3 minute read
Student Interest
STUDENT INTEREST & INITIATIVES
By: Hannah Smith NCAFP Student Director
Medical Student Teams
Diversity drives impact
We have all heard of the team-based approach to healthcare. However, what has meant the most to me throughout medical school was creating my own team that helps me reach my full potential and uncover novel interests. My team looks a little different than a healthcare team but consists of many different professionals that are working to impact the health outcomes of individuals in North Carolina.
My Team
The principles I see displayed within healthcare teams include frequent communication, honesty in struggles, and overlapping core goals. As I began medical school and connected with classmates, I looked for these qualities in my colleagues. Through them I was introduced to the NC Academy of Family Physicians. Throughout conferences and meetings, I made an effort to thank speakers and reach out to the individuals I met who made me feel inspired about my future. The best opportunities arose because of my close connection to the leaders at NCAFP and my desire to get more involved with North Carolina healthcare.
When looking for summer opportunities, the NCAFP helped me connect with a physician who was practicing my dream job in rural western North Carolina. Dr. Sloss in Bat Cave, NC, kept my love of rural medicine alive. NCAFP also helped me
Leadership Opportunities with the NCAFP and the AAFP
June 4th, 2021 Application Deadline
STATE LEVEL WITH THE NCAFP: Students and Residents interested in serving in a leadership role at the state level can visit the student or resident page on the NCAFP website for more information, or contact Brent Hazelett at the Academy’s office to inquire. Deadline to apply for all board and committee appointments for the 2021-2022 term is June 4th, 2021. For available positions and to meet the current student or resident leadership team, please visit www.ncafp.com.
NATIONAL LEVEL WITH THE AAFP: Although the AAFP deadlines are not until July, many national leadership options require support from the NCAFP; June 4th is the Chapter’s deadline for students and residents to submit their application for review by the NCAFP Nominating Committee for all elected positions and some appointed positions. Involvement at the Chapter level (this can be a former state if you are resident that attended medical school elsewhere) is required to be considered for a national position. Please note: there are a few appointed positions with a deadline of Aug. 5th. Please refer to the NCAFP policy on AAFP Nominations at www.ncafp.com and the AAFP site for a complete list of available leadership positions: www.aafp.org/nc.
connect with a public health family physician during a fourth-year elective. Dr. Guthrie in Henderson, NC, sparked my interest in public health and incarcerated medicine. Each new mentor showed me a different avenue within primary care and how they set up their own team along the way.
Alongside the NCAFP, I have also had repeated exposure to mentors working with the NC Medical Society. While attending my first NCMS conference, I noticed that many of the physicians I looked up to were present and involved in the programming. The NCMS helped me see the importance of advocacy and physician leadership in our local policy efforts and has helped me incorporate many physicians into my team as a medical student. Physicians who encourage me to share stories and participate in opportunities that enhance my understanding of health care.
As I grow and my interests develop, the NCAFP continues to support me and connect me with leaders throughout North Carolina. As my last rotation of medical school, I participated in an Advocacy, Policy, and Leadership elective with the NCAFP. I had the opportunity to meet with healthcare organizations, insurance companies, senators and representatives in the General Assembly, and other key stakeholders who advocate for North Carolina healthcare. I gained valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes effort that comes with supporting family physicians, residents, and students. I feel beyond blessed that the NCAFP is a key part of my team.
As medical students, these connections are critical to keeping us mindful and aware of why we began this journey in the first place. The other members of my team are
See TEAM on Back Cover
