American Family Physician has selected the winners of the fifth annual AFP photo contest, recognizing one medical student and one family medicine resident for their creative submissions highlighting the role AFP plays in their medical education and training.
Student winner Sydney Miles, a rising fourth-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, was chosen for her creative photo inspired by the iconic Abbey Road album cover by The Beatles. Miles said the image reflects what she values most about family medicine: continuity of care. “Being able to walk with patients through every stage of life, supported by ever-evolving literature while growing alongside my colleagues excites me!” she said.
Miles, a Baltimore native, credits her upbringing with shaping both her passions and her purpose in medicine. Growing up in a food desert sparked her interest in human nutrition, while the city's vibrant arts culture nurtured her appreciation for the humanities. These experiences continue to motivate her to care for underserved communities through family medicine. In addition to pursuing her medical degree, Miles earned a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in human nutrition from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2023.
Resident winner Ashley Echeta, MD, a second-year resident in the University of Texas Medical Branch Family Medicine and Community Health Residency Program, was chosen for her imaginative fashion-inspired submission. Drawing inspiration from the Met Gala, Dr. Echeta created a dress made from issues of American Family Physician, blending creativity and medicine in what she described as “a fun, unexpected way.”
The idea came together during an inpatient night shift alongside fellow resident Ariana Mahmood, MD, who enthusiastically helped bring the vision to life, Dr. Echeta said. “Some of my favorite moments in residency have been the ones where teamwork, humor, and genuine support come together, and that's exactly what this project represented for me.” She also appreciates her residency program for fostering a supportive environment that embraces both creativity and community.
The awards will be presented at FUTURE, the American Academy of Family Physicians' national conference for family medicine residents and medical students, on July 31 in Kansas City, Mo. We are excited about the enthusiastic participation in the AFP Photo Contest and the engagement with AFP among residents and students. Follow @AFPJournal on Instagram for more updates.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all who participated!
