Alpha Epsilon Delta (ΑΕΔ) is a U.S. health preprofessional honor society. The organization currently has more than 144,000 members within 186 chapters at universities throughout the United States, making it the world's largest honor society serving all students from different backgrounds in the pursuit of a healthcare career.
History
On April 28, 1926, fifteen premedical students at the University of Alabama met with Dr. Jack Montgomery, premedical adviser and professor of organic chemistry, to formalize the organization of a new premedical honor society. Baylor University, Samford University, The University of Texas, and the University of South Carolina established chapters in 1928/29. At the first national convention at the University of Alabama on April 18, 1930, ten members representing five chapters and one petitioning group were in attendance.[1]
In February 1929 the first two women were initiated as members, making Alpha Epsilon Delta one of the earliest co-educational honor societies established.[2]
In 1949, AED was incorporated in the State of Michigan. In February 1962, the Society was reincorporated in the District of Columbia as a nonprofit, educational organization.
The business of the Society is conducted by the National Officers, Regional Directors, and active chapters, with authorization of the national convention, held biennially.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) has today become the world's largest Honor Society exclusively serving premedical education, with a membership exceeding 144,000 in 186 chapters.[2]
Mission statement
"Alpha Epsilon Delta is the National Health Pre-professional Honor Society dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in preprofessional health scholarship, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary, and others. The Society welcomes ALL students engaged in the pursuit of a professional healthcare career. AED offers opportunities for intellectual and professional development, provides a forum for students with common interests, and extends a program of service to benefit the college/university community. "[2]
Symbols
The badge consists of a hexagonal key or pin on the face of which is inscribed ΑΕΔ in a longitudinal column. The key is reminiscent of the benzene ring, while the border is emblematic of the continuity of premedical science.
Baird's Manual had originally listed the society's colors as ultraviolet and infrared; the current Constitution notes them as red and violet.[2]
The official magazine, The Scalpel, is published at least two times per year, the AED Newsletter at least four times per year, as well as Notes to Alumni.[1]
Membership
Membership is open to undergraduate students with a major interest in medicine and who meet the minimum requirements. Some chapters offer an Associate membership for those who have yet to meet these requirements.
Achievement of 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in science and overall GPA
Complete at least three semesters (five quarters) of college credit/preprofessional health work
Good standing with your University's chapter
A certain number of volunteer hours may be required as well[2]
^ abAnson, Jack L.; Marchenasi, Robert F., eds. (1991) [1879]. Baird's Manual of American Fraternities (20th ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Baird's Manual Foundation, Inc. p. VI-7–8. ISBN978-0963715906.
