In a night brimming with pride and accomplishment, the IU School of Medicine gathered on February 2nd, 2024, to welcome and celebrate the induction of the 2024 students, faculty, residents, and alumni into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical honors society. Dr. Jasmine Lee, a dedicated PGY-4 in General Surgery and research resident, and Dr. Dimitrios Stefanidis, MD, PhD, Vice Chair of Education for the Department of Surgery, were among the esteemed inductees, recognized for their unwavering commitment to professionalism, leadership, scholarship, research, and community service.
A Lasting Commitment to Excellence
Election to the Alpha Omega Alpha society is no ordinary achievement; it is a lifelong honor that speaks volumes about a physician's dedication to the profession and the art of healing. Dr. Lee and Dr. Stefanidis have proven themselves to be exemplary in these aspects, setting a standard for excellence in the field.
“As a new inductee, Alpha Omega Alpha signifies not only a remarkable honor but also a profound commitment to embodying the highest standards of compassion, excellence, and scholarly pursuit in medicine. It serves as a driving force for me to continually elevate patient care, uphold integrity in research, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of medical knowledge and practice.”
Jasmine Lee, MD
Pediatric Surgery Research Fellow | Riley Hospital for Children | IUSM Dept of Surgery, PGY4
The Mission of Alpha Omega Alpha
The mission of AOA aligns seamlessly with the values upheld by the IU School of Medicine Department of Surgery. Recognizing high educational achievement, honoring gifted teaching, encouraging leadership development, supporting the ideals of humanism, and promoting service to others—these are the pillars upon which AOA stands. The induction of these two outstanding individuals is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of their contribution to these ideals.
The induction ceremony held on February 2nd marked a significant milestone, solidifying Dr. Lee and Dr. Stefanidis’ place among the best in their field.
“It has been an incredible honor to become a member of this society that was created to promote ethical and evidence based practice in medicine in the early 1900s and has thousands of top performing physician members. I am excited to be part of and learn from the collective wisdom of this group.”
Dimitrios Stefanidis, MD, PhD
Vice Chair of Education for the Department of Surgery | Harris B. Shumacker Professor of Surgery
A Night of Celebration
The ceremony served as a momentous occasion to celebrate not just the accomplishments of the inductees but the collective success and excellence within the Department of Surgery. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and pride as faculty, staff, and fellow physicians gathered to honor not only Dr. Lee and Dr. Stefanidis, but all 2023-2024 AOA inductees. The induction banquet commenced on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Grand Hall in Union Station in downtown Indianapolis and included a cocktail hour. The AOA was honored to have Klaus T. Gottlieb, MD, JD, Vice President, Immunology Development, Digital Health, Eli Lilly and Company as their speaker.
As we extend our heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable individuals, their induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha society becomes a beacon for aspiring physicians and educators alike, a symbol of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to the betterment of healthcare.
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), established in 1902, holds a revered position in the medical community. Often referred to as the "Phi Beta Kappa" of medicine, AOA recognizes, advocates for, and inspires physicians in patient care and health promotion.
To learn more about Alpha Omega Alpha of Indiana Chapter at Indiana University School of Medicine and its mission, please visit https://md.mednet.iu.edu/student-life/honors-societies/alpha-omega-alpha/