AOA is the only national honor medical society in the world. It exists to recognize and perpetuate excellence in the medical profession. It is organized for educational purposes, and its aims are the promotion of scholarship and research in medical schools, the encouragement of a high standard of character and conduct among medical students and graduates, and the recognition of high attainment in medical science, practice, and related fields Election to AOA is a distinction that accompanies a physician through his or her career. Especially for the younger physician, the society provides a forum for the exchange of ideas as well as a source of valuable contacts. Members can be elected as students, house staff, alumni, or faculty of an affiliated institution, or by virtue of distinguished achievement in any field related to medicine, or on an honorary basis.
Chapters elect undergraduate members from students in their last two years of medical school.