About Us | Youth Medical Association

Our Story

From Vision to Global Impact

The Youth Medical Association was founded in 2022 at The Bronx High School of Science to address disparities in access to medical education and career opportunities across NYC schools. Students from underfunded districts often lacked exposure to healthcare careers, mentorship, and hands-on experiences available at better-resourced schools.

YMA was created to bridge this gap. Today, the organization serves over 4,000 students across 40+ chapters worldwide, hosting regular events and programs at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Columbia University, Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, the NYC Mayor's Office, and other institutions. Rayhan Mehal, a senior at Bronx Science, serves as founder and director.

Our programs provide mentorship, hospital visits, CPR training, research exposure, and career development support. Every student deserves equitable access to explore their interests. YMA exists to make that possible.

Purpose

Mission & Vision

Mission

To empower young people pursuing careers in medicine, research, engineering, law, business, computer science, and related fields.

Vision

To provide accessible support, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities for students exploring careers in medicine, research, engineering, and business, helping them build the skills and connections needed to pursue their goals.

Get to Know Us

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What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Compassion

We believe exceptional healthcare professionals are driven by genuine care and empathy, values we cultivate through our collaboration with medical professionals.

Excellence

We maintain rigorous standards in our programs and in our work with leading medical institutions.

Community

We foster an inclusive, supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can pursue their aspirations together, in medicine, research, engineering, or beyond.

Growth

We are committed to continuous learning and development, empowering members to grow personally and professionally.

Integrity

We operate with transparency, honesty, and ethical standards befitting the future healthcare leaders we serve.

Impact

We are dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of our members and the communities they will serve.

Our Programs

What We Do

Department of Career Development

Beyond medicine: our Career Development department supports students in computer science, engineering, law, and business. We work with Columbia Engineering and host events across diverse fields.

Educational Programs

Weekly meetings featuring discussions on medical specialties, current public health issues, and presentations by medical professionals.

Mentorship Network

We connect high school students with college students, medical students, and practicing physicians for guidance and career advice.

Hands-On Experiences

Hospital visits, shadowing experiences, and practical training (including CPR certification) led by experienced professionals.

Leadership Development

Leadership roles and team positions that develop organizational and management skills essential for future professionals.

Community Outreach

Community service and fundraising initiatives that give back while building character and civic engagement.

College Preparation

Guidance on college applications, pre-med programs, and medical school preparation through our experienced mentors.

By the Numbers

Our Growing Impact

Since our founding, the Youth Medical Association has grown into a global community of over 4,000 students across 40+ chapters worldwide.

Through our collaboration with Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Columbia University, Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, the New York Fire Department (FDNY), and the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, we provide members with mentorship, hospital tours, hands-on training, and research exposure across medicine and related fields.

We maintain a supportive, collaborative environment where students explore their path, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections with peers and mentors across the globe.

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Programs & Initiatives

Related Programs

Youth Academic Initiative

An affiliated organization of YMA offering free SHSAT tutoring and academic support in Algebra, Chemistry, Biology, and Geometry for students in underfunded communities. YAI has served 400+ students through remote and in-person programs.

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Office of the Mayor

YMA's collaboration with the NYC Mayor's Office connects students from underfunded districts to medical opportunities, health education, and resources. The Medical Exposure Initiative brings mentorship and health resources to students who need them most.