AAFP Foundation Welcomes 2026 Class of Emerging Leader Institute Scholars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2026

Contact:

AAFP Public Relations
Pr@aafp.org

LEAWOOD, KS—The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation announced the 30 scholars selected for the 2026 class of the Emerging Leader Institute. This year-long development program equips early-career family physicians with the skills, knowledge and experience to become effective advocates for the specialty and the patients they serve.

During the program, the participants will pursue one of three leadership tracks: Policy and Public Health, which helps scholars hone their advocacy skills; Personal and Practice, which strengthens leadership and practice management skills for new physicians; or Philanthropic and Mission-Driven, which explores how philanthropy can improve community health and address social inequities. Each scholar is paired with a volunteer family physician mentor who provides guidance and support throughout the program. Scholars also receive a scholarship to attend the 2026 FUTURE conference and the Emerging Leader Institute.

“I’m thrilled to welcome our newest class of physicians into the Emerging Leader Institute. We have leaders ready to tackle the challenges of our time with compassion, organization and dedication,” said Dr. Renee Markovich, AAFP Foundation president. “I look forward to following their journeys and seeing how their time as an ELI scholar prepares them for a long, fulfilling career in family medicine.”

Now in its 12th year, the Emerging Leader Institute empowers early-career family physicians to expand their impact beyond clinical practice by becoming leaders and changemakers in their communities. Applications for the 2027 class open on January 1, 2027. For more information about the program and application requirements, visit the AAFP Foundation website.

This year’s Emerging Leaders Institute Scholars, by track, are:

Track 1: Policy and Public Health

Markeeta Belmar, DO

Sanjna Jagani, MD

Rinka Ko

Mridu Luray, MD

Casey McCarthy

Rachel Pernick

Joyce Pineda Ordoñez, MD

Jaime Ragos

Nima Rahman

Sarah Smith, MPH

Track 2: Personal and Practice

Erica Munoz, DO

Ebiodun Adegbite, MD

Christian Bonner, MD

Rachel Dietz

Mustafa Quadir

Camila Rudas

Ahmed Shahbain

Asriel Walker

Jasmine Walker

Sophia Puertas

Track 3: Philanthropic and Mission-Driven

Akanee Angel

Anna Gilbert

Marissa Harriss

Meyer Maddox

Naoosha Mohammad

Anthony Nguyen

Fatima Qamar, MD, MPH

Syed Raza MD, MPhil

Jennifer Rha, MD

Claire Stites

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The Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Its mission is to advance the values of family medicine through humanitarian, educational, and scientific philanthropy dedicated to improving health. For more information visit aafpfoundation.org.