How FMIGs can partner with other campus groups
Collaborating with organizations that share your goals can be valuable and open new doors.
Life as a medical student is busy to say the least, and even more so if you’re taking the opportunity to participate in or lead a Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) on campus.
Did you know there are other medical student groups you can partner with to share resources, put on events and promote interest in primary care?
The AAFP partners with several such groups to facilitate communication and awareness and build a strong primary care workforce for the future.
American Medical Student Association
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and sponsoring organizations work together each year to organize National Primary Care Week (NPCW). It's typically held during the first week of October.
Through networking and community service events, students in FMIGs can get involved in the political process by encouraging funding for community health centers and coverage for the uninsured.
Students from various health professions, not just medicine, are encouraged to participate and take advantage of networking opportunities, improving their understanding of primary care and its broader impact on communities.
National partners: SNMA and LMSA
AAFP partners with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) to raise visibility of family medicine as uniquely suited to underserved populations, and to encourage students from minority backgrounds to consider family medicine and pursue AAFP leadership opportunities.
Here are just a few of many opportunities throughout the year for your FMIG to collaborate on events with these groups, share resources, network and help grow the family medicine community.
Opportunities for shared events
In January each year, medical students can partner to organize or lead a "Doctors Back to School” event, visiting young people at area schools to tell them about careers in medicine.
In February, profile Black leaders in family medicine, or invite local leaders to present a lecture on a health topic pertinent to your community.
In March, put together a program or series aimed at encouraging smart food choices, healthful eating and physical activity. Get more information here.
From September 15 to October 15, work with your campus LMSA chapter to organize an event to teach other future physicians about Hispanic cultures.