School of Medicine

Alpha Omega Alpha - Michigan Beta Chapter

Welcome to Wayne State University, School of Medicine - Alpha Omega Alpha

"Election into Alpha Omega Alpha is a highly selective process that recognizes the achievements of the top medical students in each class. It is recognized with prestige within the medical community and will only add to a physician’s credentials throughout his or her career. The Wayne State University, School of Medicine - AOA Beta Chapter members hope to be of assistance to other students and the school itself through a variety of different events each year." Paul H. Kim, AOA President 2008-2009

Alpha Omega Alpha was founded in 1902 by William Webster Root and five other medical students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine. Root and his colleagues wished to promote academic excellence and leadership in these groups. As more medical schools became interested, the national organization soon became a mark of academic prestige.

According to the Alpha Omega Alpha constitution, "AOA is organized for educational purposes exclusively and not for profit, and its aims shall be the promotion of scholarship and research in medical schools, the encouragement of a high standard of character and conduct among medical students and graduates, and the recognition of high attainment in medical science, practice, and related fields."

To this end, only the top medical students are elected, based on criteria such as grades, leadership, ethics, and so on. No more than one-sixth of a medical school's graduating class can become members of AOA; most of these are elected as fourth-year students ("Senior AOA") although up to one-quarter of them may be elected as third-year students ("Junior AOA"). As the years have gone by, membership in AOA has become highly sought after.

"Words are easy, AOA is the premier academic and now socially conscious group award in US Medical schools, which reflects effort throughout the 4 year period." Dr. Mark B. Edelstein, M.D., Ph.D., AOA Councilor

"Because it is found in most schools, AOA is the best-recognized medical school award. Students elected to the honorary are generally assured of serious consideration by residency programs. This means that many will get most of the interviews they desire. After that it will, of course, be up to them to do well in these interviews." Dr. Kenneth V. Iserson, M.D., MBA

Iserson's Getting Into a Residency: A Guide for Medical Students