Social Directorate

The main aim of the NUS Medical Society Social Directorate is to bring the students of YLLSoM together—beyond our immediate social circles, beyond each batch, and beyond our faculty (ie. with Nursing and Pharmacy)—to create unique moments of interactions and friendships.

Students are often isolated in their daily social circles, perpetuated by the pre-assigned House System and Tutorial groupings; or are unknowingly trapped in their spiraling busy schedules, that leave little or no time for genuine person-to-person interactions. However, more often than not, students want to go beyond their everyday circle of friends, but find it difficult to do so. This is where we believe Social Directorate comes into the picture. We focus on creating opportunities for students from diverse social groups to gather together, by breaking down the barriers of awkwardness through our events. Only so, can students are then able to seize these opportunities to create moments of their own with the new people they meet or reinforce ties with the old. We believe that by enabling avenues for this first step to be taken, it will facilitate the creation of long lasting friendships ahead, in order to truly reach towards our goal of establishing an interconnected, inter-professional partnership in the future as healthcare professionals.

Core Events

Welcome Dinner

In August

The Welcome Dinner, a cherished tradition, made a triumphant return in 2022 and continued in 2023 after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. Orchestrated with finesse by the Office for Students, this significant event marks the induction of our new Freshmen class. It's a symbol of new beginnings, a celebration of the journey ahead, and a warm welcome into our fraternity. More than just a meal, it's the first chapter in the exciting journey our Freshmen embark upon, surrounded by support and encouragement from the entire Academy community.

White Coat Ceremony

In August

The White Coat Ceremony is a revered tradition and a significant milestone, marking the official initiation of incoming freshmen into their medical journey. This formal and prestigious event is graced by the presence of the Dean and distinguished guests, each delivering insightful addresses that inspire and welcome the new cohort. The ceremony reaches its pinnacle when distinguished members of the medical community bestow the coveted white coats upon the freshmen, symbolizing their entry into the medical profession.

Dinner & Dance

In August

The NUS Medical Society's annual Dinner and Dance (DnD) is a vibrant celebration, marking the culmination of the orientation period for Year 1 medical students. The event not only serves as a warm welcome for incoming freshmen but also creates a memorable night of camaraderie. The evening unfolds with captivating performances put up by our talented pageantees, showcasing their diverse talents beyond the lecture theatres.

Thanksgiving

In November

Thanksgiving this year was not just a celebration, but a milestone – the inaugural event of the Academic Year, meticulously orchestrated by the Welfare and Social Directorate. In keeping with the time-honored traditions of Thanksgiving, the event was a vibrant tapestry of appreciation and gratitude. It was an opportunity for students and staff alike to pause and reflect, to give thanks for the people who have enriched our lives and our learning environment. Through the sale of cards, gifts, and an array of thoughtful items, they initiated a fundraising campaign, with proceeds earmarked for various school programs. This event stood out not only for its festive ambiance but also for the sense of community it fostered. The halls of our School buzzed with warmth and camaraderie, as everyone came together to celebrate and give back, truly embodying the essence of Thanksgiving.

Senior’s Night

In May

Previously known as the Medical Dinner, the Senior’s Night is a formal dinner for the graduating batch of Medicine. This event allows the batch to come together one last time before joining the workforce, to celebrate their success, reminisce about their school days, and bask in an evening of food and drinks.
The event was put on hold following the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are plans to bring back the event in 2024.

Other Initiatives

MedFlix & Chill

In August

MEDflix & Chill, an innovative initiative by our institution, has swiftly become a favourite among students seeking relaxation and entertainment on campus. This event, dedicated to creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment, offers free movie screenings in various venues such as lecture theatres, multipurpose halls, and the unique 'MedBox' setting which offers food and drinks. What sets MEDflix & Chill apart is the thoughtful combination of cinematic enjoyment with a variety of food options, ranging from complimentary snacks to a selection of paid choices, catering to all tastes.

The event, a collaboration with the Welfare Directorate, first proved its appeal with successful pilot runs in May and July 2022, each drawing over 100 sign-ups. This impressive participation showcased the students' appreciation for such leisurely and communal activities. The event's popularity soared even higher in August 2023, attracting over 200 participants, a testament to its growing significance in student life.

Medicine HeartHunt

In August

The Medicine HeartHunt, a unique and thrilling event hosted in collaboration with Great Eastern, brought an air of excitement and adventure to our campus. This event was ingeniously split into two main components: a treasure hunt and an engaging online challenge, each designed to captivate and involve our entire student body. The treasure hunt turned our familiar campus into an exploratory playground, inviting students to embark on a quest in search of hidden treasures. This aspect of the event was not just about the thrill of discovery; it also offered students a much-needed break from their academic routines, encouraging them to unwind and relax in the very grounds they traverse daily. Simultaneously, the online challenge provided an inclusive opportunity for our students in clinical years, ensuring every student could participate in some way. The Medicine HeartHunt was more than just a game; it was a reminder of the joys of exploration and the importance of taking time to enjoy our campus environment.

HeartBUZZ

In August

HeartBUZZ, a collaboration with the Welfare and Arts & Culture Directorates, was a week-long celebration that transformed our campus into a hub of artistic and cultural expression. This event was not just a showcase but a vibrant celebration of the arts, featuring an impressive combination of art exhibitions and musical performances. Each art exhibition was a journey through visual storytelling, allowing students and staff to immerse themselves in diverse artistic perspectives. The musical aspect of HeartBUZZ was further enriched by the introduction of student performances under the Murmurs Concert, a platform that spotlighted the talents of our budding musicians. These performances added a personal touch to the event, resonating with the audience through original compositions and renditions. Dance presentations, featuring a variety of styles, added a dynamic and rhythmic dimension to the celebration. HeartBUZZ succeeded in creating a festive atmosphere that not only promoted the arts but celebrated the creativity and passion of our student body, fostering a sense of community and artistic appreciation across campus.

Dress-to-School Days

Recurring

Dress-to-School Days is an innovative and lighthearted initiative launched by the Social Directorate, aimed at enhancing in-person class attendance and encouraging the use of school facilities for relaxation, study, and socialising. Building on the longstanding tradition of wearing JC/Secondary School uniforms for Children's Day, this pilot program, introduced in the Academic Year 22/23, brought a fresh and engaging twist to the school environment.

The program featured creatively themed days like 'Slumber Party' and 'Racial Appreciation Days,' inspiring students to express themselves and embrace diversity by dressing according to specific themes. These themed days not only added a burst of colour and excitement to the campus but also fostered a sense of community and belonging among students.

Picture Credits: YLLSoM Events Team, House Clementia, Jared Ng (co 2023), Craig Tan (co 2025), Social Directorate 2023