A force for grassroots collaboration

In May, the Family Medicine Philanthropic Consortium became the Family Medicine Chapter Alliance (FMCA). The name change highlights the collaborative work of the membership, comprised of the Foundation and the 55 AAFP Constituent Chapters and Foundations, to improve the health care of all people.

The FMCA prioritizes national healthcare initiatives, shares expertise, and collaborates on the creation and expansion of local projects through the administration of its three programs: Chapter Engagement Grants, FMCA Grant Awards, and the Outstanding Program Award. Funding and recognition opportunities highlight and empower member outreach, public health, and student and resident projects in their communities.

The FMCA is led by an elected 11-member Steering Committee. Composed of volunteers, both high-level Chapter/Chapter Foundation staff and Family Medicine Physicians, the Steering Committee works year-round reviewing grant applications and promoting the important work of the FMCA. The FMCA Steering Committee has reviewed and approved projects from AAFP Constituent Chapter/Chapter Foundations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Family Medicine Midwest Collaborative to support 453 projects totaling $1,415,670. None of this would be possible without the passion and dedication of this team of volunteers.

Veteran committee members shared their experiences serving on the Steering Committee.

“Throughout my years of being on the committee, I’ve had the honor of reviewing amazing grant applications,” says Desma Rozovics, vice president of business development, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians. “The ones that tend to stand out for me are those that supplement the residency training curriculum by providing more in-depth information or a connection to hands-on learning or some type of practical application knowledge on a specific topic or clinical realm. We hear time and again that some clinical topics might only be mentioned or glossed over throughout the residency training program curricula.”

Rozovics also shared how she appreciated the relationships she’s built with colleagues. She has served on the committee since 2013.

“This group is a dedicated, inspired, and visionary group that makes an impactful difference in the lives of many by facilitating the implementation of these programs,” Rozovics says.

Michelle Jimerson, MD, is a family physician with Yampa Valley Medical Associates in Colorado. She has served on the committee since 2014.

“Some of my favorite applications have been creative, inspirational projects that involve the local community,” Jimerson says. “I remember one resident project that planned to initiate cooking classes and grocery shopping trips to help local residents improve their dietary choices. Another recurrent project supports a local school through education and mentoring support from local residents and physicians and includes a program for clothes and shoe donations for kids in need. I enjoy reading the grant applications to see the breadth of inspiration of our wonderful family physicians who are working to make the world a better place for all.”

Jimerson echoed Rozovics’ sentiments about the benefits of serving on the committee. She says the connections and relationships formed are more meaningful because when they roll out a program, she knows she has the support of like-minded colleagues across the country.

“Not only has this committee provided me with knowledge about great programming happening across our AAFP world, but this committee has also given me lifelong friendships with treasured colleagues, many of whom I share memories that are beyond just a work relationship,” she says.