What Are RIGs?

The RIG initiative was launched in 2022 under the leadership of then-SMSNA President Dr. Mohit Khera and Dr. Peter Tsambarlis, former Chair of the Medical Student and Resident Committee. The program was initially created to connect medical students and residents who share an interest in sexual medicine and to introduce trainees to the field as a potential career path.

Under the leadership of SMSNA President Dr. Tobias Köhler, and the Medical Student and Resident Committee led by Dr. Matt Ziegelmann (Chair) and Dr. Charles Welliver (Vice Chair), the initiative is expanding to the broader SMSNA community. A key goal of this expansion is to establish 50+ RIGs across North America, creating a strong network that supports mentorship, collaboration, and education in sexual medicine.

RIGs organize activities that bring members together to learn, collaborate, and engage with the field of sexual medicine.

Examples of RIG activities may include:

• Journal clubs focused on sexual medicine research
• Educational talks by local or visiting experts
• Research collaboration opportunities
• Community education seminars
• Volunteer and outreach initiatives

These activities allow participants to gain exposure to the field while building connections within the sexual medicine community.

As part of the expansion of the RIG initiative, SMSNA has partnered with industry to support Visiting Professor Programs. Through these programs, leading experts in sexual medicine travel to different regions to provide educational lectures and discussions.

To help support local engagement and educational programming, SMSNA provides financial support for approved RIG activities and events each year. This funding helps RIGs organize meetings, educational sessions, and other initiatives that promote learning and collaboration in sexual medicine.

Eligible expenses may include audio-visual equipment or support, food and beverages, and room rental associated with RIG events.

To receive reimbursement, RIGs must submit a RIG Expense Proposal Form for approval in advance outlining the planned activity and anticipated expenses. Receipts must be submitted following the event in order to process reimbursement.

RIGs are open to individuals interested in sexual medicine, including:

• Medical students
• Residents and fellows
• Faculty physicians
• Other healthcare professionals interested in the field

Medical students and residents are encouraged to apply for free membership in SMSNA, which also includes membership in the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Membership provides access to educational resources, professional networking opportunities, discussion forums, and discounted registration for meetings.