Austin White, OMS IV — Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine — UAFP Student Delegate Utah was well-represented by its medical students at the AAFP National Conference for students and residents in Kansas City, MO, this July. As students, we had the opportunity to engage in educational sessions, participate in leadership opportunities, and meet with family medicine residency programs from around the country. In total, we had 15 students representing Utah’s three medical schools. I am grateful for and humbled by the opportunity given to me by the UAFP to represent student interests this year at the National Congress of Student Members (NCSM). The Utah delegation was active in the authorship of three resolutions presented to the congress, and we were able to give testimony regarding several more. Some of the resolutions adopted by the student congress address the following: • Advocating for physician-led healthcare and addressing independent practice by NPs and PAs • Expanding rural training options for medical students and residents • Regulation of direct-entry midwife practice • Expanding learning opportunities in integrative medicine • Increasing access to genetic screening for cancer • Diaper accessibility for low-income families • Advocating for full insurance coverage of USPSTF grade A & B screening recommendations • Promotion of “Walk with a Doc” and similar initiatives • Patient education regarding deceptive organizations posing as reproductive health clinics These resolutions have been submitted to the AAFP for them to adopt or reject as they see fit. At that point, adopted resolutions will be available for review on the AAFP website. Jordan Rawlings, MD — Utah Valley Family Medicine Residency — UAFP Resident Delegate Having never been to the AAFP National Conference before, I was awestruck to see the quantity and quality of family medicine programs across the country that had all convened to celebrate and promote the future of family medicine. It truly was a sight to see and experience. I had been to state conferences before, specifically in North Carolina, which were such a great learning opportunity that provided both networking and inspiration to pursue a career in family medicine. This was like that state conference on steroids! Participating as a delegate provided me with a close-up opportunity to see the passion that our leaders have for the field of family medicine. Together with students, other residents and attendings, we engaged in workshops, connected with peers and experts, explored cutting-edge research and best practices and, perhaps most importantly, formed lasting connections that will likely define my career as a compassionate and competent family medicine physician. 13 |
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