AAFP Celebrates Exceptional Family Medicine Interest Groups

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, August 1, 2025

Contact: 
Celia Searles
AAFP Public Relations 
csearles@aafp.org

LEAWOOD, KS—The AAFP announced the 2025 Program of Excellence Award recipients and presented 26 awards to Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs) from 23 medical schools and one outstanding faculty advisor. These FMIGs were selected for their exceptional efforts to promote family medicine on campus and in their communities.

FMIGs are student organizations, supported by medical schools and faculty, that offer hands-on experiences, volunteer opportunities, clinic hours and leadership development to prepare future leaders in family medicine.

The Program of Excellence Award celebrates these groups’ role in inspiring the next generation of primary care physicians, which is vital at a time of growing national need. Winners were recognized at FUTURE, held in Kansas City, Missouri. This annual event connects students and residents and fosters professional growth.

“FMIGs are truly an investment in the future of family medicine and the health of our communities,” said Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP, president, AAFP. “The Program of Excellence winners this year aren’t just inspiring—they’re actively shaping the future of primary care by creating meaningful programs, amplifying student voices, and fostering a deep commitment to patient-centered care. These FMIGs are demonstrating the critical role family medicine plays in a strong health care system. I’m proud of these students for their innovative work and their dedication to serving communities. I can’t wait to see how these leaders continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and elevate family medicine to new heights.”

This year’s overall winners for the Program of Excellence award are:

• East Tennessee State University – Quillen College of Medicine
• John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
• Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
• Medical College of Wisconsin
• Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
• Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine at University of Iowa
• The George Washington University School of Medicine
• The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia University of Kansas School of Medicine Wichita
• University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill University of Washington School of Medicine WWAMI Network University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

This year’s categorical winners for the winners for the Program of Excellence award are:

• Excellence in New Programming
  University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus
• Excellence in Innovation
  Uniformed Services University F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine
• Excellence in Collaboration
  Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
• Excellence in Promoting the Scope of Family Medicine
  Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine – Quinnipiac University
• Excellence in Professional Development
  Loma Linda University School of Medicine
• Excellence in Clinical Skills Development
  University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
• Excellence in Community Service
  Creighton University School of Medicine
• Rising Star
  Wake Forest University School of Medicine
• First-Time Applicant
  California Health Sciences University – College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Association of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

This year’s Program of Excellence Joyce Jeardeau Memorial Faculty Award recipient is:
Adam Shammami, DO – Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

The AAFP publishes winning applications to share best practices and innovative programming ideas for FMIGs and other family medicine educators nationwide. For more information, visit the AAFP’s webpage.

###