About Us

Phi Delta Epsilon was established in October of 1904 at Cornell University Medical College by Aaron Brown and eight of his friends. During that time discrimination towards Jewish medical students and physicians was common up until World War II. 

Aaron Brown and his friends decided that they would start their own fraternal organization that centered on the principles of philanthropy, deity, education, and equity that was unique from the other medical fraternities established at the time. After the Cornell chapter was founded, the fraternity soon spread in the East and Midwest. In 1918 Phi Delta Epsilon united with Alpha Phi Sigma as they both were medical fraternities with similar precepts. When this alliance was made, it helped make Phi Delta Epsilon one of the largest medical fraternities in America. After the union, the Fraternity was able to divide into districts. 

Many events followed that allowed the Fraternity to continue its growth. In 1926, an Endowment Fund had allowed the Fraternity to gain stability. In the 1930s Phi Delta Epsilon had enough graduating medical students to form a graduate club. By the late 20th century, the Fraternity embarked diversity as it is reflected in the medical profession today. This started in the 1960s by opening the Fraternity to women, all races, nationalities, and religious beliefs. In the 1970s, the growth even expanded to outside of North America. In 1993, Phi Delta Epsilon started medical chapters which allows for a lifetime of medical experience. The Fraternity is proud to have grown from a small group to a diverse and well-spread organization. Phi Delta Epsilon celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004 and is headed for even more growth and prosperity by living by our motto: Facta-Non-Verba, Deeds Not Words.