Medical Student AAFP Leaders
Elected and Appointed Positions
Medical students make significant contributions to family medicine as members of the wide variety of boards, commissions, and inter-organizational teams that shape the AAFP. Experience in a leadership role provides valuable career insight and unique mentorship opportunities.
Most medical student leadership positions serve for a one-year term, many beginning in the fall.
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 current leaders to their roles and find out what they hope to achieve through their skills and passion for family medicine.
Elected National AAFP Leaders
Mekalya Cessac
Georgetown University SOM
Student Member of the AAFP Board of Directors
"In this role, I hope to foster relationships with long-standing members to gain insight on the needs and interests of the AAFP. I also hope to generate excitement about getting involved in organized medicine as a medical student, as membership in organizations like the AAFP provide incredible opportunities for leadership and avenues for systemic change."
Austen Ott
University of Minnesota Medical School
Student Chair of FUTURE
"I am thrilled to represent the voices of students by working with the AAFP to jumpstart FUTURE, the next chapter of National Conference. National Conference brings together students from across the world to share their interests in family medicine and played a critical part in my own journey. I am honored to continue bringing this experience to students and aim to create a FUTURE where all attendees can deepen their knowledge, increase connections, and enhance their passion for family medicine."
Sammy K. Khalil
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Student Alternate Delegate/ Student Delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates
"In my leadership role, I want to push for policies that truly impact students and make sure their voices are heard. I also hope to encourage more students to get involved in advocacy to help shape a more inclusive future for healthcare."
Payal Morari
Student Alternate Delegate/ Student Delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates
"I hope to represent and mobilize my peers, encouraging them to engage in family medicine and organized advocacy throughout their time as students and residents. Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of learning from and collaborating with inspiring peers, and I hope to carry that energy forward, motivating others to become involved in the impactful advocacy work we do!"
Commissions
Christina Mortensen
Arizona College of Osteopatic Medicine at Midwestern University
Commission on Continuing Professional Development
"Family medicine is a vast field that is continually changing so it is important to have continuing medical education that evolves with the growth. In medicine, there is a commitment to a lifelong journey of learning and my desire is to mitigate the gaps in healthcare knowledge for members and improve educational resources. I desire to encourage collaboration among peers and provide opportunities for professional development on a local level as well as at events such as FUTURE: the national conference for the future of family medicine."
Breanna Chachere, MPH
University of Houston School of Medicine
Student Leader AAFP Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
"My goals for this year are to use my role to amplify the voices and needs of my fellow students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I also want to advance research and policy efforts that address health inequities through targeted public health initiatives and evidence-based strategies. I am committed to promoting community initiatives that strengthen our connection and partnership with underserved populations. Ultimately, I hope to help shape a family medicine environment where every physician feels prepared to meet emerging health challenges and provide inclusive, equitable care."
Molly Stegman
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine-State College
Student Member of the AAFP Commission on Federal and State Policy
"In this role, I am excited to contribute to policy recommendations that can make a real difference for both family physicians and their patients. A fundamental aspect of family medicine is addressing health inequities, which is why I think the AAFP’s voice in health policy reform is so important. I look forward to learning more about this work through the commission, and representing the student perspective. As the student member, I am also eager to keep my peers informed about key policy issues and encourage student engagement in the shaping of our future specialty. "
Ananya Chakraborty
University of Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Commission of Health of the Public and Science
"As a current MD/MPH student at my institution, I greatly look forward to collaborating with other commission members on initiatives that align with the AAFP’s mission to foster happier and healthier communities. I am excited to have a place at the table and advocate for our patients by addressing social determinants of health to promote health equity and access. I aspire to utilize my voice as a medical student, along with my background and experiences, to drive innovative solutions that are inclusive and reflect the needs of diverse populations."
Allison Franklin
East Tennessee State University-James H. Quillen SOM
Commission on Membership and Member Services
"As someone passionate about primary care and family medicine, my main goal in this role will be to increase excitement and engagement with family medicine among medical students. Family medicine not only offers great flexibility within the field and long-term patient relationships but also serves as a powerful platform for advocacy—both for patients and physicians. By highlighting the AAFP's commitment to supporting its members and championing healthcare access and equity, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for family medicine and the value of AAFP membership."
Hirak Trivedi
Washington University of Health and Science
Student Commission on Quality and Practice
"In this leadership role with the AAFP, I look forward to collaborating with commission leaders to advance the quality and practice of family medicine across the nation. I am eager to explore innovative strategies that empower family physicians to deliver truly comprehensive, patient-centered care. Additionally, I look forward to working with member interest groups to advocate for advancements that enable family physicians to effectively address the evolving needs of their communities. This role provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact not only on family physicians but also on the countless patients and families they serve every day. "
Lauren Hutchinson
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Student Member of the AAFP Commission on Education
"In this leadership role with the Commission on Education, I want to contribute to the development of policies that promote a diverse and robust family medicine workforce. I aim to use my unique perspective as a medical student to enhance student interest in family medicine while advocating for the well-being and leadership development of students and residents. Additionally, I look forward to collaborating with commission leaders and learning how medical student and resident education can evolve to meet the needs of our communities."
FMIG Network Leaders
Alison Johnston
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine-State College
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network National Coordinator
"My goal is to grow student interest in the field of family medicine by increasing collaboration between regional FMIG chapters. Through this position, I hope to share opportunities offered by the AAFP and to encourage student involvement. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm for family medicine and to build the community of medical students interested in this amazing field."
Lila Lohmiller
Univerity of Minnesota Medical School-Duluth
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network Regional Coordinator
"Through the FMIG Network, I hope to expand upon my previous experiences in medical training and leadership to further diversify my skills and grow as a future physician in Family Medicine. My goal is to advocate on the behalf of family medicine and to develop and inspire interest in the specialty by supporting FMIG groups in my region!"
Molly Hurd, MS
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network Regional Coordinator
"I hope to empower FMIGs to host events that will inspire medical students to explore the amazing field of family medicine. I hope to act as a resource for students in any capacity I am able to."
Jonathan Bakly
Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network Regional Coordinator
"As someone who strongly advocates for family medicine, my goals as a FMIG Network Regional Coordinator is to enhance local chapter engagement with students and their communities. To do this I want to help chapters by providing the resources and support they need to organize impactful events. This will allow chapters to continue inspiring students to pursue careers in Family Medicine and to foster community involvement. My goal is to create a collaborative environment where chapters feel empowered to make a lasting impact on future healthcare leaders and the communities they serve."
Amanda Lilley
Medical College of Georgia -Athens
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network Regional Coordinator
“This year, my biggest goal is to build connections between FMIGs to share zoom events, remind each other of application deadlines and event sign-ups, share FMIG event ideas, and more! I am looking forward to meeting as many FMIGs as possible!”
Jennifer Lowell, MPhil, MA
East Tennessee State University-James H. Quillen SOM
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network Regional Coordinator
Contact Jennifer Lowell, MPhil, MA
"Connection - Education - Collaborative Service: I strive to connect medical students within and across healthcare communities to foster interest and develop professional pathways into family medicine. I hope to serve as a point of contact to share educational and service opportunities for students to learn about and contribute to family medicine as a diverse, patient-centered medical specialty as well as a foundation for collective wellbeing."
Khizran Ali
Windsor University School of Medicine
Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network International Coordinator
"In my role, I hope to empower FMIGs at international schools by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and awareness of family medicine’s diversity and impact. By encouraging students to participate in meaningful activities like workshops and mentorship programs while addressing and challenging healthcare disparities, I aim to inspire future physicians to explore and champion the vital role of family medicine. Ultimately, I strive to create a vibrant and supportive FMIG network that connects peers and nurtures their growth as leaders in primary care."
Representatives and Liaisons to Other Organizations
Emma Phelps
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Student Delegates to the American Medical Association-Medical Students Section
In this role, Emma represents AAFP student interests at AMA meetings and interacts with AMA delegates from the AAFP.
"I hope to foster collaboration between the AAFP and the MSS on resolutions aimed at addressing health disparities and ensuring that every American has access to high-quality primary care. I will also 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."
Christopher Prokosch
Univerity of Minnesota Medical School
Student Delegate to the American Medical Association - Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS)
"In my role as a student delegate to the American Medical Association - Medical Student Section, I'm excited and honored to represent the priorities of future family physicians. I look forward to working with medical students and physicians from other specialties and organizations to share our AAFP perspectives and learn from theirs. Through this role, I hope to develop and support resolutions that improve the lives of medical students, family physicians, and our patients."
Alvaro Cortez
Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Student Liaison to the Latino Medical Student Association
"As a son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation medical student, I hope to promote interest and expand on opportunities that will motivate others to serve underrepresented communities through a career in family medicine. I look forward to strengthening the collaborative efforts between the AAFP and LMSA to support medical students, especially those who identify as Hispanic or Latino/a/x, on their path to becoming primary care physicians."
Aasha Henderson
Morehouse School of Medicne
Student Liason to the Student National Medical Association
"I am committed to expanding opportunities for Black and Brown medical students with aspirations in family medicine, supporting their career development and professional growth. Additionally, I aim to enhance awareness within the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) regarding the vast array of career paths within family medicine, highlighting areas where the presence of Black and Brown physicians is especially needed."
Andrea Augustine, MPH
Duke University School of Medicine
Student Member of the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees
"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 (ELI); 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 such, 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."
Samantha Busch
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Student Member to the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Board of Directors
"I am excited to participate on the STFM board and MSE Committee and advocate for advances in our family medical education at each of our programs."
AAFP Advisory and Program Boards
Ashley Lai
California University of Science and Medicine-School of Medicine
Student Member of the American Family Physician Editorial Board
"I hope to increase engagement with and awareness of the amazing resources the AFP Journal offers among my peers."
Akpevwe Ikoba, MS
Medical College of Wisconsin
Student Member of the Annals of Family Medicine Editorial Advisory Board
"My goal is to help increase trainees' awareness and engagement with the Annals of Family Medicine journal, as well as the broad diversity of primary care research. Additionally, I hope to learn how we can continue to advocate for the advancement of primary care research."