Letter from the Board President
Time and time again, I am overwhelmed with pride in family doctors and the AAFP Foundation. Since our last edition of The Compass, two specific events stand out for me – FMX and your generous response to hurricane recovery efforts.
Even as Hurricane Fiona and Ian hit and flood waters surged, the Foundation team was hard at work organizing the fundraising and relief efforts needed to assist teams on the ground in Puerto Rico, Florida and beyond. Thank you to all who contributed. Your donations were immediately channeled into meaningful assistance, with funds going to our partners, Heart to Heart International and International Medical Corps. Every gift was greatly needed and appreciated. Thank you, as always, for showing up!
Our specialty’s tradition of showing up provided a theme for FMX in Washington, D.C., this year. For those of us who were able to attend, it was a joy to be united, as we came together to learn, connect, and celebrate. We are truly better together. (By the way, mark your calendars now for the next FMX.)
One of my favorite moments at this year’s donor dinner was sharing a video highlighting how your donations make a real difference for family doctors and their patients here and abroad. The video, showcasing Family Medicine Discovers RapSDI and the reimagined Family Medicine Cares International, gives you a chance to hear directly from colleagues empowered by your support.
When is the best time to make a contribution of your time, talent, or treasure? Today. Our 2022 Philanthropist of the Year, Dr. Brent Smith, explains why in this inspiring story. The Fall edition of The Compass also features the Foundation’s 2022 Program of the Year (Congratulations, Texas!) and a fond remembrance of Roy J. Gerard, MD, one of the founders of family medicine as a medical specialty. His story, part of the Center for the History of Family Medicine’s Oral History Project, covers everything from WWII to the value of being a Wise Physician.
The past two years have certainly given all of us the opportunity to gain new insights and wisdom. One of the most gratifying things the Foundation has discovered is that you show up, no matter what. You show up for your patients, your community, your peers, and your Foundation. During one of the most trying times in recent history, you and your fellow AAFP members rallied to continue our mission-driven work.
Because of you and other donors and partners, our Foundation is thriving. We continue to develop future family medicine leaders, support free health care clinics around the country, grant the opportunity for realization of new ideas, and archive the living history of our specialty.
We can’t thank you enough for your support – for the Foundation, for disaster relief, for all of it. We are truly better together, united for family medicine.
With appreciation,
Dave