Diversity Statement

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA) is committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion based on evidence that inclusion of talented individuals from different backgrounds benefits patient care, population health, education, research, and scientific discovery.

AOA will continue to work to overcome bias – implicit/unconscious bias – as well as discrimination at all levels throughout the organization.

AOA values a diverse, fair, and equitable work and learning environment for all. It supports the medical profession in its work to achieve a welcoming, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in teaching, learning, caring for patients, and collaboration.

AOA advocates for diversity in all of its forms – identity, cultural, geographic, experiential, race, ethnicity, gender, age, economic and social status, physical abilities, aptitude, and religious beliefs, political beliefs, and other ideologies.

AOA is committed to working with its members, Chapters, medical schools, residency programs, and health organizations to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and throughout the medical profession.

No candidate shall be denied election to AOA because of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy status, gender, identity or expression, sexual orientation, language, physical or mental disability, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, religious or political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action laws of a state, province, territory, or nation.

AOA supports and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion among its Officers and Board and in its programs and awards including: race, ethnicity, gender, geography, academia, community, organizations, institutions, specialties and professional activities.

Based on AOA’s core principles of professionalism, leadership, education, scholarship, and service, the primary criteria for fellowships, grants, and awards will be distinction, excellence, and achievement(s).

This statement applies to membership in the society, as well as all programs, awards, personnel, and all other AOA functions.