What is the purpose of AOA

[natler]

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Members don't see this ad.

What benefits do members of AOA really get? I'm sure it helps immensely when applying for residencies and finding a job, but I would assume that the people who are able to get into AOA are already the top doctors around. I'm curious why this organization exists, and if it actually means anything to be a part of it once you're a practicing physician.

 

[Goro]

They get to have a nifty party every year called Convocation.

Like the AMA, the AOA is a doctor's union. Except "Association" sounds better than "union".

What benefits do members of AOA really get? I'm sure it helps immensely when applying for residencies and finding a job, but I would assume that the people who are able to get into AOA are already the top doctors around. I'm curious why this organization exists, and if it actually means anything to be a part of it once you're a practicing physician.

 

[gyngyn]

What benefits do members of AOA really get? I'm sure it helps immensely when applying for residencies and finding a job, but I would assume that the people who are able to get into AOA are already the top doctors around. I'm curious why this organization exists, and if it actually means anything to be a part of it once you're a practicing physician.

It's an honor.

 

[mvenus929]

What's the purpose of AED or NSHHS? It's another honor society.

 

[Espadaleader]

Go to a school without it.

 

[sobored]

Bragging rights.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

Go to a school without it.

According to this site,
http://www.amsa.org/AMSA/Homepage/Publications/TheNewPhysician/2009/tnp489.aspx
the following schools do not have AOA chapters: Stanford, Harvard, UConn, Brown, and UCSD.
(I thought there would be more and I'm surprised Yale has a chapter).

 

[Ismet]

Shows you are one smart cookie. Or you study a lot.

 

[Catalystik]

What benefits do members of AOA really get? I'm sure it helps immensely when applying for residencies and finding a job, but I would assume that the people who are able to get into AOA are already the top doctors around. I'm curious why this organization exists, and if it actually means anything to be a part of it once you're a practicing physician.

One can be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society as a junior or senior medical student. All med schools don't have a chapter. It generally implies more than excellent academics in med school, as research, ethics, leadership, and altruistic activities can be part of the consideration, depending on the school. Besides being a prestigious award, it can be helpful for matching into a more selective residency program.

Residents, scientists, and physicians can also be inducted. It's considered to be quite an honor at that level, as well.

Everyone who becomes a member gets a nice certificate to hang on their wall and can mention the accomplishment on their CV.