Connect With Your FMIG Network Leaders
We’re stronger together. To find an FMIG near you or to collaborate with other FMIGs in your region and achieve shared goals, connect with your FMIG Network leaders. Use the map and FMIG Network leader information below to see your region and who you should contact.
FMIG Regions
Which region is your FMIG in?
Blue states (Western), Region 1
Orange states (Midwestern), Region 2
Red states (Mid-Atlantic), Region 3
Silver states (Northeastern), Region 4
Green states (Southeastern), Region 5
International, contact the International Medical Student Coordinator
Want to learn how FMIGs and the Latino Medical Student Association or Student National Medical Association can collaborate to advance their goals? Contact our FMIG liaisons to the SNMA and LMSA.
2022-2023 National Coordinator
The FMIG Network National Coordinator supports and facilitates the work of the five Regional Coordinators to develop and strengthen FMIGs on medical school campuses across the country. He or she is also a member of the AAFP Commission on Education, as well as its subcommittee on National Conference Planning. The National Coordinator is elected at the AAFP National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students, and serves a one-year term.
Taree Michelle Chadwick
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Contact Taree Michelle Chadwick | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In her role, Taree leads the FMIG Network to connect and strengthen FMIGs across the country, and helps plan National Conference.
"This year I hope to continue to build out our FMIG network and engage students across regions through programming and events. I also want to continue the work of our previous liaisons and DEI workforce by promoting student voices across all backgrounds, making sure underrepresented voices in medicine be heard and addressed in the AAFP. Another goal of mine is to continue to work with our pipeline programs and encourage enthusiasm for Family Medicine early on."
Regional and International Coordinators | SNMA and LMSA Liaisons
The Regional Coordinators of the Family Medicine Interest Group Network play a crucial role in connecting students with local FMIGs and helping FMIGs around the nation connect with and learn from each other. Additionally, the FMIG Network includes two liaisons who help FMIGs collaborate with the Student National Medical Association and the Latino Medical Student Association. A National Coordinator oversees the objectives and activities of the FMIG Network.
Region 1 Coordinator | Derek Southwick
University of Washington School of Medicine
Contact Derek Southwick | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In this role, Derek communicates with FMIG leaders at each medical school in his region, serving as a resource of information about the AAFP and assisting with FMIG programming.
"My goal is to create a safe space where students can come together to connect, build friendships, share ideas, and learn more about this amazing specialty. I'm excited to share my passion for family medicine. I want to connect students with opportunities to become involved in family medicine. I look forward to working with local FMIG chapters to highlight the full scope of possibilities for those looking to practice family medicine. I'm here to serve those interested in family medicine and invite you to contact me with any questions."
Region 2 Coordinator | Michael Persinger
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Contact Michael Persinger | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In his role, Michael communicates with FMIG leaders at each medical school in his region, serving as a resource of information about the AAFP and assisting with FMIG programming.
"As an FMIG Regional Coordinator, I hope to foster a sense of community between the various FMIGs within the region. Ideally, by establishing this community, it will lead to increased collaboration between the different local FMIGs and continue to promote new ideas and developments for students interested in family medicine. Additionally, I hope to serve as an active resource, mentor, and navigator for the various local FMIG leaders and students."
Region 3 Coordinator | Julia Schulte, BS
Central Michigan University
Contact Julia Schulte | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In her role, Julia communicates with FMIG leaders at each medical school in her region, serving as a resource of information about the AAFP and assisting with FMIG programming.
"As a student of a relatively young medical school, I am excited to learn about the possibilities and opportunities for growing, nurturing, and connecting Family Medicine Interest Groups within the region! I hope to be a helpful resource by informing and encouraging current and prospective medical students to explore a career in Family Medicine."
Region 4 Coordinator | Jaime Sesgundo
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Contact Jaime Sesgundo | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In his role, Jaime communicates with FMIG leaders at each medical school in his region, serving as a resource of information about the AAFP and assisting with FMIG programming.
"As the incoming FMIG Regional Coordinator, I hope to connect and network with the greater Family Medicine community across the west coast. Additionally, my aim is develop both as an aspiring family physician and community leader."
Region 5 Coordinator | Allison Smith
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Contact Allison Smith | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In her role, Allison communicates with FMIG leaders at each medical school in her region, serving as a resource of information about the AAFP and assisting with FMIG programming.
"My goal is to provide a space where FMIGs in the region can grow their respective programs by learning, sharing, and exploring opportunities together. It is my hope to help fellow medical students maximize their connections within their states and across the nation. By facilitating collaboration between programs, we can grow support for family medicine and grow student connection with the National AAFP. These connections will help us ensure a stronger foundation and network of medical students, residents, active and retired physicians who are all passionate about family medicine."
Liaison to SNMA | Breanna Chachere
University of Houston College of Medicine
Contact Breanna Chachere | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In her role, Breanna works to connect medical student members of the AAFP with SNMA activities and initiatives. She is closely involved with the Family Medicine Interest Group Network, and participates in regular meetings and projects with this collaborative.
"My medical passions include mentorship and health equity, and it is my goal to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion in the specialty of family medicine so that academic and clinical environments are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for underrepresented medical students (URM). In this role, I hope to expand knowledge of family medicine to URM nationally and to emphasize how this specialty, at it’s core, is a launchpad for patient advocacy through management and prevention of chronic health conditions and preventable diseases, many of which primarily affect populations of color and underserved communities. Ultimately, through the cultivation of opportunities that expose SNMA members to mentorship, networking, education and advocacy opportunities, I hope to enhance student understanding of family medicine, the AAFP, and the breadth of family practice resources that are available."
Liaison to LMSA | Melissa Gonzalez
USC Keck School of Medicine
Contact Melissa Gonzalez | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In her role, Melissa works to connect medical student members of the AAFP with LMSA activities and initiatives. She is closely involved with the Family Medicine Interest Group Network, and participates in regular meetings and projects with this collaborative.
"As a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants, I am looking forward to serving the AAFP as the Student Liaison to the Latino Medical Student Association. Being involved with the Family Medicine Student Interest Group and LMSA at my institution has given me insight into both organizations and how to best serve in my new role."
International Medical Schools Coordinator | Ernie Rodriguez, MBA
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine
Contact Ernie Rodriguez | Join the FMIG Network Online Community
In his role, Ernie communicates with FMIG leaders at each medical school in his region, serving as a resource of information about the AAFP and assisting with FMIG programming.
"As a FMIG Network International Medical Schools Coordinator, I hope to serve as a mentor and help enhance the opportunities for international medical students interested in the specialty of family medicine. My plan is to provide support to an existing FMIG at an international medical school(s) and assist those students interested in establishing a FMIG at their respective institution. I will serve as a mentor providing FMIG leaders with AAFP resources and assist them with FMIG programming. Through AAFP and FMIGs, I want to inspire more students to consider and/or continue pursuing a career in family medicine."