestions in an open forum setting based on student experience
– Facilitate a round-table discussion focusing on the student experience within the PHHP college (Freshmen and Sophomores will discuss topics including their experience with PHHP advising, completing prerequisites, available resources,
applying to the program, etc. In addition, Juniors and Seniors will discuss topics including courses, advising, resources, graduation requirements, etc.)
– The committee will submit the findings and feedback to HPCC in order to be relayed to
PHHP staff and faculty
– A representative will also meet with HPCC to provide more insight and represent the committee in any ongoing discussions or meetings.
– Plan a social for the organization with a set budget and administrative help from the E-Board

Meetings/Time Commitment
– The committee will meet a few times a semester and communicate through a group chat on GroupMe
– These meetings will be virtual (over Zoom)
– The meeting days and times will be determined by availability of the committee members and a poll/survey will be sent out at the beginning of each semester, after the committee has been formed, to determine best meeting dates/times
– Committee members will be expected to contribute at least an hour of time in order to earn the point
– There will be other opportunities to help if members cannot attend any of the meetings

Leadership
– Committee members have the opportunity to be promoted to Director positions based on level of commitment, involvement, and contributions
– Directors will not be part of the HSSO E-Board, and will report to the President (interested committee members are eligible to apply but can only hold one Director position at a time)
– Applications for Director positions will open at the end of the Spring semester, will close before E-Board elections, and the candidates chosen will be announced along with the new E-Board at the last GBM
– Directors will communicate with the President over the summer to prepare for the following year
-Positions available:
Committee Director: keeps track of communication which includes: creating group chats, sending updates in the group chats, sending updates to the President/VP, working with the Assistant Director, answering questions, scheduling meetings, leading meetings, representing the committee to HSSO and HPCC, reaching out to members who aren’t contributing, facilitating discussions, getting feedback from committee members
Assistant Committee Director: keeps track of all materials such as creating zoom links, sorting members into the committee based on responses from the google form, organizing any files, creating polls, working with the Director, taking attendance, taking notes recording responses to surveys/forms, keeping track of points, sending canvas updates with committee details to President/VP”

Undergraduate PR Committee
Purpose
– To promote the PHHP undergraduate majors the UF student body
– To increase awareness of the opportunities within PHHP
– To provide a resource for freshmen and sophomore students who are interested in completing the Health Science major

Membership
– The HSSO Vice President will chair the committee
– Members of HSSO are eligible to participate if they are a Health Science or Public Health major, or are pursuing any undergraduate PHHP minor (members that are not associated with PHHP are welcome to participate if they are interested in helping to promote the program to the UF student body)
– Interested HSSO members should fill out the interest form linked on Canvas
– There is no limit to how many people can participate on the committee
– Committee membership is for one semester at a time, members are invited to stay on the committee for both semesters if interested but should plan to fill out the interest form a second time

HSSO Connection
– Members who participate in the committee can have the participation count for one of their outreach points
– Members must be involved in committee efforts for the whole semester to be eligible for the point
– Members can earn points towards the committee based on involvement throughout the semester

Responsibilities
The committee will:
– Create informative graphics such as flyers, brochures, infographics; as well as share on HSSO social media
– Host information sessions for interested students explaining the Health Science and Public Health majors/minors
– Answer questions that are submitted about the Health Science or Public Health majors by way of a Q&A session on HSSO social media
– Invite interested students to attend HSSO GBMs where the guest speaker will talk about the program
– Share personal experiences in the program and college
– Brainstorm other ideas to reach more students interested in Health Science
– Serve as representatives of the PHHP college and Health Science program
– Work with the Historian on the HSSO social media by creating posts, hosting takeovers, etc.

Meetings/Time Commitment
– The committee will meet a few times a semester and communicate through a group chat on GroupMe
– These meetings will be virtual (over Zoom)
– The meeting days and times will be determined by availability of the committee members and a poll/survey will be sent out at the beginning of each semester, after the
committee has been formed, to determine best meeting dates/times
– Committee members will be expected to contribute at least an hour of time in order to earn the point
-There will be other opportunities to help if members cannot attend any of the meetings

Leadership
– Committee members have the opportunity to be promoted to Director positions based on level of commitment, involvement, and contributions
– Directors will not be part of the HSSO E-Board, and will report to the Vice President (interested committee members are eligible to apply but can only hold one Director position at a time)
– Applications for Director positions will open at the end of the Spring semester, will close before E-Board elections, and the candidates chosen will be announced along with the new E-Board at the last GBM
– Directors will communicate with the Vice President over the summer to prepare for the following year
– Positions available:
Committee Director: keeps track of communication which includes: creating group chats, sending updates in the group chats, sending updates to the President/VP, working with the Assistant Director, answering questions, scheduling meetings, leading meetings, representing the committee to HSSO and HPCC, reaching out to members who aren’t contributing, facilitating discussions, getting feedback from committee members
Assistant Committee Director: keeps track of all materials such as creating zoom links, sorting members into the committee based on responses from the google form, organizing any files, creating polls, working with the Director, taking attendance, taking notes recording responses to surveys/forms, keeping track of points, sending canvas updates with committee details to President/VP”

Contact Us
Email: uf.hsso.phhp@gmail.com
GatorConnect: https://orgs.studentinvolvement.ufl.edu/Organization/Health-Science-Student-Organization
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hssoatuf/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hssoatuf/
