UMass Medical School welcomed 37 School of Medicine students into the Delta chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society during an induction ceremony on Wednesday, June 2. The Class of 2021 is the largest and most diverse class of AOA inductees in UMMS history.
Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, is the chapter’s councilor. During his welcoming remarks, Dean Flotte said that at one point, academic performance was the only criteria for induction. That’s changed. This year students were selected through a new holistic review process based on educational achievement, professionalism, humanism, equity and inclusion.
“Class of 2021, you are the most worthy class of AOA graduates in the history of the school. You are the most worthy to serve the most suffering people in the most varied ways,” Dean Flotte said.
Sonia Chimienti, MD, associate professor of medicine, associate dean for student affairs and vice provost for student life and enrollment, shepherded the criteria change. Dr. Chimienti described the accomplishments of each of the student inductees as she read their names.
"The future of medicine is in very good hands,” Chimienti said.
Five faculty members, five house staff (residents and fellows) and one alumnus were also inducted during the ceremony. Jessica Bossie, MD, instructor in family medicine & community health, received the Community Physician Award and Chancellor Michael F. Collins offered closing remarks.
Since 1902, the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society has promoted scholarship and research in medical schools; encouraged a high standard of conduct among medical students and graduates; and recognized high achievement in medical science, patient care and related fields.
The 2021 AOA inductees are:
