Sigma Sigma Phi

Sigma Sigma Phi (ΣΣΦ or SSP), is the national osteopathic medicine honors fraternity for medical students training to be Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). The National Osteopathic Medicine Honors Fraternity is a group united in the interest of preserving the highest class of medical scholastic excellence and includes community service.

Sigma Sigma Phi was founded in 1921, and the fraternity's goal is to directly impact the student bodies by encouraging the highest class of academic excellence. Criteria for membership into Sigma Sigma Phi include scholastic achievement, such as class rank and dedication to community service and the highest class of academic excellence.

History

Sigma Sigma Phi was founded by seven students representing the fraternal organizations and the student body in October 1921 in Kirksville, Missouri at what is currently A.T. Still University (originally named American School of Osteopathy). These seven students constituted the original charter members, one from each fraternity and one from the nonfraternal body, and drew up the organization's constitution and by-laws. The fraternity was officially chartered on May 16, 1925, at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine by three men. Thus, there were ten charter members. Over the years, most osteopathic medical schools have added a local chapter. Currently, there are 22 active chapters at 24 osteopathic medical school campuses in the United States.[1]

Fraternity objectives
  • To further the science of Osteopathic Medicine and its standards of practice.[1]
  • To preserve the meaning of and encourage scholastic excellence.
  • To continue a high degree of fellowship among its students.
  • To cultivate relationships and understanding between the student bodies and officials, such as Faculty members of our Colleges.
  • To foster allegiance to the American Osteopathic Association.
  • To perpetuate Sigma Sigma Phi by preserving the principles and objectives of the organization.

Criteria for admission

Minimum criteria set by the grand chapter include:

  1. Student chapter membership shall not exceed 25% of the total of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th year classes.[1]
  2. Must be an osteopathic medical student (a D.O. student).
  3. Must have successfully completed at least one semester of classroom work with high standards.
  4. Must believe in a high degree of scholarship and service to college and/or profession.

However, each chapter is free to set their own, more stringent, requirements for admission. Many chapters have implemented a GPA requirement of at least a 3.5 or 90 average. Additionally, applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to community service. Once initiated, members must fulfill their chapters community services requirements or risk expulsion from the fraternity.

There are approximately 3,600 members.

Activities

The e-board has conducted four main activities since its election in March 2017: hosting a free neighborhood health fair; teaching CPR and first aid to boy scouts; holding a culinary party to collect funds for charity; and getting in a sign-language interpreter to introduce sign-language medical terms to the pupils.[2]

Symbols
  • Colors:crimson red and royal blue representing virility and loyalty[3]
  • Flower:the red carnation

Chapters

Chapters of Sigma Sigma Phi as of September 8, 2019[4]

Similar organizations

Alpha Omega Alpha, abbreviated "AOA", is the counterpart honor society for Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) medical students, residents, and physicians in the United States.[5] "AOA" is also the abbreviation used by the American Osteopathic Association, which is the medical association for osteopathic medical students, residents, and physicians.

Omega Beta Iota, abbreviated “ΩΒΙ,” is the National Osteopathic Political Action Honor Society founded in 2007 to emphasize the importance of the work osteopathic medical students do for the political system.[6] A distinction is made when referring to the National Osteopathic Medicine Honors Fraternity in that Sigma Sigma Phi, abbreviated "ΣΣΦ", is a group united in the interest of preserving the highest class of scholastic excellence and includes community service.

Gold Humanism Honor Society, abbreviated "GHHS."

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See also
  • Fraternities and sororities in North America

References
  1. "Sigma Sigma Phi National". American Osteopathic Association. 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  2. ""This Is Why We're Becoming Doctors" Members of Sigma Sigma Phi Discuss Community Service". Touro College. 15 February 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  3. History of Sigma Sigma Phi
  4. Sigma Sigma Phi chapters
  5. "Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society". Alphaomegaalpha.org. 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2012-10-09.
  6. "iMIS Login". www.studentdo.com.
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