The Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society held its induction ceremony on May 6. It was the 112th induction for the University of Nebraska Alpha Omega Alpha Chapter.
Prior to the evening banquet, David Wofsy, MD, distinguished professor and director of the Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, gave a noon presentation titled “Reflections on the Meaning of Success.”
Jason Shiffermiller, MD, AOA councilor, said the evening was a fitting celebration of an exceptional group.
“It has been inspiring to learn about the new AOA inductees over the past year, culminating in a heartfelt and uplifting banquet,” Dr. Shiffermiller said. “Congratulations to this year’s exceptional group of inductees and good luck to our graduates. Thank you as well to our guest speaker, UCSF Distinguished Professor David Wofsy, MD, who gave an engaging lecture filled with actionable advice.”
Incoming AOA president Leigh Jahnke said Dr. Wofsy’s visit left a lasting impression on attendees.
“Dr. Wofsy’s talk on the meaning of success was especially impactful and left me reflecting on what success I hope to build in my own life and career,” Dr. Jahnke said. “Many people commented afterward on how much they enjoyed and appreciated his perspective. I especially appreciated how thoughtful and approachable he was throughout the day — the morning breakfast with students was another highlight, offering a chance to hear his insights more personally and benefit from his experience.”
Alec Seei, DO, an anesthesiology resident and one of this year’s house officer inductees, said he is honored to be part of the AOA. “The AOA recognizes physicians dedicated to professionalism, leadership, scholarship, research and community service,” said Dr. Seei. “During my residency training, I have had the privilege of working alongside many Nebraska chapter members whom I deeply admire for these qualities. It is a tremendous honor to be nominated and inducted into such a prestigious society among physicians I strive to emulate.”
In addition to the induction, the following awards were presented:
Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award
- Robert Daro, MD
The AOA Grissom Award
- Hannah Burbach
Medical Student AOA Awards
- The AOA Clinical Excellence Award – Courtney Doherty
- The AOA Senior Scholar Award – Rebecca Williams
- The AOA Senior Thesis Award – Kayley Anderson
- The Gerald Moore AOA Leadership Award – Lauren Klingemann
Class of 2026 Student Inductees
- Bridget Backer
- Emily Baxter
- Marie Bernard
- Sophia Cima
- Madeline Helm
- Kailynn Jensen
- Violet Kryzsko
- Megan Ott
- Tanner Ourada
- Ethan Ruh
- Uyen Tran
- Anita Zhou
- Molly Zuercher
(Mazie Atteberry, Ryder Cuppett, Courtney Doherty, Emily Ehsan, Anna Haggart, Lauren Klingemann, Shalmali Mirajkar, Margarita Pipinos, Jamal Salaymeh, Keegan Schuchart, Heidi Vieira, Rebecca Williams and Duncan Works were inducted in 2025)
Class of 2027 Student Inductees
- Grace Berentson
- Tristan Caffrey
- Ryan Chapman
- Lydia Hesseltine
- Leigh Jahnke
- Andrew Minchow
- Matt Muellner
- Kiersten Preuss
- Jordan Rasmussen
- Heather Richard
- Kari Shad
- Will Spinar
- Calla Sullivan
- Emma Weis
House Officer Inductees
- Thomas Auen, MD, pathology
- Caleb Cave, MD, neonatal-perinatal medicine
- Jake Givens, MD, psychiatry
- Robert Guidangen, MD, anesthesiology
- Yoni Herskovitz, MD, internal medicine
- Terrence Kumar, MD, general surgery
- Tony Satroplus, MD, otolaryngology
- Alec Seei, DO, anesthesiology
- Prateek Sharma, MD, general surgery
- Monica Silva, MD, vascular surgery
- Noah Svec, MD, anesthesiology
- John Ukadike, MD, emergency medicine
- Luis Zuniga, MD, internal medicine
Chief Resident Inductees
- Jason Barbaretta, MD, internal medicine
Faculty and Alumni Inductees
- Chad Branecki, MD, emergency medicine
- Micah Beachy, MD, internal medicine
- Nada Fadul, MD, infectious diseases
- Matthew Goede, MD, acute care surgery
- Matthew Rizzo, MD, neurology
- Ashish Sharma, MD, psychiatry
- Abdalla Zarroug, MD, pediatric surgery