Sigma Mu Delta
Sigma Mu Delta (ΣΜΔ) is a professional pre-medical fraternity founded at University of California, Davis in 1994. It is the first organization of its kind on the West coast. Currently, Sigma Mu Delta has chapters at the University of California, Davis, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Membership is not limited to just pre-med students, but also to those pursuing other health care fields.
History
Alpha chapter – University of California, Davis
Sigma Mu Delta was founded by eleven pre-medical undergraduates at the University of California at Davis on February 9, 1994. With the shared goal of forming a bond between pre-medical students on campus and of motivating each other in their pursuit of becoming physicians, the eleven founding fathers created a fraternity that was based upon the principles of Brotherhood, Education, and Dedication.
These ideals were first recognized by three of its founding fathers: Roger Fong, Duc Tran, and Loc Trieu. What began as an MCAT study group, these three individuals formed a strong friendship. Even after the MCAT, their support for one another continued as there existed an unselfishness of teaching, learning, and sharing among them. It was this strong bond that made them feel more confident in their studies and medical school application process.
Soon thereafter, having realized the benefits of sharing knowledge and experience among peers, the three expanded their circle of friendship to the eleven young men who would form the Founding Class of Sigma Mu Delta's Alpha chapter. These eleven individuals established the rituals and symbols of the fraternity, and developed the ceremonies of initiation and activation, which have been carried out during each pledge term. They successfully created a strong foundation for future brothers of the fraternity to rely upon as pledges and actives.
Beta chapter – University of California, Berkeley
Fall 2003 marked a turning point in SMD's history. After nearly ten years since its conception, the Fraternity took its first step toward expansion. Under the guidance of Pledge Master Edward Po and Pledge Father Sam Soltani, 20 premedical undergraduates from the University of California, Berkeley became the Charter Class, and the first members of the Beta chapter. The 20 founding members were a diverse group that became united in the ultra-competitive atmosphere of Berkeley's premedical community. The guidance, networking, and mutual support have contributed to the chapter's astonishing 100% acceptance rate to graduate and medical school as of Spring 2007.
The process of becoming a well-known organization on campus is due in part by the collective work of its members. The brothers of the Beta chapter have been dedicated leaders on campus and in the community, from ASUC senators to city commissioners and even military personnel. SMD is also affiliated with Kaplan which sponsors educational presentations and symposia on campus. The high standard of performance in and out of the classroom will ensure that Sigma Mu Delta continues to grow and prosper as the leading pre-medical student organization at Cal.
Gamma chapter – University of California, Santa Cruz
Ever encouraged to join Kappa Gamma Delta at UC Santa Cruz, the Alpha chapter continued its expansion. With Pledge Master Owen Kemp and Pledge Father Stelios Papadopoulos at the reins, the Charter Class was inducted into Sigma Mu Delta in spring 2011. After a long hard working process, in the Fall of 2012, the Gamma chapter of Sigma Mu Delta was officially recognized by the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Tri- Chapter Conference
The inaugural Tri-Chapter conference was organized by Jonathan Quach (Alpha Chapter President) and in collaboration with Beta & Gamma Chapters. It took place at UC Davis campus in the Spring of 2012. The goal primary goal was to unite all 3 chapters- creating a powerful cross chapter network and brotherhood. Each chapter does a review of achievements of the year and reveal future plans for their chapter. It is now an annual event that rotates between the three chapter's campuses.
Other Affiliates
Kappa Gamma Delta is SMD's sister sorority with whom a wide range of events are held each semester. Kappa Gamma Delta often participates in events co-sponsored by Sigma Mu Delta including the MCAT Panel with Kaplan, and the BiAnnual Fraternity Games. Additionally a lodge at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania bears the SMD title.
Other professional medical fraternities
In addition to the medical fraternities listed here, there are numerous chiropractic, pre-health, pharmacy and nursing fraternities.
- Alpha Delta Theta, medical technology
- Alpha Gamma Kappa
- Alpha Kappa Kappa
- Alpha Phi Sigma, see Phi Delta Epsilon
- Alpha Tau Sigma, Osteopathic, dormant
- Mu Sigma Phi, Philippines
- Nu Sigma Nu
- Omega Tau Sigma, veterinary medicine
- Omega Upsilon Phi, see Phi Beta Pi
- Phi Alpha Gamma, formerly Homeopathic, see Phi Chi
- Phi Beta Pi
- Phi Chi
- Phi Delta Epsilon
- Phi Kappa Mu, Philippines
- Phi Lambda Kappa
- Phi Rho Sigma
- Theta Kappa Psi
External links
- Sigma Mu Delta
- Sigma Mu Delta - Alpha chapter
- Sigma Mu Delta - Beta chapter
- Sigma Mu Delta - Gamma chapter