Family Medicine Interest Group Fall Update
FMIG sponsors three lunchtime meetings each semester. These meetings typically include lunch for those in attendance and consist of a speaker or panel of speakers from the family medicine community who address the group on several topics, including: “The Future of Family Medicine,” “Grants, Scholarships, and Loan Forgiveness – Opportunities for Medical Students,” and “Missionary Work – Helping Those Around the Globe.” At the first meeting each year, the basic principles of our FMIG chapter are outlined. It is at this meeting that we initially recruit and sign up new members.
This year, four student members attended the Family Medicine Residents and Students National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The theme of this year’s conference was “Extraordinary Physicians in Extraordinary Times: Family Medicine Answers the Call.” The students heard compelling stories “from several extraordinary family physicians who shared their stories of surviving Katrina, caring for the homeless, and serving those in need on the other side of the world.” They also attended mini-seminars on various topics ranging from the Future of Family Medicine Project to career planning and financial management.
Two local doctors also hosted “Family Medicine Nights” at their homes. Dr. Robert Wiprud (Scott and White Clinic) and Dr. David McClellan (Brazos Family Medicine Residency) each sponsored a dinner for FMIG student members. Other physicians were in attendance, which allowed the students a chance to meet family physicians and explore the breadth of opportunities that exist within the specialty.
With the help of many local physicians and hospitals, the College of Medicine’s FMIG chapter affords its members the opportunity to better understand the world of Family Medicine and to help them determine if it is the best career path for them. For further information regarding FMIG, please contact Eric Alford at enalford@medicine.tamhsc.edu.
Information courtesy of FMIG Director Eric Alford.
