AACOFP’s “Few Good Men Say:” Join the Auxiliary!

By Chris Largent, Auxiliary member

Chris Largent, Auxiliary Treasurer and Golf Chair, with his wife Alesia Wagner, DO, FACOFP

My wife, Alesia, is an osteopathic family physician. That means a lot to me! I knew, as our relationship progressed and we were married, that I would support her in any way possible. What was particularly rewarding was the knowledge that she was just as proud of my career as a marketing design manager.

In showing my wife my support, she showed me the Auxiliary to the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (AACOFP). I had some serious concerns about an organization that had so few male participants. I assumed it would be all about “the ladies,” so what interest would I have in that?

As it happens, the Auxiliary welcomes all new members – being a man was just an added bonus! At my first meeting, I learned the Auxiliary’s main fund-raiser was the annual Golf Tournament, and before the convention was over, I’d assumed the role of Golf Chair for the Phoenix convention for the following year.

Ultimately, the Phoenix tournament was a big success, and we raised $15,000 for osteopathic medical students. It was hard work, but it felt great! I helped raise money for a terrific organization and a very worthy cause, and I supported my wife in her endeavors. And in the bargain, I made lots of new friends. Now, conventions were no longer just about my wife. Now, I had a role of my own to play, too!

The following year, I chaired the Auxiliary’s Golf Tournament in Grapevine, Texas, where we raised another $15,000. Everywhere I went in Grapevine, I ran into members of the ACOFP and the Auxiliary – and they knew me! I wasn’t “just” Alesia’s husband, but I had my own identity and my own meetings to attend. And now, I’m the Auxiliary’s Treasurer and a member of the AACOFP Board. I’m also the Auxiliary’s Chair of the Finance and Emergency Resources Committee, and Chair of the Annual Golf Tournament.

I bet some of you think membership in the Auxiliary means a lot of work. It isn’t. So, as the famous recruiting poster says, “I Want You to Join…the Auxiliary!” Like the Marines, we’re looking for a few good men to join us. It’s only $10, and your dues go to support a great cause.

What can your membership do for the Auxiliary? The Auxiliary provides scholarship funds and leadership development programs for osteopathic medical students, emergency moving funds for osteopathic family residents whose programs close suddenly, and travel stipends through a lottery for the resident spouses to attend the ACOFP annual convention.

I ask each of you to take a look at your interests and talents, from money-management to teaching to home building and everything in between. Call me or send an e-mail. We’ll find a job for you that make sharing your time and talent well-worth the effort. If you have never attended an annual ACOFP conference and an Auxiliary meeting, please join us, because I want to meet you. However, if you have to stay home with the children so that your wife may attend, I congratulate you on providing her with that support.

Currently, about half of all osteopathic medical students are women, so men are needed now more than ever in the Auxiliary. All it takes to make a difference is to write your membership dues check of $10, and mail it today. It is that simple. The Auxiliary and the ACOFP thank you, and I thank you.

And, I know your wife will thank you for your support!

Sign up today to become a member of the Auxiliary.

Chris Largent is the husband of Alesia Wagner, DO, FACOFP, and proud (male) member of the AACOFP. He may be reached via e-mail at Clargent2004@yahoo.com