Membership in pre-medical organizations

I’m curious to see who else has been/or is a member of any number of the premed organizations.


I’m joining the local MAPS (Minority Association of Premedical Students) chapter through the school I currently attend.


Anyone else?

I became a member of the AOA, and of AAOFP. Also SOMA (student osteopathic medical association).

I was going to join the pre-med society at the univ where I’m doing my pre-reqs, but they require that you earn points before you become an official member. You have to attend so many meetings, volunteer, go to the journal club, and help with fundraisers, oh and pay the membership fee…


This is great for weeding out non-committal undergrads, but not good for working non-trads. I was hopeful about joining because the meetings are in the evening, but all the journal clubs and fundraisers are in the middle of the work day.

Hi…I just joined. I’m 53 and just starting my postbac classes. I recently attended the Old Premeds conf. in DC., which is where I decided I want to be a DO.


You mentioned 3 groups. I just joined SOMA. I can’t join AOA yet. I’m not a med student. I’m sure you’re busy. But I just wanted to say thank you for the list of groups you mentioned in your post.



Thank you for the verse association to FUD. I’m just starting my journey as postbac.

You’re welcome! When one starts medical school, there is generally a “club” night one has the opportunity to join. Campus chapters of various national organizations. There was a local SOMA chapter, but I had already joined SOMA online while doing my prerequisites. Got student health insurance thru them also. AAOFP is the American association of family practice physicians,which I joined because I was planning on going into family medicine. There are similar associations for surgery ob-gun, peds,etc.


I made a error in my post. I did not join AOA which does not have a student membership. I joined and was an officer in SAAO, the student American association of osteopathy, or as we called it “OMM Club” . We were interested in going beyond the basics of manipulative medicine taught at school, and got speakers in, held workshops, and sponsored a student scholarship to Convocation and to Cranial Academy.


I think joining student organizations is great, but pre getting into school would suggest SOMA, or SAMA, and if one is female, the AAUW. - the American association of university women.


Kate