For the 31 medical students inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the award comes with more than a paper certificate.
“It’s the highest academic distinction you can get,” said University Distinguished Professor James Potchen. “It is a career builder.”
Potchen should know. Some five decades ago, he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. For the past 13 years, he has served as councilor to the College of Human Medicine’s Gamma Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha.
Potchen, who will retire the end of this year, gave the keynote address at the Nov. 21 dinner and induction ceremony.
“Your time is the only thing you own, and knowing how to use it will determine who you are and what you do,” he told the students. “Take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned every day… You’ll be much better for it.”
The 31 students inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but for their community involvement, volunteer work and research projects.
“To get into medical school, you have to be smart,” said Henry Barry, professor, physician and a member of the committee that chose the finalists from the fourth-year students nominated by the assistant deans at the College of Human Medicine’s seven community campuses. “To get into Alpha Omega Alpha, that’s not enough.”
Staff and faculty members inducted into the society include the following:
Said Omar, College of Human Medicine
Mahesh Sharman, College of Human Medicine
Corollos S. Abdelshehid, resident physician
Nezar Yousef Jrebi, resident physician
Ashish K. Tiwari, resident physician
The students inducted into the society include the following:
Terry Liane Barrett
Robert Charles Beckmann
Megan Christine Brown
Ryan Clay Daro
Arjun Dupati
Mary C. Elliott
Jillian Elizabeth Geyer
Alex Kenneth Gilde
Caitlin Marie Higgins
Erika Hoenke-McMahon
Rachel Jane Holtzman
Jessica Marie Hooper
William C. Jackson
Courtney Johnston
Timothy Andrew Joseph
Andrew Scott Korcal
Eileen M. Larkin
John Vernon Clarence Larson
Heidi Elaine L’Esperance
John D. Lund
John Timothy McClain
Jennifer Morgan
Melissa Myers
Andrew Michael Porter
Megan Roberts
Allison Marie Schnepp
Andrew Leo Sochacki
Mitchell T. Sydloski
Conrad M. Tobert
Elbert E. Williams III
Shiwei Zhou