RIG FAQ's

A Regional Interest Group (RIG) is a local network of medical students, residents, fellows, advanced practice providers, and physicians interested in sexual medicine. RIGs provide opportunities for education, mentorship, networking, and professional development within a specific geographic region.

Anyone with an interest in sexual medicine is welcome to attend RIG meetings. Participation is encouraged for:

• Medical students
• Residents and fellows
• Advanced Practice Providers
• Physicians
• Other healthcare professionals interested in sexual medicine

No. Attendance at most RIG meetings is open regardless of SMSNA membership.

However, certain RIG leadership positions require membership (see below).

A Regional Interest Group (RIG) is a local network of medical students, residents, fellows, advanced practice providers, and physicians interested in sexual medicine. RIGs provide opportunities for education, mentorship, networking, and professional development within a specific geographic region.

Anyone with an interest in sexual medicine is welcome to attend RIG meetings. Participation is encouraged for:

• Medical students
• Residents and fellows
• Advanced Practice Providers
• Physicians
• Other healthcare professionals interested in sexual medicine

No. Attendance at most RIG meetings is open regardless of SMSNA membership.

However, certain RIG leadership positions require membership (see below).

To establish a new RIG, you must have:

• One Medical Student Champion
• One Resident Champion
• One Faculty Anchor

Applications are submitted through the SMSNA website. After approval, the Executive Office will coordinate a kick-off meeting.

The Faculty Anchor must be an active SMSNA member in good standing before the RIG can be approved.

Medical Student and Resident Champions do not need to be members at the time of application, but they must submit membership applications before the kick-off meeting can be scheduled. Student and resident applications receive expedited review.

Your kick-off meeting must be held within six weeks of your RIG's approval. The SMSNA Executive Office will coordinate the meeting and provide the Zoom link and invitation materials.

Yes. Before the kick-off meeting can be scheduled, the Medical Student Champion, Resident Champion, and Faculty Anchor must all review and sign the RIG Agreement.

Each RIG is expected to hold at least two meetings per year.

Once your meeting has been scheduled, complete the RIG Meeting Notification Form available on the Resources page.

Yes. If your RIG plans to offer virtual attendance, notify the SMSNA Executive Office so Zoom details can be provided.

All attendees are required to complete the Meeting Attendee Registration Form. RIG leadership should display or distribute the QR code at every meeting for participants to scan.

Yes. Each RIG may receive reimbursement of up to $2,000 per calendar year, with a maximum reimbursement of $1,000 per individual meeting or event.

Eligible expenses include:

• Audio/visual equipment or meeting support services
• Food and beverages
• Room rental fees

Expenses must be reasonable and appropriate for a professional educational meeting.

SMSNA will not reimburse:

• Speaker honoraria
• Speaker travel or lodging
• Gifts or promotional items
• Non-essential supplies
• Any expenses not specifically identified as eligible

Yes.

All reimbursable expenses require prior approval through the RIG Activity Funding Request Form before the event takes place.

After your event, submit:

• Itemized receipts
• RIG Expense Reimbursement Request Form
• RIG Event Report & Attendance Submission

Reimbursements cannot be processed until all required documentation has been received.

Following every RIG meeting, submit:

• RIG Event Report & Attendance Submission
• Meeting attendee roster
• Participant evaluations
• Any reimbursement requests (if applicable)
• Photos from the event (encouraged)

These forms help SMSNA:

• Track participation
• Measure program success
• Improve future programming
• Maintain accurate records

Each April, every RIG is asked to submit an Annual Leadership & Planning Update confirming:

• Current leadership
• Future leadership plans
• Goals for the upcoming year

Failure to comply with the RIG Agreement or reimbursement policies may result in the RIG being disbanded. The leadership involved may become ineligible to establish a new RIG for one year.

SMSNA membership provides:

• Access to educational webinars and recordings
• Networking opportunities
• Annual Meeting registration discounts
• Access to sexual medicine resources
• Opportunities to participate in committees and leadership
• Complimentary membership for eligible medical students and residents

Visit the Join SMSNA page to learn more.