Nora Kern, MD
Under the leadership of Nora Kern, MD, as faculty councilor, the UVA chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Honor Society was recognized with the 2024 AΩA Award for Excellence in Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Medical Education and Patient Care.
The award honors medical schools (and their associated AΩA chapter) that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, and engagement in fostering an inclusive culture that transforms the ideals of inclusion, diversity, and equity into successful programs supporting medical student, house staff, and faculty diversity in service to the community.
The School of Medicine and UVA’s AΩA chapter have been exceptionally proactive over the years in implementing programs that attract diverse students, faculty, and leaders through a wide range of community outreach activities. The AΩA chapter has partnered with local elementary schools to teach students about radiology, orthopedics, and urology. They have engaged with underrepresented middle and high schoolers, providing hands-on experience with robotic simulators and medical instruments, as well as offering workshops on career opportunities in various fields of medicine. Additionally, the chapter has accomplished numerous research projects and publications that promote DEI.
Congratulations to UVA’s Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society chapter for receiving this esteemed award! The work you are doing to make medical education inclusive, diverse, and equitable is commendable.
(left to right) Medical students Katheryne Chun, Elizabeth Driskill, and William Hasken with elementary school students from the International School of Charlottesville.
Filed Under: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Honors & Awards