Medical student AAFP leaders
Meet the American Academy of Family Physicians’ (AAFP) medical student leaders and learn what drives them and how you can join them.
More than 124,000 strong, the AAFP recognizes the contributions of all its members, including medical students. We encourage students to get involved in the wide variety of Academy boards, commissions and teams that shape our policies and priorities. Experience in a leadership role can provide valuable career insight and unique mentorship opportunities.
As medical care and health care reform undergo pivotal changes, the voice of medical students is critical in shaping a future that aligns with the core principles of primary care. Learn what drew our current leaders to their roles and find out what they hope to achieve through their skills and passion for family medicine.
Most medical student leadership positions are for one-year terms, usually beginning in the fall.
Elected national AAFP leaders
Payal Morari, MS
Kansas City University
Contact Payal Morari
"I hope to bring the student perspective and lived experiences to the table as we shape the future of family medicine and advocate for our patients, our peers, and our scope. I also hope to shed more light on this amazing specialty and inspire more students to see themselves in family medicine by emphasizing our roots in advocacy, public health, and community."
Contact Payal Morari
"I hope to bring the student perspective and lived experiences to the table as we shape the future of family medicine and advocate for our patients, our peers, and our scope. I also hope to shed more light on this amazing specialty and inspire more students to see themselves in family medicine by emphasizing our roots in advocacy, public health, and community."
Molly Hurd
Robert Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont
Contact Molly Hurd
"I hope to help create an inclusive, diverse, and fun educational experience for all those interested in or pursuing family medicine at Future conference!"
Contact Molly Hurd
"I hope to help create an inclusive, diverse, and fun educational experience for all those interested in or pursuing family medicine at Future conference!"
Lauren Hutchinson
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Contact Lauren Hutchinson
"I hope to advocate for policies that reflect the needs of medical students and ensure their voices are part of shaping family medicine’s future. I also want to encourage and empower my peers to engage in advocacy and organized medicine, carrying forward the energy and collaboration I’ve gained from working alongside passionate colleagues."
Contact Lauren Hutchinson
"I hope to advocate for policies that reflect the needs of medical students and ensure their voices are part of shaping family medicine’s future. I also want to encourage and empower my peers to engage in advocacy and organized medicine, carrying forward the energy and collaboration I’ve gained from working alongside passionate colleagues."
Ziad Sayed
Kansas City University
Contact Ziad Sayed
"I would like to serve as the best representation of the student body that is the AAFP. The voices of concern, need and want of the students will be my utmost priority. I plan to boil down and concentrate these concerns and directly address them to the leadership above me in the AAFP in hopes of systemic change that represents the future of Family Medicine."
Contact Ziad Sayed
"I would like to serve as the best representation of the student body that is the AAFP. The voices of concern, need and want of the students will be my utmost priority. I plan to boil down and concentrate these concerns and directly address them to the leadership above me in the AAFP in hopes of systemic change that represents the future of Family Medicine."
Appointees to AAFP Commissions
Devan Woody
East Tennessee State University - Quillen College of Medicine
Contact Devan Woody
"Medicine is an ever-changing, expansive field that can never be fully understood, and this breadth is never more evident than in family medicine. It demands a commitment to lifelong learning and a continual dedication to improving one’s skills. In my role, I hope to encourage the same broad curiosity that draws many to family medicine while helping to facilitate education that is relevant and impactful in real-world settings. I also hope to bring a student perspective to the commission and contribute to policies that support physicians at every stage of their careers, reducing knowledge gaps and strengthening continuous professional growth."
Contact Devan Woody
"Medicine is an ever-changing, expansive field that can never be fully understood, and this breadth is never more evident than in family medicine. It demands a commitment to lifelong learning and a continual dedication to improving one’s skills. In my role, I hope to encourage the same broad curiosity that draws many to family medicine while helping to facilitate education that is relevant and impactful in real-world settings. I also hope to bring a student perspective to the commission and contribute to policies that support physicians at every stage of their careers, reducing knowledge gaps and strengthening continuous professional growth."
Aasha Henderson
Morehouse School of Medicine
Contact Aasha Henderson
“In this role, I hope to champion AAFP policies and programs through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I will work to strengthen the diversity of our physician workforce, foster an environment that welcomes and uplifts individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds, and identify and dismantle barriers to achieving equitable health outcomes."
Contact Aasha Henderson
“In this role, I hope to champion AAFP policies and programs through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I will work to strengthen the diversity of our physician workforce, foster an environment that welcomes and uplifts individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds, and identify and dismantle barriers to achieving equitable health outcomes."
Hana Warmflash
Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine
Contact Hana Warmflash
"I hope to advocate for AAFP support for state and federal policies or revision of said policies that will ultimately benefit patients, but also on behalf of medical students and the practice of family medicine and primary care. On a personal level, I hope to learn from experienced advocates and policymakers to continue cultivating the type of family medicine physician I will be in the future!"
Contact Hana Warmflash
"I hope to advocate for AAFP support for state and federal policies or revision of said policies that will ultimately benefit patients, but also on behalf of medical students and the practice of family medicine and primary care. On a personal level, I hope to learn from experienced advocates and policymakers to continue cultivating the type of family medicine physician I will be in the future!"
Breanna Chachere, MPH
University of Houston
Contact Breanna Chachere
"In this role, I hope to strengthen the connection between evidence-based science and health equity by ensuring that research and policy recommendations reflect the lived experiences of underserved communities. I aim to amplify student and community voices in shaping initiatives that advance preventive care, maternal health, and public health innovation. I also want to learn from and collaborate with leaders who are advancing public health interventions through family medicine and systems-level change."
Contact Breanna Chachere
"In this role, I hope to strengthen the connection between evidence-based science and health equity by ensuring that research and policy recommendations reflect the lived experiences of underserved communities. I aim to amplify student and community voices in shaping initiatives that advance preventive care, maternal health, and public health innovation. I also want to learn from and collaborate with leaders who are advancing public health interventions through family medicine and systems-level change."
Sarah Gonzales
American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Contact Sarah Gonzales
"I am eager and ready to do my small part in addressing the primary care physician shortage. It is my hope to use this position to further the voices of international physicians, residents, and students within AAFP as well as strengthen those of our women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ members. Let us work together to better health outcomes!"
Contact Sarah Gonzales
"I am eager and ready to do my small part in addressing the primary care physician shortage. It is my hope to use this position to further the voices of international physicians, residents, and students within AAFP as well as strengthen those of our women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ members. Let us work together to better health outcomes!"
Molly Stegman
Penn State College of Medicine
Contact Molly Stegman
"I’m excited to join the Commission on Quality and Practice because I’m passionate about improving access to affordable primary care. I want to support efforts to combat the growing primary care shortage by reducing physician burnout, improving payment and spending for primary care, and recruiting the next generation of students. I also look forward to learning more about the policies that shape access and affordability in our field."
Contact Molly Stegman
"I’m excited to join the Commission on Quality and Practice because I’m passionate about improving access to affordable primary care. I want to support efforts to combat the growing primary care shortage by reducing physician burnout, improving payment and spending for primary care, and recruiting the next generation of students. I also look forward to learning more about the policies that shape access and affordability in our field."
Chloe Warpinski
University of Florida
Contact Chloe Warpinski
"I am excited to join the Commission on Education as a Student Member. I hope to build on the work of past commissions and provide insight from a trainee perspective as we navigate current challenges and opportunities in Family Physician education."
Contact Chloe Warpinski
"I am excited to join the Commission on Education as a Student Member. I hope to build on the work of past commissions and provide insight from a trainee perspective as we navigate current challenges and opportunities in Family Physician education."
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network leaders
Amanda Lilley
Medical College of Georgia
Contact Amanda Lilley
"I am excited to continue supporting FMIGs by connecting them with and creating resources! I am excited to hear about the exciting events FMIGs are hosting, and to share these ideas on the AAFP webpage to inspire other FMIGs!"
Contact Amanda Lilley
"I am excited to continue supporting FMIGs by connecting them with and creating resources! I am excited to hear about the exciting events FMIGs are hosting, and to share these ideas on the AAFP webpage to inspire other FMIGs!"
Jonathan Bakly
Touro University Nevada
Contact Jonathan Bakly
"In my second term as FMIG Network Regional Coordinator, I hope to strengthen chapter engagement by providing consistent support, resources, and guidance. I aim to help chapters host impactful events that inspire students to pursue Family Medicine and connect meaningfully with their communities. Ultimately, I want to cultivate a collaborative environment where every chapter feels empowered to lead and grow."
Contact Jonathan Bakly
"In my second term as FMIG Network Regional Coordinator, I hope to strengthen chapter engagement by providing consistent support, resources, and guidance. I aim to help chapters host impactful events that inspire students to pursue Family Medicine and connect meaningfully with their communities. Ultimately, I want to cultivate a collaborative environment where every chapter feels empowered to lead and grow."
Mahima Sangtani
Medical College of Georgia
Contact Mahima Sangtani
"As FMIG regional coordinator, I strive to promote family medicine, ensuring FMIGs are aware of the full range of AAFP resources. I also hope to grow as a leader while helping others find their path in this meaningful specialty."
Contact Mahima Sangtani
"As FMIG regional coordinator, I strive to promote family medicine, ensuring FMIGs are aware of the full range of AAFP resources. I also hope to grow as a leader while helping others find their path in this meaningful specialty."
Samantha Hicks, MPH
Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine
Contact Samantha Hicks
"My FMIG and its leaders were instrumental in helping me build confidence in my path to family medicine, especially coming from a school with limited built-in FM exposure, and I’m excited to pay that forward. I hope to support FMIGs in expanding access to mentorship and early exposure, sharing best practices, and empowering student leaders to grow strong programs that inspire the next generation of family physicians."
Contact Samantha Hicks
"My FMIG and its leaders were instrumental in helping me build confidence in my path to family medicine, especially coming from a school with limited built-in FM exposure, and I’m excited to pay that forward. I hope to support FMIGs in expanding access to mentorship and early exposure, sharing best practices, and empowering student leaders to grow strong programs that inspire the next generation of family physicians."
Samuel Ogunbode
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Contact Samuel Ogunbode
“I’m eager to grow in my understanding of holistic, patient-centered medicine and to help create spaces where my peers can explore the same. I look forward to learning alongside others who share a heart for caring others!”
Contact Samuel Ogunbode
“I’m eager to grow in my understanding of holistic, patient-centered medicine and to help create spaces where my peers can explore the same. I look forward to learning alongside others who share a heart for caring others!”
Stephanie Soderlund
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Contact Stephanie Soderlund
"I'm looking forward to working with FMIG chapters in the region to support their events and create community. There are so many amazing groups doing work in service and advocacy, and I can't wait to see what all they accomplish in the next year!"
Contact Stephanie Soderlund
"I'm looking forward to working with FMIG chapters in the region to support their events and create community. There are so many amazing groups doing work in service and advocacy, and I can't wait to see what all they accomplish in the next year!"
Khizran Ali
Windsor University School of Medicine
Contact Khizran Ali
"As FMIG IMS Coordinator, I hope to elevate the voices of International Medical Students by expanding access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, and AAFP engagement. I aim to highlight the unique strengths IMS students bring to Family Medicine and to create supportive spaces where they can grow, connect, and advocate for themselves and their future patients. My goal is to build a supportive and connected community that empowers IMS students to pursue Family Medicine with confidence and purpose."
Contact Khizran Ali
"As FMIG IMS Coordinator, I hope to elevate the voices of International Medical Students by expanding access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, and AAFP engagement. I aim to highlight the unique strengths IMS students bring to Family Medicine and to create supportive spaces where they can grow, connect, and advocate for themselves and their future patients. My goal is to build a supportive and connected community that empowers IMS students to pursue Family Medicine with confidence and purpose."
Representatives and liaisons to other organizations
Adrienne Nguyen
Des Moines University
Contact Adrienne Nguyen
"In this role, I hope to strengthen the connection between AAFP and the AMA by amplifying the voices of family medicine students within organized medicine. I want to ensure that the values and priorities of family medicine are represented in national discussions, while also creating opportunities for students to feel empowered in advocacy. My goal is to use my AMA experience to sharpen AAFP’s impact in the MSS, while building bridges that will carry forward to future leaders in both organizations."
Contact Adrienne Nguyen
"In this role, I hope to strengthen the connection between AAFP and the AMA by amplifying the voices of family medicine students within organized medicine. I want to ensure that the values and priorities of family medicine are represented in national discussions, while also creating opportunities for students to feel empowered in advocacy. My goal is to use my AMA experience to sharpen AAFP’s impact in the MSS, while building bridges that will carry forward to future leaders in both organizations."
Emma Phelps
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Contact Emma Phelps
“I will work to ensure that the perspectives of medical students interested in family medicine are represented in all the important work done by the AMA-MSS. I also hope to foster collaboration between the AAFP and the MSS on resolutions to address health disparities and ensure every American has access to high-quality primary care. Finally, I hope to make participating in the MSS more accessible to other medical students interested in family medicine."
Contact Emma Phelps
“I will work to ensure that the perspectives of medical students interested in family medicine are represented in all the important work done by the AMA-MSS. I also hope to foster collaboration between the AAFP and the MSS on resolutions to address health disparities and ensure every American has access to high-quality primary care. Finally, I hope to make participating in the MSS more accessible to other medical students interested in family medicine."
Christian Cepeda
University of California, Irvine
Contact Christian Cepeda
"In this role, I hope to bridge my passion for family medicine with my commitment to Latino health equity. As a first-generation, low-income student, I want to amplify the voices of those from similar backgrounds within the AAFP and LMSA, expanding mentorship and advocacy opportunities that inspire more students to serve in primary care."
Contact Christian Cepeda
"In this role, I hope to bridge my passion for family medicine with my commitment to Latino health equity. As a first-generation, low-income student, I want to amplify the voices of those from similar backgrounds within the AAFP and LMSA, expanding mentorship and advocacy opportunities that inspire more students to serve in primary care."
Rachel Aideyan
CUNY School of Medicine
Contact Rachel Aideyan
"I hope to be a strong advocate for SNMA students who are interested in family medicine and ensure their unique perspectives are represented in AAFP initiatives. I want to facilitate connections between SNMA members and family medicine opportunities, whether that's through mentorship, events, or educational resources. By the end of my term, I'd love to see increased engagement between our two organizations and more students excited about careers in family medicine."
Contact Rachel Aideyan
"I hope to be a strong advocate for SNMA students who are interested in family medicine and ensure their unique perspectives are represented in AAFP initiatives. I want to facilitate connections between SNMA members and family medicine opportunities, whether that's through mentorship, events, or educational resources. By the end of my term, I'd love to see increased engagement between our two organizations and more students excited about careers in family medicine."
Andrea Augustine, MPH
Duke University School of Medicine
Contact Andrea Augustine
"My motivation to serve as the Student Member of the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees was shaped by participating in the AAFP Foundation’s Family Medicine Leads Emerging Leader Institute; serving on the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Board of Trustees; and founding the Primary Care Student Alliance at Duke, the development of which was supported by ELI and the Family Medicine Student Organization Grant Program. As Student Trustee, I am committed to advocating for increased educational investment and serving as a bridge between the AAFP Foundation and students to support their shared priorities."
Contact Andrea Augustine
"My motivation to serve as the Student Member of the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees was shaped by participating in the AAFP Foundation’s Family Medicine Leads Emerging Leader Institute; serving on the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Board of Trustees; and founding the Primary Care Student Alliance at Duke, the development of which was supported by ELI and the Family Medicine Student Organization Grant Program. As Student Trustee, I am committed to advocating for increased educational investment and serving as a bridge between the AAFP Foundation and students to support their shared priorities."
Asia La’Rae Walker, MPH
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Contact Asia La’Rae Walker
"As Student Representative, I will lead with authenticity and intention and work to accomplish amplifying underrepresented voices, strengthening mentorship, and advancing STFM’s health equity initiatives. I also aim to expand my skills in governance, shared responsibility, and nonprofit financial stewardship while championing policies that reflect lived experiences. Additionally, I hope to increase STFM’s visibility and space for osteopathic medical students, physicians, and staff, enhancing connections and resources that strengthen the future of family medicine education."
Contact Asia La’Rae Walker
"As Student Representative, I will lead with authenticity and intention and work to accomplish amplifying underrepresented voices, strengthening mentorship, and advancing STFM’s health equity initiatives. I also aim to expand my skills in governance, shared responsibility, and nonprofit financial stewardship while championing policies that reflect lived experiences. Additionally, I hope to increase STFM’s visibility and space for osteopathic medical students, physicians, and staff, enhancing connections and resources that strengthen the future of family medicine education."
AAFP advisory and program boards
Sunitha Konatham, MPH
Texas A&M Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine
Contact Sunitha Konatham
"I hope to support AFP’s mission by contributing to clear and accessible content, drawing on my experience in medical writing and editing. I care deeply about uplifting diverse perspectives within family medicine and helping shape resources that feel practical and relevant to clinicians. This role feels like a meaningful way to give back to a journal that has guided my own learning and supports the daily work of our community."
Contact Sunitha Konatham
"I hope to support AFP’s mission by contributing to clear and accessible content, drawing on my experience in medical writing and editing. I care deeply about uplifting diverse perspectives within family medicine and helping shape resources that feel practical and relevant to clinicians. This role feels like a meaningful way to give back to a journal that has guided my own learning and supports the daily work of our community."
Megan McCain
Creighton University School of Medicine
Contact Megan McCain
"I hope to serve the incredible AAFP community by bringing a student minded perspective and heart for the most vulnerable communities we serve to the team of this incredible journal!"
Contact Megan McCain
"I hope to serve the incredible AAFP community by bringing a student minded perspective and heart for the most vulnerable communities we serve to the team of this incredible journal!"