Heather Harrell, M.D., associate professor of medicine, clerkship director and director of fourth-year programs at the UF College of Medicine, welcomed faculty, residents, students and guests at the Alpha Omega Alpha induction banquet March 15. Photo by Jesse S. Jones
It was the evening before the highly anticipated Match Day when a roomful of UF College of Medicine faculty, staff, students and guests gathered to celebrate another occasion.
The UF Beta Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, a professional medical organization, inducted 23 students, three residents and two faculty members during an event at the Biomedical Science Building on March 15.
“Our medical students, residents and faculty are quite the whole package,” said Heather Harrell, M.D., associate professor of medicine, clerkship director and director of fourth-year programs at the UF College of Medicine, as she welcomed the group. “It’s not just about the academics but also about the things we do to make a difference in other people’s lives.”
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society recognizes and advocates for excellence in scholarship and the highest ideals in the profession of medicine. It values characteristics such as honesty, honorable conduct, unselfishness, ethical ideals, dedication to serving others, and leadership. Students who rank in the top 25 percent of the class are eligible for membership.
Patricia Abbitt, M.D., a professor of radiology at UF COM, congratulated and encouraged the new inductees. Photo by Jesse S. Jones
Patricia Abbitt, M.D., a professor of radiology, congratulated the new inductees and encouraged them to continue achieving high standards during her guest speech.
“Recognize your status as role models in the community,” Abbitt said. “Don’t get too busy doing what we do as physicians. Realize the impact we can have as individuals and as a group.”
Chris Matthews and Ana Velez-Hurtado, who are co-presidents of the UF Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha, introduced the new members and their unique accomplishments that earned them a place in the medical honor society.
Chris Matthews and Ana Velez-Hurtado, co-presidents of the UF Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha, introduced each inductees. Photo by Jesse S. Jones
“People will be looking up to you because of your character, leadership and service,” said Joseph Fantone, M.D., senior associate dean for educational affairs, during his closing remarks. “We also thank your families and friends because they are the ones who shaped you.”
Congratulations to the new inductees:
Faculty
David Feller, M.D., associate professor of community health and family medicine
Robert Hatch, M.D., professor of community health and family medicine and director of medical student education
Residents
Andres Acosta, M.D.
John Massini, M.D.
Samantha Winterrowd, M.D.
Students
Adam Bennett
Patrick Buchanan
Paige Comstock
Chelsea Connor
Aaran Drake
Christopher Favilla
Candace Glenn
Suraj Kabadi
Tessa Landa
Christa Matrone
Christopher Matthews
Christopher McAdams
Adam Mecca
James Melotek
Saad Mir
Melissa Parsons
Joshua Solano
Kathryn Stinson
Houtan Taba
Sean Timpane
Lauren Van Eldik
Ana Velez-Hurtado
Joshua Vickers