Founded in 1914, Galens Medical Society is the largest and longest-standing student service organization at the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS). Tag Days, held on the first weekend of December since 1927, occupies a central role in Galens' mission to support local children's charities and has become an important Ann Arbor tradition. Through Tag Days and the generosity of our community
, we have raised tens of thousands of dollars annually, with 100% of the collected money donated directly to local organizations and charities. Allocation of the funds is based on applications from organizations, which are discussed and decided upon by Galens members at their monthly meeting. Galens Medical Society is also the umbrella organization for the Smoker, another rich tradition that has occurred since 1918 at UMMS. The Galens Smoker is the annual musical parody of life at the Mecca. Written, directed, produced, and performed by medical students, the Smoker delights, amuses, impresses, and disgusts through its humorous and juvenile perspective on our medical education, its gunner students, and beloved faculty.
