Sigma Sigma Phi
Encyclopedia
Sigma Sigma Phi abbreviated ΣΣΦ, and commonly called "SSP", is the national Osteopathic Medicine Honors Fraternity of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine [D.O.]. The National Osteopathic Medicine Honors Fraternity is a group united in the interest (See Sorority redirect - fraternities and sororities) of preserving the highest class of medical scholastic excellence and includes community service.

The D.O. is also commonly referred to as an "Osteopathic Physician" (Osteopathic medicine in the United States).

"Sigma Sigma Phi" was founded in 1921 and the fraternities 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 & dedication to community service.

History

Sigma Sigma Phi was organized in October 1921 in Kirksville, Missouri at what is now the A.T. Still University
A.T. Still University
A.T. Still University is the world's first osteopathic medical school. Founded in 1892 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still , the school is based in Kirksville, Missouri, and has other campuses in Arizona...

 of Health Sciences-Kirksville College (originally named American School of Osteopathy) by seven students representing the fraternal organizations and student body. These seven men, constituting the original charter members, one from each fraternity and one from the nonfraternal body, drew up the Constitution and By-Laws. The fraternity was officially chartered May 16, 1925, at Des Moines University
Des Moines University
Des Moines University is a United States' osteopathic medical college and is located in Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines University is the second oldest Osteopathic medical school and the fifteenth largest medical school in the United States. There are 14,124 total alumni .-History:Des Moines...

 College of Osteopathic Medicine by three men. Thus, there were ten charter members.

Over the years, most osteopathic medical schools added local chapters and there are currently 22 active chapters at 24 Osteopathic campuses in the United States.

Fraternity objectives

  • To further the Science of Osteopathic Medicine and its standards of Practice.
  • 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

  1. Student chapter membership shall not exceed 25% of the total of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th year classes.
  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.
    Example Sigma Sigma Phi National Honorary Certificate
    1992 Michigan State University

There are approximately 3,600 members.

Membership significance

Membership in Sigma Sigma Phi has become highly sought after, especially for those applying to competitive residencies
Residency (medicine)
Residency is a stage of graduate medical training. A resident physician or resident is a person who has received a medical degree , Podiatric degree , Dental Degree and who practices...

. Along with information such as name, telephone number, and e-mail address, membership in Sigma Sigma Phi is one of the items on the first page of the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), the combined electronic application used by most residency programs in the United States.

Similar organizations

Alpha Omega Alpha
Alpha Omega Alpha
The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, commonly called Alpha Omega Alpha and abbreviated ΑΩΑ or AOA, is a national honor society for medical students, residents, scientists and physicians in the United States and Canada.-History:...

, abbreviated "AOA", is the counterpart honor society for MD medical students, residents and physicians in the United States.
"AOA" is also the abbreviation used by the American Osteopathic Association, which is the medical association of the "D.O." student, resident and physician.

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 our political system. 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 (See Sorority redirect - fraternities and sororities) of preserving the highest class of scholastic excellence and includes community service.

Gold Humanism Honor Society
Gold Humanism Honor Society
The Gold Humanism Honor Society, commonly abbreviated GHHS, is a national honor society that honors senior medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to...

, abbreviated "GHHS"
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