Supporting programs that promote positive change
Renee Markovich, MD, FAAFP
Among my responsibilities, as president of the Board of Trustees is championing support for the Foundation’s signature programs — from humanitarian initiatives, which broaden access to health care, to scientific endeavors, which encourage research, to educational programs that foster future leaders in this specialty we love.
My enthusiasm for these programs comes from a deep-seated commitment to our mission and a genuine belief in the effectiveness of what we do. Recently, I was delighted to learn that the Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation (FMD RapSDI) program selected Dr. Peris W. Kibera as its newest scholar. Peris was my advisee in residency, and I remember discussing the program with her years ago and encouraging her to apply.
In our fall issue of The Compass, we interviewed Dr. Allene Whitney, a past FMD RapSDI scholar, and learned what insights and opportunities she gained from her practice-based research project. With applications for the next cycle opening October 1, you’ll want to check out her story.
We also interviewed the 2025 winner of the Center for the History of Family Medicine essay contest, Sam Feudo. The contest, which is open to medical students and residents, continues to draw submissions on a diverse and fascinating mix of topics, each tied in some way to the history of family medicine in the United States. By learning from our past, we can intentionally shape our future.
Our newsletter also takes a closer look at AAFP corporate donor Exact Sciences (Exact Sciences is now Abbott) and profiles one of the AAFP Foundation’s individual donors, Dr. Deb Kullerd, whose unique professional path is as impressive as her steadfast support for our Foundation.
One way Dr. Kullerd donates is through her annual AAFP membership renewal. Membership renewals will begin this fall, and I encourage anyone reading this to consider supporting the Foundation through your renewal. It’s a convenient option and your generosity is both needed and appreciated.
Another way to support us is by participating in our fabulous auction at FMX and by purchasing a lapel pin. As I mentioned in a previous letter, I’ve been proudly collecting pins since my first FMX in 1999. It’s a tradition I plan to continue, and I hope you’ll join me.
However you support the Foundation — through our auction or with a gift of time or money — we thank you.
Yours,
Renee Markovich, MD, FAAFP
President, AAFP Foundation
P.S. As Family Medicine Week (September 27-October 3) approaches, I hope you'll join me in celebrating the incredible impact of family physicians. One meaningful way to honor the week is by recognizing someone who influenced your family medicine journey and helped shape the physician you are today. Together, we can celebrate the people who make our specialty so strong.