Honors

Academic Honors

Academic honors are determined by a School of Medicine faculty committee. The designation of students graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are made based on a combination of grade point average and other academic accomplishments, inclusive of work done as part of dual degree work or external fellowships.

Alpha Omega Alpha

Founded in 1902, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society is a professional organization that recognizes and advocates for excellence in scholarship and the highest ideals in the profession of medicine. Students are elected based on their embodiment of the AOA mission:

Alpha Omega Alpha – dedicated to the belief in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all patients by:

• recognizing high educational achievement
• honoring gifted teaching
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community
• supporting the ideals of humanism and
• promoting service to others.

The National AΩA Constitution stipulates that up to 20% of a medical school graduation class may be inducted, and up to one-half of the total may be nominated during the junior year. New members are elected by the student members of Alpha Omega Alpha. Elections occur during the spring of junior year and the fall of senior year.

The AOA provides chapters the flexibility to value the diversity of qualities that contribute to high quality patient care, leadership, service, and scholarship. Membership to AOA at Emory School of Medicine takes into consideration the following:

1. Students who have distinguished themselves in academic and/or clinical performance are eligible for nomination.
2. Additional criteria include leadership capabilities, ethical standards, fairness in dealing with colleagues, demonstrated professionalism, scholarship and service to the school and community at large.

View additional information on AOA.

Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS)

GHHS is a national honor society that honors senior medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service. GHHS was created by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine with the goal to sustain the humanistic passion that motivates physicians throughout their practice. GHHS is comprised of over 25,000 healthcare professionals in training and in practice who have been recognized for practicing patient-centered care. Peer nominations are reviewed by the Executive Committee of the Emory GHHS Chapter. Up to 15% of a medical school class can be inducted.

View more information about GHHS