Awards and Honor Societies

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

The Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society is composed of fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, research, professionalism, service to the school and community and clinical acumen. Distinguished faculty members are also eligible for election into AOA as Honorary Members.

Sixteen percent of the graduating class is eligible for AOA. Mount Sinai's Board of AOA elects students from the top quartile of the class using the following criteria:

• Academic performance during the first three years of the medical curriculum as measured by third-year grades and USMLE Step I score.
• Successful research activities as documented by formal presentations at national meetings or by publications or other scholarly work
• Leadership in school activities and in community service
• Professionalism and humanism

Selection occurs in September of each year.

Gold Humanism Honor Society

The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) recognizes those students who have distinguished themselves by their humanism, which the Gold Foundation defines as "those attributes and behaviors that emanate from a deep sensitivity and respect for others, including full acceptance of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds" and "is exemplified through compassionate, empathetic treatment of all persons."

Sixteen percent of the graduating class is eligible for GHHS. Students are nominated at the end of third year by their peers and selection occurs in September.

Graduation Awards

Dr. Arthur H. Aufses, Sr. Prize in Surgery

This honor is given to a General Surgery or a surgical subspecialty, who has demonstrated excellence in the Surgical Clerkship.

Dr. Barry Coller Award

This award is given to the graduating student entering the field of Internal Medicine who has shown the utmost excellence and professionalism in the clinical realm.

Mrs. David A. Dreiling Surgery Prize in Memory of her Mother, Florence L. Oppenheimer

This award is given to a student going into a Surgical Subspecialty and is geared toward scholarly excellence (research and academic).

The Eugene W. Friedman, M.D. Prize for Clinical Excellence

This prize is awarded to a graduating student who will continue his/her residency at Mount Sinai in General Surgery and shows promise of exemplary clinical skills.

Dr. John Bookman Memorial Prize

This prize recognizes excellence in academic achievement for student specializing in Internal Medicine, with an optional focus in diabetes or nutrition and concern for patients in the clinical setting.

Milton C. Engel, MD Award in Geriatric Medicine

This award is given to a graduating student who excelled in Geriatric Medicine during medical school.

Ellen Parker Memorial Award For Outstanding Community Service in Geriatrics

This award is given to a student who has demonstrated initiative and ingenuity toward improving the quality of life of older adults in disadvantaged communities.

James Felt Memorial Prize for Highest Overall Standing

This prize is given to the student who has displayed the highest all-around performance in the four years of medical school.