Alpha Epsilon Delta vs. Phi Delta Epsilon: What is the difference?
Alpha Epsilon Delta (commonly known to students as “AED”) is a national health professional honors society that is dedicated to helping students develop as future healthcare professionals. AED functions to prepare and expose students to medicine and other healthcare-related fields, such as dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy. Depending on the chapter, there are a variety of events and opportunities for students. For instance, at my university’s chapter, they often host informational sessions with local healthcare professionals. This is a great way for students to engage with physicians outside of a shadowing setting. If you are a student who is still open to other careers in healthcare, AED can provide a wide-range of exposure. In addition, as an honors society, AED offers four different scholarships each year to students in the organization. Earning a scholarship is a way to help pay for medical school, which can be expensive.
Phi Delta Epsilon (commonly known to students as “PhiDE”) is an international medical fraternity that aims to shape students into physicians who are passionate about creating positive impacts for those around them. Unlike AED, PhiDE is an organization strictly for aspiring physicians. Uniquely, the fraternity also has chapters available for students currently in medical school. As a fraternity, PhiDE is dedicated to providing service to members in the community. Their main philanthropic partner is Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. Each chapter of PhiDE works with a local CMN Hospital to volunteer and help fundraise. Events that chapters may host include bake sales or 5K races. Participating in philanthropy events through PhiDE is a great way to gain important service hours that medical school admissions are looking for. Additionally, PhiDE provides other fun opportunities such as an immunology study abroad program in London and Leadership Institute Conventions in major cities across the United States.
Pre-med students can network with other students who share their interests through AED and PhiDE, two organizations. An excellent way to share resources and success strategies with other pre-med students is through friendship. Reaching out to other students in AED or PhiDE is a great place to start if, for instance, you were interested in another pre-medical experience but did not want to participate alone, such as the Atlantis shadowing programs. Having peers to study with and lean on is an excellent way to maintain optimism and resilience because the path to medical school is frequently challenging and demanding. Additionally, joining organizations like AED and PhiDE is a great way to pursue leadership roles. Medical schools consider learning how to lead teams and projects to be a very valuable skill when evaluating applicants.
It’s crucial to remember that you must submit an application to join both of these societies. As each application may differ between universities, I advise getting in touch with your particular university chapter for more information on the application process. If there isn’t an AED or PhiDE chapter at your school, you can learn more about starting one by visiting the national websites (listed above) if you’re interested.
It’s crucial to pick opportunities that interest you when choosing extracurricular activities. If you only join a pre-medical society to look good on applications, that may not be the best idea. You must be passionate about any program’s goals and missions if you want to reap its full benefits. I do want to emphasize that joining a pre-medical society is never a requirement for admission to medical school.
I didn’t choose to join AED or PhiDE, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t investigate whether they’re a good fit for you. Being a member of an honors society or fraternity has many advantages. In the end, medical schools are looking for three things in particular: experience in the healthcare industry, exceptional academic achievement, and particular core competencies. A pre-medical fraternity is a great way to develop into a competitive applicant for medical school. There are other extracurricular opportunities, such as Atlantis shadowing programs that take place over school breaks, if you are concerned about juggling a fraternity with your academic load. In the end, whatever you decide to do should be something you enjoy. Finding unusual experiences is a great way to exhibit the characteristics that medical schools are looking for.
Phi Delta Epsilon Spring 2022 Recruitment
FAQ
Is Phi Delta Epsilon good for med school?
Active membership in PhiDE is proof that a student is well-rounded and motivated when it comes time to apply to medical school and to match for residency. Numerous chapter activities are also available to lessen the strain of studying.
Why join Phi Delta Epsilon?
We advise you to rush Phi Delta Epsilon if you are pursuing a career in medicine and are interested in family, philanthropy, community service, and getting involved on campus. You will gradually create a group of friends and a collection of experiences that will come to characterize your time in college.
What is Phi Delta Epsilon known for?
Through fellowship, service, mentoring, and formal training in leadership, science, and ethics, Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity develops physicians of integrity with a lifelong commitment to our guiding principles of philanthropy, deity, and education.
Should I join a pre med fraternity?
A pre-medical fraternity is a great way to develop into a competitive applicant for medical school. There are other extracurricular opportunities, such as Atlantis shadowing programs that take place over school breaks, if you are concerned about juggling a fraternity with your academic load.