The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians has nominated Sarah Sams, MD, for a position on the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Commission on Finance and Insurance.
Dr. Sams currently serves as associate director and full-time faculty member at Grant Family Medicine Residency in Columbus, OH, where she does full spectrum family medicine including obstetrics, minor office-base procedures (including vasectomies), and is the faculty member in charge of the residency’s Health Systems Management (practice management) curriculum. Prior to joining Grant Family Medicine Residency, Dr. Sams owned and operated her own independent, private practice for seven years and as a result, understands the complexity of the business aspects of medicine. In addition to her full-time faculty position, Dr. Sams is affiliate faculty at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Sams is an OAFP past president, past member and chair of the AAFP Commission on Governmental Advocacy (CGA), and is currently an OAFP alternate delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates. As past chair of CGA and current vice chair of the AAFP Public Policy Committee, Dr. Sams is adept at running meetings, moderating thorny discussions, making certain that everyone feels heard, and bringing groups to thoughtful consensus.
In testament to her leadership skills, colleagues named Dr. Sams recipient of the 2012 OAFP Torchlight Leadership Award and, in 2013, she was selected as the OAFP Foundation Philanthropist of the Year.
In his letter of chapter support, OAFP President Stan Anderson, MD, stated, “Dr. Sams has an outgoing personality, is a connector of people and thoughts, and knows everyone. She has relationships with chapter members, leaders, and staff across the country. She has also participated, led, and mentored family physicians during the National Conference of Constituency Leaders and the National Conference of Special Constituencies. If appointed, she will serve with distinction.”
Congratulations, Dr. Sams!