Leadership & Scholarship Opportunities
Are you interested in being more involved with your Academy or receiving a scholarship to harness your leadership potential? Would you like to participate in a summer program to learn more about family medicine? If so, you are in the right spot!
Today’s medical students are the future of the specialty. The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians highly values the contributions made by medical students and recognizes the importance of training future leaders of medicine.
There are many ways to begin or continue your leadership journey in family medicine, specifically with the OAFP and the OAFP Foundation. If you’re interested in starting with committee work, there’s a spot for you. If you want to take your leadership skills to the next level and apply for a director position on the OAFP Board of Directors or trustee position on the Foundation Board of Trustees, there’s an opportunity for that too. The OAFP and the Foundation are here to help build you into the best leader you can be.
For a list of committees, workgroups, taskforces, and resource teams you can participate on, visit the Get Involved page.
Opportunities for leadership positions and scholarships include:
Leroy A. Rogers, MD, Preceptorship Program (first- and second-year medical students only)
The OAFP Foundation’s Leroy A. Rodgers, MD, Preceptorship Program (Preceptorship Program) affords medical students the opportunity to explore the diverse and rewarding realities of family medicine under the guidance of a practicing family physician through a four-week rotation during the summer between the first and second year of medical school.
Since 1990, over 1,200 medical students’ preceptorship experiences with family physician preceptors have been funded through the Preceptorship Program. Program outcomes show one-third of all participants choose the family medicine specialty, and three-quarters of participants overall enter primary care career specialties.
During these educational rotations students not only gain intensive exposure to family medicine’s whole person orientation – witnessing the continuous, comprehensive, and collaborative patient-centered care provided by family physicians; but, also experience and observe the difference family physicians make in the lives of the people in their communities.
The current circumstances of day-to-day life due to a global pandemic have made in-person clinical rotations potentially not feasible for the 2020 program year. However, these unprecedented times do not negate the valuable goals of the program in highlighting what family physicians do and are for their communities. It’s times like this that they are critical and it’s even more important to instill this in medical students early in their medical career.
Because of this, the Foundation will offer a virtual family medicine experience for students unable to complete a traditional clinical rotation. Based on the degree of feasibility for clinical rotations this summer, two paths for student stipend amounts will be available. Following are expectations and requirements for this year’s participants, regardless of payment path.
- Student participants must have been approved and submitted to the OAFP Foundation by one of Ohio’s medical schools:
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Northeast Ohio Medical University
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
- Student participants must be members of the AAFP and OAFP.
*Please note, student lists have been finalized and participation in the 2020 program is now closed.
Program Components
Component 1: Preceptor Connection and Mentorship
The most valuable part of the Preceptorship Program is the student’s connection to a family physician and the education and insight provided through that mentorship. Because it is still unknown whether clinical rotations will be available for medical students this summer, two options to complete this component are available.
If students are not able to fulfill traditional program hour requirements for an in-person rotation, students can still participate by:
- Confirming a family medicine physician to serve as a preceptor/mentor for the program.
- Setting up an initial meeting with the physician to outline program expectations and create a virtual meeting and mentorship plan to span four weeks during the summer break.
- The goal is to engage with the preceptor and practice team, if applicable, a minimum of 40 hours over the 4-week program (engagement might include video calls, phone calls, email/text exchanges, projects or case research, etc.).
- View the guide with examples of virtual interactions for preceptors and student learners. Be as resourceful as possible in creating ways to connect with the physician and practice during these unprecedented times.
- If by the end of the four weeks practices begin operating as normal and students are able to participate in-person, please do and include it in the activity log.
If clinical rotations resume and the student is able to complete the 4-week program at the practice this summer, students may move forward following the process of our traditional preceptorship program. Students will participate by:
- Confirming a family medicine physician to serve as a preceptor/mentor for the program.
- Setting up an initial meeting with the physician to outline program expectations and create a plan to span four weeks during the summer break.
- Students will need to spend a minimum of 32 hours per week or 128 hours total over the 4-week program at the practice for this option.
- Students will need to spend a minimum of 32 hours per week or 128 hours total over the 4-week program at the practice for this option.
Component 2: Family Medicine Education
To offer additional education on family medicine, five webinars were offered for students. Students were required to watch the webinars, preferably live, but may also view a recorded version if there were schedule issues. Students must complete an evaluation for the entire webinar series and submit it with final reports at the end of the program.
Webinars Include:
Week 1: June 11 | Family Physician Scope of Practice Panel
Speakers: Roma Amin, MD; Ryan Kauffman, MD; Scott Morris, DO; and Selim Sheikh, DO
Week 2: June 18 | Family Medicine: Is It For You?
Speakers: Haley Coleman, MD (2020 student grad); Kate Kelley, MD (2020 student grad); Lizzy McIntosh, MD (graduating resident); Kelsey Murray, MD (graduating resident); Mollie Myers, MD (2020 student grad); Shaina Rood, M4; Kelly Thibert, DO (graduating resident); and Katelyn Walsh, M4
Week 3: June 26 | The Role of a Federally Qualified Health Center
Presented by the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers
Presentation Slides
Week 4: July 1 | Family Medicine & Public Health: A Winning Combination
Speakers: Bryan Ghiloni, MD, and Laurie Hommemea, MD
Presentation Slides
Week 5: July 10 | How to be a Family Medicine Champion
Speakers: Ashley Bentley, MBA, CAE – AAFP Student Interest Strategist and Marselle Bredemeyer – AAFP Student Interest Project Specialist
Presentation Slides
- Feel inspired to be proud of their family medicine specialty interest/choice and confident to ignite that passion in others
- Be able to address myths and misconceptions about family medicine with facts and compelling stories and examples
- Know 1-3 next steps they can take to become a family medicine champion.
An important part of this year’s program was connecting student participants with each other. Students:
- Attended one of two initial welcome Zoom meeting with Foundation staff to give introductions, go over expectations and requirements, and answer any questions. Two times will be available to join.
- Joined a private Facebook group to connect throughout program as well as answer discussion questions posed after each webinar session.
- Attend a final Zoom meeting at the conclusion of program to share experiences.
In order to receive the stipend (amount based on component 1), students will need to do the following:
- Attend the welcome and conclusion Zoom meetings (one of each of the two times offered).
- Submit a final report detailing the experience and overall perspective of family medicine.
- Submit a log of activity with hours
- 40 hour minimum engagement with preceptor and/or practice team for virtual option OR
- 32 hour/week or 128 hour total with preceptor and/or practice team for traditional, in-person option
- Complete and return an evaluation for the webinar series.
- Optional – a video sharing the three most important things learned throughout this virtual family medicine experience.
Please reach out to your program coordinator at your respective medical school (listed below) or OAFP Foundation staff, Kaitlin McGuffie, if you have any questions.
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine – Stephanie Cummings or call 216.286.6727
- Northeast Ohio Medical University –Mary Sherman or call 330.325.6172
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine – Michelle Bobo or call 740.593.0465
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine –Allison Macerollo, MD, or call 614.688.6490
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine –Hillary Mount, MD
- University of Toledo College of Medicine –Lindsey Brillhart or call 419.383.5557
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine –Juanita Griffin or call 937.245.7226
Federally Qualified Health Center Component
The Foundation has partnered with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) to provide medical students the opportunity to complete their rotation in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) or community health center (CHC) in Ohio. If you are interested in this practice setting, please let your medical school contact know. He or she will work with Foundation staff to coordinate a placement. To learn more about FQHC’s, visit the OACHC website.
The 2020 Leroy A. Rodgers, MD, Preceptorship Program is funded by donations from individuals, corporate partners, and OAFP’s regional chapters and grants from the AAFP Foundation and the OACHC through its Ohio Primary Care Workforce Initiative (OPCWI)*.
Disclaimer: student names and reports will be shared with Foundation trustees, preceptors, and program partners including the OACHC and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
*OPCWI funding was made possible in part by ODH. The information and views expressed by OPCWI herein do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of ODH; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the State of Ohio.
Student Director on the OAFP Board of Directors
The student director works with other members of the board to ensure that OAFP activities are focused appropriately to achieve the Academy’s mission and strategic plan. He or she serves as a member of the OAFP board representing Ohio’s medical students through attendance at board meetings by contributing to the discussion and representing the student voice. The student director should also serve as a resource to fellow students and encourage involvement in the OAFP among peers. A student alternate director will also be elected in the event of unavoidable absence of the student director, to serve with full voting privileges.
The student director and alternate director serve a one-year term from August to August each year.
The deadline to apply is each year at the end of May.
If you are interested in serving as a student director or alternate director on the OAFP Board of Directors, please contact Executive Vice President Ann Spicer or call 800.724.7327. For more information, read the Standard Operating Procedures for Officers and the Board.
Student Trustee on the OAFP Foundation Board of Trustees
The student trustee works with other trustees to ensure that Foundation activities are focused appropriately to achieve the Foundation’s mission and development plan. He or she serves as a member of the Foundation board representing the students through attendance at board meetings by contributing to the discussion and representing the student voice. The student trustee should also serve as a resource to fellow students. A student alternate trustee will also be elected in the event of unavoidable absence of the student trustee, to serve with full voting privileges.
The student trustee and alternate trustee serve a one-year term that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.
The deadline to apply is each year at the beginning of June.
If you are interested in serving as a student trustee or alternate trustee on the Foundation Board of Trustees, please contact Director of Foundation & Strategic Programs Kaitlin McGuffie or call 800.724.7327. For more information, please read the OAFP Foundation Board of Trustees Manual.
Student Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the American Academy of Family Physicians
National Congress of Medical Students
The student delegate and alternate delegate attend the American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students Thursday-Saturday, July 29-31, 2021, in Kansas City, MO, to represent Ohio’s students during discussions, debates, and elections at the congress sessions. Student delegates and alternate delegates receive scholarships up to $1,200 in eligible expenses to attend the conference from the OAFP Foundation.
- Represent OAFP’s student members at national policy making forums
- Run or apply for elected positions and other leadership opportunities in the AAFP
- Receive instruction in parliamentary procedure and informed decision making
- Participate in special discussion groups, and develop and debate resolutions
- Learn about the AAFP’s strategic priorities and how the Academy and other key organizations are addressing issues of importance to students.
- Have participated in one OAFP activity
- Be a student in good standing with the OAFP and the AAFP
- Be a student in good standing at their medical school
- Disclose other funding received to attend the conference (please note: other funding received by official Ohio delegates to attend the conference will be deducted from the Foundation scholarship).
- A completed student application (application available each spring
- A current CV
- A statement of interest (no more than one typewritten page) explaining your interest in family medicine and why you wish to represent Ohio at the congress.
The deadline to apply each year is in mid-May.
If you are interested in or have questions about serving as a student delegate or alternate delegate, please contact Coordinator of Events and Foundation Programs Caitlin Laudeman or call 800.724.7327.
Student Scholarships to the American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference of
Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students
The OAFP Foundation will offer up to 10 medical student scholarships (from non-selected American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation’s (AAFP Foundation) Family Medicine Leads Scholarship applicants) to attend the AAFP’s National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students (National Conference).
National Conference will be held Thursday-Saturday, July 29-31, 2021, in Kansas City, MO.
Selected students will receive $600 to help offset the registration, travel, lodging, and meal expenses of attending the National Conference.
To be considered for the scholarship, students must apply for the AAFP Foundation’s Family Medicine Leads Scholarships for National Conference. Ohio medical students that are not selected by the AAFP Foundation for a Family Medicine Leads Scholarship will automatically be eligible for the OAFP Foundation’s scholarship. Notification of the OAFP Foundation’s scholarship selection will be made each year by mid-June.
Selected students will receive their scholarship during the Ohio-Only Reception in Kansas City (near the event location).
For more information, please contact Coordinator of Events and Foundation Program Caitlin Laudeman or call 800.742.7327.
Please note: Students selected for the OAFP Foundation’s delegate and alternate delegate scholarships, are not eligible.
Student Delegate to the Family Medicine Celebration
Each year, the OAFP hosts an annual meeting, the Family Medicine Celebration, to discuss policy and functions of the organization as well as offer continuing medical education programming on a variety of topics. An annual awards dinner is also held and physicians are honored. Up to five students are selected to attend the meeting as official student delegates. Each of the five delegates have voting privileges during the business portions of the meeting.
If interested in serving as a delegate to the Family Medicine Celebration, please contact Director of Foundation & Strategic Programs Kaitlin McGuffie or call 800.742.7327.
Questions about Serving?
We understand you might have some questions, so below are some answers to get you started! Please contact the OAFP office or call 800.742.7327 with any additional questions.
How Will I Benefit from this Involvement?
- Network with family physicians from across the state during OAFP events and meetings
- Participate in the discussion of issues key to health care delivery and to family medicine
- Learn more about topics of special interest
- Cultivate organizational and communication skills
- Spend time with other student leaders who share common interests and concerns.
Are there Special Requirements for Positions?
- You must be a current OAFP member to be elected or selected for any position
- For some positions, preference will be given to applicants who are currently serving or have served on an OAFP committee, workgroup, taskforce, or resource team
- Should be in good standing at your medical school and with the Academy.
How Much Time is Involved?
You will be expected to attend all portions of assigned meetings. Whenever possible, meetings are scheduled over the weekends to minimize the number of days away from medical school obligations. Please check specific position descriptions for estimated meeting days.
Work is also done through electronic communications. You will receive information specific to your position after being elected or selected.
Will My University Give Me the Time Off to Attend Meetings?
If you plan to run for an elected position or apply for an appointment, you must be confident that you will be granted the time off to attend required meetings.
- Know your medical school’s attendance policies
- Find out if any of your classmates have served in AAFP positions
- Share information about the position you are seeking and the general meeting schedule with the appropriate individuals
- Explain what you hope to gain from the experience (eg, leadership development, advocacy, policy development)
- Volunteer to present relevant information from AAFP meetings during a brown bag lunch, FMIG meeting, class, etc.