Frequently Asked Questions about AOA

1. What is AOA?

   Alpha Omega Alpha is a national honor society for medical students which promotes student leadership, community service, and excellence in academics. AOA has local chapters at most medical schools, which elect members from their student body.

2. How does one join?

   Membership is determined by an election among current AOA faculty, residents, and students at U.C. Davis. Qualities that are highly regarded are academic excellence, leadership, and service to the medical school and patients.

3. What kind of student can join?

   To be eligible for AOA, a student must be in the 25% of the class based on academic standing. Of the top quarter of students, up to 15% of the class can be elected to AOA per year.

4. When do the elections take place?

   There are 2 elections every year, one in the Spring electing members from the Junior class, and another in the fall for considering Seniors for membership.

5. Are "splitters" eligible for AOA?

   Splitters are eligible in their Junior and Senior year just like other students. The only restriction is that students who split during their clinical years are not eligible more than twice (i.e. once as a Junior and once as a Senior).

6. What does AOA do?

   From the AOA Charter: "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"

   For more information about our activities, see our projects page.