Amplifying the Student Voice: Medical Student Perceptions of AΩA.

BACKGROUND

Recent literature has suggested racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA) selection and raised concerns about its effects on the learning environment. Internal reviews at multiple institutions have led to changes in selection practices or suspension of student chapters; in October 2020, the national AΩA organization provided guidance to address these concerns.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to better understand student opinions of AΩA.

DESIGN

An anonymous survey using both multiple response option and free response questions.

PARTICIPANTS

Medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

MAIN MEASURES

Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of student opinion towards AΩA. Free responses were analyzed by two independent coders to identify key themes.

KEY RESULTS

In total, 70% of the student body (n = 547) completed the survey. Sixty-three percent had a negative opinion of AΩA, and 57% felt AΩA should not exist at the student level. Thirteen percent believed AΩA membership appropriately reflects the student body; 8% thought selection processes were fair. On multivariate analysis, negative predictors of a student's preference to continue AΩA at the student level included belief that AΩA membership does not currently mirror class composition (OR: 0.45, [95% CI: 0.23-0.89]) and that AΩA selection processes were unfair (OR: 0.20 [0.08-0.47]). Self-perception as not competitive for AΩA selection was also a negative predictor (OR: 0.44 [0.22-0.88]). Major qualitative themes included equity, impact on the learning environment, transparency, and positive aspects of AΩA.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-institution survey demonstrated significant student concerns regarding AΩA selection fairness and effects on the learning environment. Many critiques extended beyond AΩA itself, instead focusing on the perceived magnification of existing disparities in the learning environment. As the national conversation about AΩA continues, engaging student voices in the discussion is critical.