Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Eboni Ellis, Corinne Brann, Shannon Hill, Jennifer Maziad, Becky McGilligan, Christina Marquez, Elving Colon, Kristen Morrell, Leslie Davis Singletary, William Higgins, Shawn Agee, Stephen Viel and Mary Ann Johnson have been selected for induction into AOA. Dr. Michael Muszynski, dean of the Orlando regional campus, is the faculty inductee.

Alpha Omega Alpha derives its name from the initials of the essential Greek words in a motto that translates to “worthy to serve the suffering.'' AOA has been developed over the past 100 years to recognize and enhance professionalism, academic excellence, service, and leadership within the profession. Chosen students have excelled academically and shown promise of becoming leaders in the profession. A basic premise of election to AOA is that it is, in addition to being a capstone to a student’s medical school career, an obligation in a member’s personal life as a physician to support the organization’s principled ideals.

“I am moved, honored and humbled by this most kind recognition, which is very meaningful to me,” Muszynski said. “I am certain that any number of outstanding individuals could have been considered for faculty AOA membership this year.

“The fact that an AOA committee of impressive educators in their own right chose to honor me leaves we without words. My goal in life has always been to give my best toward all that is entrusted in me, and I hope that I can always live up to that expectation.”

GOLD HUMANISM

Colon Ellis and Johnson were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society during the 2008 White Coat ceremony in August. They are joined in Gold Humanism by fellow Class of 2009 members Jada Aikman, Molly McKenna, Tessa McKenna, Kim Thornton and Mai Vo. The society honors senior medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service.

Each of the Gold Humanism inductees received multiple nominations from both faculty and fellow students in the following categories:

• Who would you like to have working at your side in a medical emergency?
• Who best personifies the quote, “The secret of good patient care lies in caring for the patient.’’
• Who has shown exceptional interest in service to their communities?
• Who best demonstrates clinical competence (including clinical knowledge, reasoning and skills)?
• Who would you be likely to seek out in the future as the doctor for your loved ones?
• Who best demonstrates a patient-centered approach to care?
• Which students best exemplify the competencies and values of the FSU College of Medicine?

The College of Medicine is one of 60 medical schools with a Gold Humanism chapter. Electing students to the society is one way of demonstrating that an institution places high value on the interpersonal skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.

Gold Humanism induction ceremony, Aug. 15, 2008. L-R: Faculty sponsor Dr. Kenneth Brummel-Smith, Mary Ann Johnson, Mai Vo, Eboni Ellis, Molly McKenna, Elvin Colon, Tessa McKenna, Jada Aikman, Kim Thornton and faculty sponsor Dr. Daniel Van Durme.