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Transparency of Alpha Omega Alpha Selection Processes and Bias Mitigation Across US Medical Schools: A
Christine C Cheston1,2, Neeharika Chanda3, Sorraya Jaiprasert4
1Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. christine.cheston@bmc.org.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|May 6, 2026
Summary
Most medical schools describe Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) selection criteria, but methods vary widely. Few chapters acknowledge potential bias in their membership processes, highlighting a need for further investigation into fairness in medical honor societies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Honor Societies
- Health Equity
Background:
- Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership offers professional advantages, yet disparities in representation persist.
- Standardization is lacking in AOA selection processes, obscuring the criteria's impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the transparency and methods of AOA selection nationwide.
- To document how AOA chapters recognize and address potential biases in their selection procedures.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study analyzed data from 157 US medical school websites (October 2023-April 2024).
- Quantitative descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were used to examine AOA chapter eligibility, selection criteria, and acknowledgements of bias.
Main Results:
- Of 131 active AOA chapters, 98 (75%) detailed selection procedures, most commonly citing personal characteristics (55%) and accomplishments (51%).
- Only 17% of schools acknowledged potential bias in AOA selection, with eight themes identified for bias acknowledgement.
Conclusions:
- AOA selection methods are inconsistently described across medical schools.
- The limited acknowledgement of bias suggests a need to examine AOA membership interpretation and bias mitigation strategies in medical training and beyond.
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