History & Constitution

History of AOA

Chartered in 1902 by the state of Illinois, Alpha Omega Alpha's growth has paralleled the development of American medical education. Within a decade after the society was founded, Chapters were established at seventeen medical schools. At present there are 132 active Chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Lebanon. Today, when students and established physicians alike reject easy platitudes, the tenets of the society are more relevant than ever. As framed by Root, they are a modern interpretation of the Hippocratic oath:

"It is the duty of members to foster the scientific and philosophical features of the medical profession, to look beyond self to the welfare of the profession and of the public, to cultivate social mindedness, as well as individualistic attitude toward responsibilities, to show respect for colleagues, especially for elders and teachers, to foster research and in all ways to ennoble the profession of medicine and advance it in public opinion. It is equally a duty to avoid that which is unworthy, including the commercial spirit and all practices injurious to the welfare of patients, the public, or the profession."

Alpha Omega Alpha at UTMB- The Texas Alpha Chapter

The Texas Alpha chapter (UTMB), chartered in 1920, was the first AΩA Chapter in this state. Undergraduate members are elected from medical students in their last two years of medical school. AΩA is organized for educational purposes, and its aims are 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. The number of students elected from any class may not exceed one-sixth of those expected to graduate. Election to the chapter is based on scholarship and moral character. The national organization provides opportunities for chapters to sponsor visiting professorships. AΩA also provides a limited number of research fellowships and sponsors periodic student essay contests.

For more information on the AΩA National Constitution, click here.

Contact: Meghan McCaskey, Texas Alpha Chapter President—mkmccask@utmb.edu