Medical Honor Societies

The CUNY School of Medicine is proud to offer our students and faculty numerous honors, grant opportunities, and other benefits as members in the nation’s preeminent medical honor societies.

Alpha Omega Alpha

The CUNY School of Medicine was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Honor Medical Society in February 2024. AΩA is a national organization that recognizes medical students, residents, faculty, and physicians who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, professionalism, and service to the community and the medical profession.

CUNY School of Medicine’s AOA chapter is committed to upholding the values of excellence, integrity, compassion, and service in medicine. We strive to promote scholarship, foster leadership, and encourage a commitment to service among our members and the broader medical community.

For Medical Students

AOA membership offers students opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development, as well as access to scholarships, awards, and grants to support their medical education and career aspirations.

For For Faculty

Physicians who have achieved excellence in their medical careers and demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and service may be nominated for AΩA recognitions. AΩA membership offers recognition of your contributions to the field of medicine, as well as opportunities for networking, mentorship, and continuing education to support your ongoing professional development.

The Arthur P. Gold Foundation
Gold Humanism Honor Society

CUNY School of Medicine is dedicated to cultivating a culture of humanism, compassion, and excellence in healthcare. As members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) since March 2024, we embrace the values of integrity, empathy, respect, and service in our practice and education.

GHHS recognizes medical students, residents, faculty, and other healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to patient-centered care and compassionate service. Founded by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, GHHS chapters exist in medical schools and healthcare institutions across the United States. The Gold Foundation is renowned for establishing the annual White Coat ceremony in 1993 as a way to highlight the importance of humanism in all care of patients. CUNY School of Medicine holds White Coat ceremonies for first-year MD students, third-year MD students, and first-year Physician Assistant students.

GHHS Benefits

The Gold Humanism Honor Society hosts many initiatives and events that are open to all, including Solidarity Week for Compassionate Care, Thank a Resident Day, the Gold Connection podcast, and Golden Glimmers. 

CUNY School of Medicine students and faculty are also eligible for nomination to prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, which recognizes graduating students and faculty who demonstrate outstanding compassion and professionalism in their interactions with patients and colleagues.

Third-year medical students may also nominate up to six outstanding humanistic residents to be considered for the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, which honors residents who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching and mentorship.