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Congratulations to MSTP Students Catherine Meador and Pratik Talati on their induction into Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society!

Posted by on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Honors and Awards, Student Spotlight .

The MSTP would like to congratulate Catherine Meador (M4) and Pratik Talati (M4) on their induction into Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society.

Here’s what each had to say about this honor:

Being inducted into AOA was an absolute honor and a highlight of my senior year of medical school thus far. It is humbling to be a part of a national organization with such a strong history and commitment to excellence in the medical profession. Over the past seven years, I have appreciated that the Vanderbilt MSTP emphasizes these core ideals of scholarship, leadership, professionalism, and service for all students. As I move forward pursuing an academic career as a physician scientist, I hope to continue to grow in these areas as a member of AOA.
Catherine Meador, PhD — pursuing a career as a physician-scientist in Hematology/Oncology

It is truly an honor to be inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society, a society that, in addition to high academic standing, values leadership, professionalism, commitment to service in the school and community, and scholarship. I hope to use my training in neuroimaging to find new deep brain stimulation targets for patients with neuropsychiatric conditions. As I become experienced in these fields, I will still continue my commitment to leadership, education, and professionalism as a practicing physician scientist.
Pratik Talati, PhD — pursuing a career as a surgeon-scientist in functional neurosurgery

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission statement is:

  • recognizing high educational achievement;
  • honoring gifted teaching;
  • encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
  • supporting the ideals of humanism; and
  • promoting service to others.

Catherine and Pratik were selected based on their scholastic achievements, leadership, scholarly pursuits, service to Vanderbilt and the community, and by the votes of their peers. According to the AOA national constitution, students must be in the top quartile of their class for consideration and no more than one sixth of a medical school's graduating class may be elected.

Congratulations to Catherine and Pratik on this great honor!