Two Medical Students from Michigan Chosen for National Emerging Leader Institute
Congratulations to MAFP student members Jeanne Wigant (Madison Heights) and Taneev Escamilla (Detroit) on being selected through a competitive application process to participate in the AAFP Foundation's exclusive Family Medicine Leads Emerging Leader Institute.
Jeanne, a medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, and Taneev (pictured at right), a recent graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, will begin their participation in the year-long leadership development program—along with 28 other Family Medicine residents and medical students from across the country—that kicks off on July 28-29 at the AAFP National Headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, directly following the AAFP's 2016 National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students.
"When I chose a career in Family Medicine, I never expected to also find a family through MAFP and AAFP. As a student, finding a mentor like [MAFP President] Dr. Kim Yu—a strong, inclusive leader who radiates compassion and leadership—was key for my professional growth," said Taneev.
The first class of the Emerging Leader Institute is nearing its July 31 end date, and scholars are completing their work on a project related to one of three tracks designed to develop leadership. Timothy Friedman, DO, MS of Jackson, Michigan—a 2015-2016 scholar—has focused his work on "Initiation of a Vasectomy Clinical in a Family Medicine Residency, with Associated Logistic Requirements and Financial Implications" within the Personal and Practice Leadership Track. Click here to watch a video that captures the experience of the inaugural class.
Selected scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend both the National Conference and the Institute kick-off session, intended to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses related to registration, travel, lodging and meals. They are also eligible for additional project-based funding opportunities, including $1,000 for a project award recipient to return to the next National Conference to present his/her project, and $3,000 for the best project award winner to attend a special opportunity.
In gearing up for the 2016-2017 Insitute and National Conference, Taneev said "it is an amazing opportunity to have been selected for the Emerging Leader Institute this year, and I encourage any student considering Family Medicine to join us this year at National Conference and to get in touch with MAFP. You will find a family within our Family Medicine community, as well as endless opportunities for professional growth!"
If you are interested in being considered to participate in the 2017-2018 Family Medicine Leaders Emerging Leader Institute, email Erika Perkins at familymedicineleads@aafp.org to request a 2017 application.