Student Organizations
UGA SOM students are encouraged to start or join an organization to enrich their student life experience. UGA SOM student organizations are categorized as Specialty Interest Groups and Clubs. Please visit the Student Organization Guide for more information and the application form to launch your organization.
Student Leadership Council
The Student Leadership Council (SLC) serves as the representative governing body for the students at the University of Georgia School of Medicine (SOM). The Council advocates on behalf of students, fosters community engagement, and supports initiatives that enhance the medical student experience.
The SLC is composed of five elected officers:
- President
- Vice President
- Business Manager
- Social Director
- Communications Director
All members are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
Click here for more information on the SLC.
Honor Societies
The two premier national honor societies for medical students are Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) and the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS). Election to these honor societies occurs at the beginning of the M4 year. As a newly founded medical school, UGA SOM is proud to apply for membership to both premier organizations and anticipates formal recognition of UGA SOM chapters in preparation for the inaugural class entering the clinical phase.
Descriptions and selection criteria for the honor societies are outlined below:
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA)
“Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is: Alpha Omega Alpha — dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine, we will improve care for all by:
- recognizing high educational achievement
- honoring gifted teaching
- encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community
- supporting the ideals of humanism
- promoting service to others
Election to Alpha Omega Alpha is an honor signifying a lasting commitment to professionalism, leadership, scholarship, research, and community service. A lifelong honor, membership in the society confers recognition for a physician’s dedication to the profession and art of healing.”
Please visit the AOA website for more information.
UGA SOM criteria for consideration for AOA
Any student with a minimum of 30% preclinical courses with Honors designation (pass/ fail with Honors designation grading) and a minimum GPA 3.5 in the clerkship phase (ABCF grading) is invited to apply.
Students wishing to be considered for election to AOA will submit an application form and a personal statement. The AOA committee, consisting of AOA faculty, will review each de-identified candidate’s application on the following criteria:
- Academic distinction
- Leadership
- Service
- Scholarship
- Personal statement
The top 10%- 20% of the class may be inducted into the AOA.
Gold Humanism Honor Society
The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) is a community of medical students, physicians, and other leaders recognized for their compassionate care. GHHS reinforces and supports the human connection in healthcare, which is essential for the health of patients and clinicians.
GHHS is an active organization with a diverse membership. GHHS members in medical school lead initiatives that foster humanism, and, throughout their careers, are expected to be humanistic leaders.
Please visit the GHHS website for more information.
UGA SOM criteria for consideration for GHHS
Students nominate their peers for election to GHHS. Nominations will be solicited during the M3 year, and the GHHS committee will elect students for membership.