Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:
- Recognizing high educational achievement
- Honoring gifted teaching
- Encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community
- Supporting the ideals of humanism
- Promoting service to others
Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s chapter was established in 1948 as the Beta Chapter, and is proud to induct new medical students, residents, fellows, faculty, and alumni into the chapter each year.
Election to Alpha Omega Alpha is an honor signifying a lasting commitment to scholarship, leadership, professionalism, and service. A lifelong honor, membership in the society confers recognition for a physician's dedication to the profession and art of healing. Criteria for election to Alpha Omega Alpha are detailed in the Constitution. About 3,500 students, alumni, house staff, and faculty are elected each year throughout the country. Since its founding in 1902, more than 150,000 members have been elected to the society.
Alpha Omega Alpha supports many programs for medical students and physicians at our 128 chapters, and publishes a quarterly journal, The Pharos, which contains articles on nontechnical medical subjects, including history, ethics, national issues, personal essays, and poetry.
Election Criteria and Processes
- 20% of each class can be elected to AOA
- Students whose academic performance in years 1, 2, and 3 places them in the top 25% of the class will be considered for election.
- Elections occur at the beginning of year 4 and include students that will graduate in May of the following year.
AOA Events & Engagement
Alpha Omega Alpha is proud to support and engage with our medical student community through a variety of meaningful events throughout the year.
AOA Day
An outside speaker is invited to give a presentation. The entire school is invited to attend, and the speaker will often also meet with interested students, residents, fellows, and faculty.
Service Project
Organized by the AOA student members. Habitat for Humanity, Goler Community Garden, and other organizations have paired with our students in the past.
Induction Ceremony
During graduation weekend, all AOA students from the graduating class as well as the newly elected residents, faculty, and alumni selected attend an induction ceremony brunch. This is organized by AOA students with assistance from Student Affairs staff.