Student Organization Spotlight: Aztec Sports Medicine Association
The SDSU Aztec Sports Medicine Association introduces students to sports medicine.
Through the organization, students learn about a variety of career opportunities, network with industry professionals and attend social outings.
Victor Bonavida, president of the organization, said he founded the Aztec Sports Medicine Association during the spring 2017 semester because he wanted to introduce more students to the sports medicine field. Though the organization is new, he said it is headed in the right direction.
“The amount of interest students have expressed for such a new organization is exciting to see,” said Bonavida.
Is the Aztec Sports Medicine Association open to all majors or is it major specific?
Our organization is open to all students, but is geared toward sports medicine. Our goal is to expose students to sports medicine and help them realize it is much more than standing on a sideline or working in a clinic. For that reason, we welcome anyone and everyone.
When it comes to finding new members for your organization, what type of students are you looking for?
We are looking for students who have the drive, passion and willingness to succeed.
When are your meetings and is there a membership fee?
Our meetings occur bi-weekly from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Tehuanco Room of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. There is a membership fee of $15 per semester.
How can students find more information about your organization?
We encourage students to check out our website or follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts. If students have any questions, they can email us at [email protected].
What kind of activities does your organization plan and attend? Do you have any events coming up?
We promote educational and career opportunities in the field of sports medicine, which is difficult because the industry is so broad. We try to blend hands-on learning experiences with lecture-style learning opportunities from guest speakers. We also hope to promote health and wellness of our students. We are currently planning a CPR certification class and a hike for all of our members.
What can students gain from joining this organization?
Students will gain knowledge not only about sports medicine as a field, but the understanding of how it can be applied to the real world. Furthermore, we hope our members find their path by the end of their time with us and at SDSU.
Which SDSU faculty member have had an impact on your organization?
We have had several faculty members impact our organization. Gwendolyn Hill has personally helped me on my journey to apply to medical school and is now the faculty advisor for Aztec Sports Medicine Association as well. Peter van der Geer, a biochemistry professor, makes class really interesting for his students.
