Penn Veterinary Medicine | University of Pennsylvania

History and Purpose

The following excerpts are from the Informational Brochure provided by the National Society of Phi Zeta

Phi Zeta was originated in 1925 by a group of senior veterinary students enrolled in the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University, with the New York State Veterinary College as the first Chapter, Alpha. The Society of Phi Zeta was organized in 1929. Also in 1929, a charter was granted to the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Beta Chapter was established.

From its beginning, the aim of Phi Zeta has been to stand for the constant advancement of the veterinary profession, for higher educational requirements and for high scholarship. As stated in the Constitution, the Object of the Society shall be to recognize and promote scholarship and research in matters pertaining to the welfare and diseases of animals. The name of the organization is derived from a Greek word, which in the Latin form is PHILOZOI and means "love for animals". The abbreviation of Phi Zeta was adopted as the name of the Society.

Members in the Society consists of two classifications, Active and Honorary. Those eligible to election as Active Members are:

1. Any candidate for the DVM/VMD degree in a veterinary medical college where a chapter exists, and who has completed at least two years of the professional curriculum, and meets the following requirements:
   1. The candidate must have an acceptable personality, be of good moral character and possess high ideals regarding professional service and conduct.
   2. When elected in the junior or third year, students must rank scholastically in the highest 10% of their veterinary medical class.
   3. When elected in the senior or fourth year, students must rank scholastically in the highest 25% of their veterinary medical class.
2.  Any veterinarian who has been in possession of a veterinary medical degree for at least two years, and who has displayed ability of high order in dealing with one or more phases of the science of veterinary medicine, and who meets one of the following criteria:
   1.  The candidate is enrolled as a graduate student in a college of veterinary medicine and has completed at least twenty semester hours of graduate credit or has successfully passed preliminary examinations.
      The candidate has been engaged in an intern or residency program for at least two years or has become board certified in his/her speciality.
      The candidate has completed two years or more on the faculty of the institution or scientific staff of a scientific institution within commuting distance of the nearest chapter of Phi Zeta and has been involved in veterinary research or service.

Those eligible to election as Honorary Members are:

1. Distinguished veterinarians in possession of their veterinary medical degrees for at least five years and who have rendered notable service to their profession.
2. Persons not in possession of the veterinary medical degree, who have rendered distinguished service in the advancement of the sciences relating to the animal industry and particularly of animal diseases.