Benefits for Medical Students
Every year, EAST invites medical students with an interest in trauma, surgical critical care, or acute care surgery to join our community. As a medical student, you have the unique opportunity to tap into EAST’s exceptional programs designed to help you grow as a future leader in the field—without any annual membership dues.
Ready to join? Head over to the Join EAST page and apply!
Network
Access the Membership Directory to connect with more than 3,800 EAST members around the world. Make sure your profile is up-to-date so that your colleagues can find you, too. Remember to attend the "No Suit, No Problem" networking event at the EAST Annual Scientific Assembly in January. This is a great way to meet future colleagues, discuss career pathways, research development, and skill sets.
Participate in the EAST Mentoring Program
Take advantage of the EAST Mentoring Program to learn from seasoned leaders in trauma and critical care surgery! This program offers personalized career guidance, networking opportunities, and expert advice to help you navigate medical school, residency, and beyond. Over the course of a year, you’ll build a strong foundation for a successful career in the field. Become a mentee and take your future to the next level!
Serve on a Committee or Ad Hoc Task Force
Want to make a difference in the field of trauma and surgery? Volunteering is a great way to gain hands-on experience, learn from experienced professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects. No prior experience is required—just your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! Every summer, we invite students to join these teams, so keep an eye out for the call for volunteers and choose a group that sparks your interest. It's a fantastic opportunity to grow, connect, and have a real impact, all while being supported by a team of experts. To learn more, visit the Get Involved on a Committee or Task Force page.
Attend the EAST Annual Scientific Assembly
Don’t miss the Annual Scientific Assembly—EAST’s premier educational event. Every January, leading researchers and clinicians gather to share groundbreaking scientific papers and the latest advancements in trauma care. And the best part? It’s free for medical students!
Attend EAST Medical Students' Day
Hosted at the Annual Scientific Assembly, EAST Medical Students' Day is a great opportunity for medical students to learn about the field of trauma surgery! Medical students are paired with EAST members for a day of networking and the opportunity to discuss interests and career goals and ask questions.
Collaborate on an EAST Multicenter Trial
Are you an aspiring research? By joining or starting an EAST Multicenter Trial, you’ll collaborate with leading researchers from various centers to explore complex clinical questions. Whether you're just starting out or already have some research experience, this is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in trauma and surgical care. Don’t miss the chance to be part of cutting-edge research that can shape the future of the field!
Apply to the John M. Templeton, Jr., MD Injury Prevention Research Scholarship
Aspiring researchers can apply for the John M. Templeton, Jr., MD Injury Prevention Research Scholarship—a fantastic opportunity to conduct interventional trials in injury prevention. If you're currently in graduate medical education, this scholarship could be your chance to make a real impact in the field.
Suggest an Idea for a Podcast
The EAST Careercasts feature interviews with experts in trauma and surgery, offering valuable advice on career development, leadership, and overcoming challenges in the field. These audio sessions are packed with practical insights that can help you navigate your career path. Got a great topic or speaker in mind? Don’t hesitate to submit a proposal and share your ideas with us!
Volunteer at the Community Outreach Event
Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference? Volunteer at the Community Outreach Event during the Annual Scientific Assembly! This one-day event, organized by the EAST Injury Control and Violence Prevention Committee, gives you the chance to travel into the community and deliver impactful injury prevention programs. It’s a short-term commitment that will allow you to gain hands-on experience while contributing to an important cause. Don’t miss this opportunity to give back, learn, and connect—sign up when the call for volunteers opens in the fall!
Share Your Speaking and Research Interests
As a medical student, the Speakers Bureau is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your speaking and research interests. Add your profile to the growing list of EAST members who speak at local, national, and international conferences, and start building your presence in the field. Whether you’re looking to gain speaking experience or need a speaker for your next event, the directory is the perfect resource to connect with experts and make your mark in the trauma and surgery community. Don’t miss out—take advantage of this opportunity to grow and be recognized!
Connect on Social Media
There are so many ways to stay connected to EAST – even online! Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube for breaking news, reminders, relevant articles, and all the stories in between. Have a specific interest in trauma? EAST members add their voices to several Twitter accounts focused on discussing research, the field of trauma surgery, and injury control and violence prevention. Click here to learn how you can connect with them.