Turning inspiration into action
Before presenting our Summer issue of The Compass, I’d like to thank all of the AAFP members who support the Foundation’s mission of advancing family medicine through our signature program.
Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker on the AAFP’s podcast, Inside Family Medicine. I was excited to talk about the work our members are doing through our programs — from humanitarian projects through Family Medicine Cares USA and Family Medicine Cares International (FMCI) to leadership development and education through Family Medicine Leads to innovative research through Family Medicine Discovers.
On that episode, I shared why our FMCI program is so dear to my heart. I was born in Jamaica and can still recall the excitement I felt when a mission group from the United States came to my school when I was young. Their visit brought the promise of a different possibility for the future and ignited my passion for global health.
As a family physician, I’ve deepened my understanding of global health and what it truly means to engage ethically in that space. It requires a commitment to building bidirectional partnerships, designing sustainable projects, ensuring continuity of care long after the visiting medical team departs, and investing in the development of the local healthcare workforce.
FMCI is working to prioritize those goals and in this issue of The Compass, Dr. Luis Raul Colon-Mulero talks about his experience as a recent FMCI delegate to the Dominican Republic.
Our issue also introduces Rowan Magnuson, first-place winner of the Center for the History of Family Medicine’s 2024 Richard D. Feldman, MD Student and Resident Essay Contest.
Finally, we spotlight two donors. Dr. Diana Huang, a family physician in Seattle, shares her reasons for automating a recurring gift to the AAFP Foundation. And Pfizer, our featured corporate donor, provides an update on their ambitious research goals and how partnering with physicians and the Foundation supports those efforts.
Speaking of support, our annual appeal campaign is now live. The theme this year is “Reasons to Give,” and since I’ve shared one personal story, I’ll add my own reason to give: the future of family medicine. From the work we do with our emerging leaders to the programs that expose students and residents to the awesome possibilities in our field, the Foundation is working to ensure that there are excellent family physicians in the future.
As you read about our programs and supporters, I hope you’ll be reminded of your own reason to give. Your support of the Foundation is much needed and always appreciated.
Warm regards,
Jay-Sheree Akambase, MD, MPH, FAAFP
President, AAFP Foundation