Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is a national medical honor society that celebrates scholastic achievements of medical students, alumni, and faculty who have distinguished themselves in their careers.

At USF - The AOA Florida Gamma Chapter at MCOM was established in 1976. Students in the top 25% of their class are eligible for election, and 20% are selected.  Students are inducted each Fall, typically during fourth year.

AOA members receive a green, white, and gold cord with an AOA charm to wear at induction and commencement ceremonies. 

Elections are in February and August. Inductions occur in May during the MD program’s commencement week.

“Compassion and empathy for our patients are the heart and soul of medicine. They should be at the core of being a physician and the faster medical technology evolves, the tighter should be our hold on humanity.”
Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health Executive Vice President and MCOM Dean

The Gold Humanism Honor Society is a community of medical students, physicians, and other leaders who have been recognized for their compassionate care. The honor society reinforces and supports the human connection in health care, which is essential for the health of patients and clinicians.  

At USF - The Barness-Behnke Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society was established in 2003. Lewis Barness, MD, was the founding chair of the Department of Pediatrics. Roy Behnke, MD, was the founding chair of the Department of Internal Medicine.

The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation is given annually to one 4^th year medical student and one faculty member at USF who are exemplars of humanism in the care of patients and families.

Inductions occur in May during the MD program’s commencement week.

A USF-based honor society that recognizes and honors medical students, faculty and alumni who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to improve health outcomes through research, innovation and scholarly endeavors. This honor society is in recognition of Dr. Good, who was a key leader and physician scientist at USF MCOM, who was internationally known as a “father of modern immunology”.

Visit our website for more information, including selection criteria for students, faculty and alumni.

Inductions occur in May during the MD program’s commencement week.