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                       JeffNEWS, September 13, 1994
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JeffMATCH: Now, the Jefferson Gay and Lesbian Medical Student Association
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JeffMATCH (the Medical Alliance to Combat Homophobia) was founded in 
1992/93 to support gay and lesbian medical students on campus. 

"As of July 1, JeffMATCH will become the Gay and Lesbian Medical Student 
Association. Now our name resembles that of similar organizations at other 
universities," said Gary A. DeSimone, MD, JMC '94. 

Dr. DeSimone was one of the group's original organizers and its contact 
person until his recent graduation. He is succeeded by Robert J. Peterson, 
JMC '97.

In only one year, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Student Association, which 
has 15 to 20 students who regularly attend meetings, has gained recognition 
as a student group by the University. It also received funding from the 
Jefferson Medical College (JMC) Student Council to publish a free resource 
booklet for gay and lesbian students.

The booklet lists cultural and healthcare resources on campus, in the 
city, the commonwealth and nationwide. These include clubs and sports 
groups in the area as well as HIV disease resources and the psychiatry 
department's Crisis Center. The booklet also lists various support groups, 
gay and lesbian professional groups and nationwide hotlines.

Copies of the booklet are available by calling Mr. Peterson at 215-238-
0283.

"Another important activity is staffing a table at the Freshman Fair in 
the fall so that incoming gay and lesbian students know we're here and that 
they're welcome," Dr. DeSimone said. "People who aren't gay also come over 
to the table because they have a family member or friend who is, or simply 
because they're interested in learning more about the subject."

Meetings take place the first Thursday of the month at various 
locations. For more information, call Mr. Peterson, at 215-238-0283. News 
of meetings will also be available through student e-mail, the note service 
or TheStudent Examiner, a publication of the JMC Student Affairs Committee.

Gay and Lesbian Medical Student Association members are pleased with the 
results of their efforts. "We believe we've increased peoples' awareness, 
so that they're talking more about issues that concern gays and lesbians 
and realize that some of their classmates may be gay," Dr. DeSimone said. 
"We're also gratified that the University has acknowledged our existence as 
individuals and as a group."

He is taking his residency in internal medicine at Washington Hospital 
Center, an affiliate of Georgetown and George Washington universities in 
the District of Columbia.


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Information provided by:  Editor, JeffNEWS
                          (215) 955-6204
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