"AOA Status" regarding residencies

[Pilot]

When I was reviewing residency info on medschool.com I noticed a section on all residencies titled "AOA Status". For very competitive residencies this section stated "Highly recommended. Required for competitive programs." Non-competitive programs stated "Not essential for matching", and those in between stated "Recommended for competitive programs, but not essential for matching. Can anyone explain what "AOA Status" is? Does it have anything to do with DO students taking the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX? I haven't started DO school yet, and this will probably be explained during orientation week, but any info I could get now would be appreciated. Thanks..

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[RollTide]

The AOA they are talking about is a medical honor society. I do not think DO students are eligible for membership. I do not know why this is, but I would not worry about too much.

 

[rhillstr]

It is my understanding that DO schools have an analogous honor society.

 

[Pilot]

Thanks for the responses. I would assume that if am able to join the DO version of AOA, then I shouldn't expect any tougher than normal problems getting a competitive residency if I want to.

 

[RBorhani]

AOA: Alpha Omega Alpha. It is by invitation only and only for MD students.
The DO honor society that is by invitation only (during your second year of med school and this is NOT Sigma Sigma Phi, which is a different honor society for the top 1/3 of the class) is not that well recognized by the ACGME residencies.

 

[Pikevillemedstudent]

What is the name of this DO honor society or are you swore to secretacy?

 

[RBorhani]

I dont remember the name. I am not a member. It should be in your school catalogue.