Letter from the Board President

Greetings! It is with great pleasure that I begin my term as board president by connecting with you here. I am excited to share the latest developments and initiatives at the AAFP Foundation. This foundation offers us a distinctive platform to express our appreciation for the profession we hold dear. What better way to start the year than with a celebration marking a significant anniversary in our journey.

As we approach the significant milestone of the 10th anniversary of our Family Medicine Leads Emerging Leader Institute (ELI), I am eager to reflect on the transformative impact this program has had over the past decade. As we celebrate a decade of ELI, we proudly acknowledge the accomplishment of guiding 300 scholars through this invaluable initiative.

To commemorate this achievement, the Foundation is gearing up for a double celebration at both the National Conference, catering to medical students and residents, and FMX. This year’s festivities will not only spotlight the remarkable stories of ELI alumni but also express our deepest gratitude to the generous donors whose unwavering support has made this program a reality.

The year-long Family Medicine Leads (FM Leads) Emerging Leader Institute (ELI) remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping the future of family medicine by cultivating a cadre of leaders dedicated to this vital field. We invite individuals who embody the essence of emerging leadership and share our commitment to fostering diversity within the specialty and its patient population to apply.

Eligible applicants include Family Medicine residents entering their first or second year, as well as medical students embarking on their second, third, or fourth year. Membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is a prerequisite for all applicants.

As an integral component of the Emerging Leader Institute, 30 selected residents and students will have the opportunity to participate in the AAFP National Conference from August 1-4, 2024. This experience aims to deepen their understanding of family medicine, explore residency programs, forge connections, and discover leadership prospects through engagement with the Student and Resident Congress.

Subsequently, these chosen participants will immerse themselves in the Family Medicine Leads Emerging Leader Institute on August 3-4, 2024, participating in tailored workshops within one of three distinct leadership tracks: Policy & Public Health, Personal & Practice, and Philanthropic & Mission-Driven. The weekend will culminate in a comprehensive Project Management session.

As we embark on this celebratory year, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success of ELI. Together, we continue to shape the future of family medicine and empower emerging leaders who will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on our community.

Warm regards,

Tomás Owens, MD, FAAFP
President, AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees