Frequently Asked Questions
On Campus
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The easiest way to get involved is to just show-up! Our general body meetings, social events, and volunteer events are open to anyone who wants to come! Stay up to date with upcoming events via our GroupMe and Instagram (@utagmt)
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In the past, going on our yearly medical trip was the only requirement to earn a cord, but we now acknowledge that finances should not be the deciding factor for awarding a graduation cord.
At GMT, we love to reward active members who show up and show out for an important cause. In order to qualify for a graduation cord, Juniors or Seniors in their graduating year must attend and complete the “Clinical Skills Series”, and have a total of of 50 points (see the “Point Breakdown” for more information on the Point System.) For your updated point count, please contact us at: gmtuta@gmail.com, or DM us on Instagram @utagmt!
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Our brand new “Clinical Skills Series” is a monthly workshop event designed to prepare you for patient interactions by learning real clinical skills taught by professionals. These events include: “Vitals 101”, “Medical Spanish”, “The Art of a Physical Exam”. “Perfecting Patient Interactions”, and many more!
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All paid GMT members have the opportunity to join an Officer Cohort — a small group led by upperclassman officers designed to support you throughout your undergraduate journey. Whether you need help with class planning, mentorship, or just have general questions, our officers are here to guide you every step of the way!
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The Maverick Wellness Initiative is GMT’s week-long campus campaign focused on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In partnership with UTA’s Office of Student Affairs and dozens of local organizations, we host tabling events, wellness workshops, panels with healthcare professionals, and interactive activities to connect students with vital resources. The week wraps up with a high-energy Wellness Block Party to celebrate health and community on campus.
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Becoming a GMT member gives you access to exclusive clinical volunteer trips, mentorship through our Officer Cohort Program, and discounted pricing on specialized workshops. You’ll receive a certificate of completion after finishing our Clinical Skills Series, graduation cords to recognize your service and active partiicaption in the organization, and priority access to leadership roles and trip sign-ups. Our members gain hands-on experience, build stronger resumes, and develop a competitive edge for medical school — all while making a real impact in underserved communities and connecting with a supportive network of peers and professionals.
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Yes! Many of our events are open to the general student body, though some may require a small fee to attend, and others are reserved exclusively for paid members. You'll still be welcome at general meetings, public workshops, and select tabling events — but membership unlocks the full experience. So what are you waiting for? Join today!
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We are SO glad you asked!! The point system breakdown is as follows:
GBM: 5 points
Trip Attendance: 5 points
Volunteer Events: 4 points
Workshops (in addition to the Certificate of Completion): 3 points
Socials: 2 points
Fundraisers: 2 points
About GMT
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Upon arrival, students will receive specific orientation and training for the clinics and the trip. Orientation entails active student participation in the process of medical assessments and treatments. Many issues will be discussed, e.g. the relationship between poverty, education, and public health to illness and well-being.
Students will be exposed to a medical environment where they will be allowed to observe AND actively participate in the medical assessments/treatments of patients. Furthermore, country-wide dependable Public Healthcare Systems generally do not exist in the countries that we visit. We do this in various settings: urban and rural. This will include GMT medical and dental clinics, visits to hospitals and other health facilities, and patient’s homes.
Students do not engage in any invasive medical procedures during the clinics. We employ local doctors, dentists, interpreters, and guides to teach, inform, and help supervise the trips. We utilize local community citizens to help in the clinics.
We will inform trip participants about the culture, history, politics, religious, comparative healthcare systems, and Public Health problems of the countries in which we travel. We teach them how to apply that information to their experiences during clinics. We will reflect upon and discuss the medical and cultural experiences and integrate this into action plans that will improve the well-being of these people; this constitutes providing healthcare in a culturally competent manner. Medical and other professionals will be responsible for closely supervising, teaching, and nurturing this process.
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There is no previous medical knowledge required for the trip: however, it is very helpful to learn how to take vitals, such as blood pressure and pulse, beforehand. We will offer monthyl workshops to help prepare you as much as possible before we arrive in our destination country (see “What is the Clinical Skills Series” above). Furthermore, a pre-departure packet will be handed in the weeks leading up to the trip. This includes medical guidelines, medical Spanish, relevant medical articles, etc.
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We are required to have a minimum of 3 dental students registered in order to host a dental clinic. If you or someone you know is a pre-dental student, or interested in dentistry, the easiest way yo have a dental clinic on the trip is to just go!!
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Remember that registration number I told you about? You will need it for this! Here is the link to pay on the GMT website.
Remember that if you are a past tripper, you can get a 20% discount! Contact an officer for more information about this.
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If you have extenuating circumstances, please email dante.dominguez@gmtonline.org with an explanation and your proposed solution. You must do this BEFORE the payment deadline.
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No. The student agreement states: “If I cancel my trip for any reason or fail to comply with any international travel regulations, THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS. However, you can make a written email request that 80% of your paid amount be applied, as partial payment, to any future GMT trip of your choice. You must pay the balance between this forwarded amount and the future trip actual posted cost on the GMT website when you register for that trip. The other 20% will be used by GMT to pay for reservations and services that were covered in advance for you on this canceled trip.”
Trip and Travel Logistics
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Our “standard” GMT trip length is eight days - Spring Break. Student Chapters may request longer trips and some regularly do. Peru trips have an optional tourist trip extension to Machu Picchu following the standard GMT trip (this extension is not part of the GMT trip, but a trip coordinated by participants directly with a trusted travel agency).
The first day is a travel day and when everyone needs to arrive.
The second day consists of orientation and city tours/activities.
4 Days are spent in the clinics, with day 7 allotted for the free day.
The last day is a travel day and when everyone will be departing.
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The Machu Picchu extension is an optional trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu that typically takes place at the end of a GMT trip to Peru. About $600-$700 more for this 4 day extension.
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Our standard trips host 4 clinic days with one free day. The free day activity depends on the country.
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Here is an example of a packing list:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14kX47H_R6R35yUBfvTDw2SxHcy4TAyhEhzQAHM-A8A0/edit?tab=t.0
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Most trippers have suggested $150-$300 considering dinner is not covered.
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No, plane tickets are not included in the registration fee. Participants must purchase them.
Officers will let you know once a trip is confirmed and then you may purchase a ticket.
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Official trip itinerary is sent out by GMT National 4 weeks before the trip begins. The itinerary will include information such as clinic sites, hotel accommodations, free day information, and when GMT will be providing food versus when you are responsible. An example itinerary has been sent to your officers, so please reach out to them if you have more questions!