Attending the ACOFP Future Leaders Conference was an incredible experience. Through insightful sessions, we were empowered to identify our leadership strengths and styles and learn how to utilize them. Connecting with fellow attendees who share a growth mentality and established leaders dedicated to training the next generation of leaders was invaluable, especially as a new physician. ACOFP is invested in fostering a network of support, and mentorship, and driving positive change. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend and look forward to applying what I’ve learned to make a meaningful impact in family medicine and with ACOFP.
Why did you choose family medicine?
Family medicine is advocacy and growth. I went into medicine because of my passion for social justice and civic engagement, and I specifically went to DO school because of our holistic approach to care. Family medicine was the natural path to fit all my passions. Its scope of practice allows me to impact our communities both locally and globally, regardless of the patient's age. By building a strong bond with our patients, we learn how all the factors (socioeconomic, personal, politics, health systems, etc.) affect their care. In turn, it allows us to advocate for positive change. Since we provide comprehensive care, it also pushes me to keep learning and growing everyday.
Why did you apply for Future Leaders?
In medical school, I was a part of the student organization for ACOFP and attended POFPS several times. It was a great leadership conference to attend as a medical student. The attendings were very dedicated to teaching us and helping us grow. So, when I started my job right out of residency, I was looking for ways to improve and grow as faculty and as a new physician. I came across the FLC. I had a feeling that ACOFP would be just as dedicated to my growth as it was when I was a student. I wanted to check it out.
How has the Future Leaders program impacted your professional development?
It's given me new direction and labels to attach to my strengths as a leader. I know that I have a lot to learn, and FLC has started me on the right path. I want to pursue becoming a Fellow with ACOFP in the future and continue being a part of the organization's committees and leadership.
What piece of advice would you offer to those who may be on the fence?
Don't be on the fence, just do it! Don't miss out on the opportunity!
