AAFP Foundation Recognizes Family Physician, Chapter for Philanthropic Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2025

Media Contact: 
Celia Searles
Public Relations
csearles@aafp.org

ANAHEIM, CA—Yesterday, the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation honored its 2025 Outstanding Program of the Year Award and 2025 Philanthropist of the Year. Through individual service and organized leadership, these award recipients embody the spirit of philanthropy by improving access to care and supporting family medicine.

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians Foundation was awarded the Outstanding Program of the Year Award. Their Leroy A. Rodgers, MD, Preceptorship program, funded by OAFP’s Foundation, helps grow the next generation of family physicians by allowing medical students to explore family medicine under the guidance of a practicing family physician through a four-week rotation during the summer between the first and second year of medical school. Since the program’s inception in 1990, more than 1,550 medical students have received mentorship and real-world experience treating patients in diverse communities. 

“We know that over 30% of all participants from this program choose to pursue family medicine, and 72% enter primary care career specialties. This critical exposure to primary care gives medical students the experience to see firsthand the difference family physicians make in the lives of their patients and in their communities,” said Jay-Sheree Akambase, MD, president of the AAFP Foundation. “These educational rotations allow students early in their medical journey to learn about the continuous, comprehensive care family physicians provide every day.”

Ada Stewart, MD, FAAFP, was named the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year for her longstanding commitment to the AAFP and its Foundation. Stewart is a long-time and distinguished donor to the Foundation. She was the first Black woman to lead the AAFP as President (2020-2021), served as the AAFP Board Liaison to the Foundation Board of Trustees (2017-2019) and actively mentors future family physicians through the Emerging Leaders Institute. Stewart’s service to her community and family medicine include a wide variety of roles, including colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, board certified hospice medical director, certified HIV specialist, and national advocate and spokesperson for the AAFP during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It is impossible to measure the full scope of Dr. Stewart’s impact,” said Akambase, “But it is deeply felt by those who have walked beside her or who have been lifted by her generosity. Her leadership is visionary, and I am honored to have seen firsthand how she has created pathways for future and current family physicians.”

For more information on AAFP Foundation awards, honors and programs, visit the Foundation website.
 

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