Neat Fact: Phi Chi Medical Fraternity House has been chosen by the Omaha Gold Coast Historical Society to be placed on the National Register of Historical Places
Welcome to Phi Chi Fraternity House!
Who are we?
Phi Chi is a national co-ed medical fraternity that prides itself on volunteerism, academic accomplishment, and building a strong network amongst its many current members and alumni. As an incoming student at UNMC, we invite you to consider becoming a part of our Upsilon Nu chapter, which dates back to 1916. The house is solely occupied by members of the UNMC College of Medicine, and our focus is on maintaining affordable rent while also providing a positive social experience. Membership provides an opportunity for one to form bonds with underclassmen, upperclassmen, and many distinguished alumni who are now practicing physicians and educators at UNMC.
Where are we?
Located on 37th and Dewey Avenue, our home is within easy walking distance (less than ten minutes) of the Michael Sorrell Center and the Nebraska Medicine hospital campus, where you will be spending the majority of your time during medical school. Also within walkable distance are the restaurants and bars in the Blackstone and Midtown areas. The fraternity house, previously known as the Metz Mansion, is a historical landmark in Omaha that was constructed in 1915, and bought by the Upsilon Nu chapter in 1950. Built with elements of Georgian and Italian revival architecture, many sections of the house have been preserved and are still true to their original form. In particular, our sunroom, main hall with ornate woodwork, and 500-year-old stained glass inlays are beautiful features. Updates have been made through the decades to the third floor and carriage house so that we have individual rooms capable of housing up to 20 medical students.
Why Should I Join?
First year students have the advantage of having the mentorship of upperclassmen members readily available, including tips on study materials, rotation advice, and moral support. Considering the high costs of medical education, living at Phi Chi can offer significant savings with rent varying between $400-$600. Rent includes all utilities (gas, water, wireless internet, power, trash collection, etc.) and twice-weekly house meals that provide a nice study break and an easy dinner option. Medical school (the first two years in particular) can be a stressful time, and as a house we aim to limit some of the extra difficulties that life provides.
While Phi Chi is a social organization, our chapter is not your typical fraternity. We pride ourselves on the academic and leadership accomplishments of our members, including many GHHS and AOA members, academic research publications, and several previous student body presidents. The house provides multiple quiet studying environments, and members traditionally perform exceptionally well on both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2. Phi Chi members are also very active in other organizations, such as UNMC intramural leagues, choir, orchestra, specialty interest groups, and running clubs around Omaha. In between all the hard work, our fraternity sponsors several social events for the College of Medicine and some just for members that we schedule around exams. These include a Halloween party, alumni Thanksgiving dinner, a yearly Christmas celebration with a gift exchange, Valentine’s Day, and themed class parties!
Please take some time to peruse our website and feel free to schedule a time to tour the house with our recruitment chair, Brock Calamari (bcalamari@unmc.edu) even if you’re just curious!
We look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
