Amplifying the Student Voice: Medical Student Perceptions of AΩA
Jeremy M Jones1,2, Alexandra B Berman3,4, Erik X Tan3,5
1Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. jeremy.jones@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
Background:
Recent literature has suggested racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA) selection and raised concerns about its effects on the learning environment. Internal reviews at multiple institutions have led to changes in selection practices or suspension of student chapters; in October 2020, the national AΩA organization provided guidance to address these concerns.
Objective:
This study aimed to better understand student opinions of AΩA.
Design:
An anonymous survey using both multiple response option and free response questions.
Participants:
Medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Main Measures:
Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of student opinion towards AΩA. Free responses were analyzed by two independent coders to identify key themes.
Key Results:
In total, 70% of the student body (n = 547) completed the survey. Sixty-three percent had a negative opinion of AΩA, and 57% felt AΩA should not exist at the student level. Thirteen percent believed AΩA membership appropriately reflects the student body; 8% thought selection processes were fair. On multivariate analysis, negative predictors of a student's preference to continue AΩA at the student level included belief that AΩA membership does not currently mirror class composition (OR: 0.45, [95% CI: 0.23-0.89]) and that AΩA selection processes were unfair (OR: 0.20 [0.08-0.47]). Self-perception as not competitive for AΩA selection was also a negative predictor (OR: 0.44 [0.22-0.88]). Major qualitative themes included equity, impact on the learning environment, transparency, and positive aspects of AΩA.
Conclusions:
This single-institution survey demonstrated significant student concerns regarding AΩA selection fairness and effects on the learning environment. Many critiques extended beyond AΩA itself, instead focusing on the perceived magnification of existing disparities in the learning environment. As the national conversation about AΩA continues, engaging student voices in the discussion is critical.
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