According to the AOA national consitution, candidates can be selected for membership as medical students, residents, fellows, faculty, and alumni. Medical Student Membership: To be eligible for election to AOA, candidates must have scholastic qualifications that place them in the upper 25% of their class. However, as only one-sixth of the total number of the graduating class may be elected to membership, scholastic achievement is not the sole criteria. Qualities that are considered in addtion to the candidate's academic record include leadership capabilities, ethical standards, fairness in dealing with colleagues, potential for achievement in medicine, and a record of service to the school and community at large. Resident and Fellow Membership: Residents and fellows who were elected as medical students are automatically members of the chapter of the medical school sponsoring the educational programs in which they are enrolled. In addition, each chapter may elect to membership in the Society each year up to three residents or fellows, after their first year of residency or fellowship. Alumni/Alumnae and Faculty Memberships: Up to two alumni/alumnae members and two faculty members may be elected to AOA in recognition of individuals who have distinguished themselves in their professional careers. Honorary Membership: The Board of Directors may elect physicians or others to honorary membership who have attained national or international recognition in teaching or research, or in leadership roles that are relevant to medicine, and who are not eligible for election through other means.