Welcome to BALSO at Columbia University

The Black and Latino Students Organization is dedicated to the recruitment, support and graduation of students from ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine and other health sciences. BALSO is an active chapter of the Student National Medical Association and the National Boricua Latino Health Organization.

To achieve these goals, BALSO offers peer and faculty counseling to its members as well as mentorship to pre-medical students and students from local high schools. BALSO sponsors social and cultural events open to all members of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center community, including an annual Jazz Mixer, film nights and lectures. We also work to promote awareness about the complex health issues facing under served communities by sponsoring talks and workshops on health care topics and cultural competency. All members of the CPMC community are invited and welcomed.