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