Sigma Sigma Phi
Sigma Sigma Phi ( 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. Criteria for admission. Minimum criteria set by the grand chapter include: 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. Chapters. Chapters of Sigma Sigma Phi 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. "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. 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."