Leadership experience is a great thing to have when applying to residency; some student leadership opportunities available within Family Medicine are:
Leadership at the University of Washington
We encourage students interested in leadership in family medicine to join the Family Medicine Listserv to stay current on all FMIG activities and leadership opportunities.
Regional Leadership
Students can serve on the student subcommittee of the King Count Academy of Family Physicians (KCAFP) and help to coordinate the KCAFP-FMIG partnership.There are also a variety of opportunities to become leaders on the state level through the Washington Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP). Leadership positions include yearlong positions as a Student Trustee and WAFP Foundation Trustee, or students can represent their peers at the WAFP House of Delegates.
National Leadership
A wide variety of opportunities exist for students interested in leadership within the American Academy of Family Physicians. Students can serve as their state chapter delegate to the Congress of Delegates at the National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Students. Students can also be elected or appointed for a variety of leadership positions, most lasting 12-15 months. Some positions require you to coordinate with your state chapter to apply. If you have any questions, please e-mail the Advising Director, Tomoko Sairenji: sairenji@uw.edu
Programs & Organizations
When it comes time to apply to a residency in family medicine, involvement in local, regional, and national family medicine organizations and programs will strengthen your application and show commitment to the specialty.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON FAMILY MEDICINE PROGRAMS
Community-focused Urban Scholars Program (CUSP)
CUSP is a comprehensive approach to diversifying the UWSOM student population and addressing WWAMI’s urban underserved physician workforce shortage through pipeline development and community-based medical school training. The CUSP Scholars engage in a four year, integrated curriculum which offers in depth public health training, clinical experiences in underserved settings. Scholars also grow personally and professionally through mentorship, reflection and service learning.
Underserved Pathway
The underserved pathway is one of four pathways (the others are the Indian Health Pathway, Global Health Pathway, and Hispanic Health Pathway) offered by the school of medicine, preparing students to care for vulnerable populations. Benefits of the pathway include clinical and preclinical service-learning experiences, guidance and support from a pathway mentor, opportunities to collaborate with other students interested in underserved populations, a certificate of completion, and recognition in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE/Dean’s Letter).
LOCAL FAMILY MEDICINE ORGANIZATION
UW Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
FMIG is a medical student led organization that seeks to educate students about the discipline of Family Medicine through educational, social, and service-learning activities. A great way to develop leadership experience in family medicine is through this group.
Community Health Advancement Program (CHAP)
CHAP sponsors student-initiated and directed extracurricular community service projects and educational programs. This is another great way to gain leadership experience and learn about the field of Family Medicine.
King County Academy of Family Physicians (KCAFP)
One of only a few local chapters of the AAFP in the nation, this group hosts two meetings of its membership each year and students are welcome to attend. They also have monthly board meetings that students can attend if they desire. Interested in a leadership position? Join the Student Affairs Sub-Committee. If you’d like to attend a meeting, please email kcafp@kcafp.net
STATE FAMILY MEDICINE ACADEMIES
Your respective state academies offer excellent opportunities for student involvement in leadership, honors/scholarships, and mentoring/networking. See each website for more information about what the academy has to offer.
Washington Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP)
Idaho Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP)
Alaska Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
Montana Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP)
Wyoming Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP)
NATIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE ORGANIZATION
The organizations below offer opportunities for students in research, leadership, and honors/scholarships.. In addition to these opportunities, there are other benefits and resources available to student members.
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) *free student membership!
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG)