Celebrating the UAG FMIG Team The UAG FMIG is comprised of dedicated students: Anne Kaiser, Jordan Soma, Brenda Granados, Norma Daphne Cervantes, and Jessica Negrete. Their efforts are guided by the experienced mentorship of Dr. Gema Paloma Rivera Ayala and Dr. Daniel Alejandro Rivera Robles. Together, this team has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to promoting family medicine and supporting their peers.
About the AAFP Program of Excellence Award For over a decade, the AAFP's Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) Network has recognized outstanding FMIGs through the Program of Excellence Award. This award celebrates the innovative efforts of these groups in encouraging student interest in family medicine and implementing impactful programming. FMIGs are active in nearly every medical school across the country, playing a critical role in shaping the future of family medicine.
UAG FMIG's Award-Winning Efforts The UAG FMIG's statement to the AAFP highlighted their diverse initiatives aimed at fostering student development and community service. During the spring of 2024, they hosted a series of workshops on Advanced Electrocardiogram and Life Support, Pain Management, Intramuscular Injection, and Intravenous Blood Draw Practice. These workshops provided essential hands-on experience to medical students.
Moreover, the UAG FMIG actively promotes leadership development by organizing donation drives and medical brigades to the community center Una Gota de Esperanza, which means "a drop of hope." This center supports families and children affected by poverty, and FMIG is honored to contribute to its mission.
Peer mentorship is another cornerstone of the UAG FMIG's success. They offer guidance and resources to first- and second-year medical students, fostering a supportive academic environment. Additionally, they host webinars to collaborate with other medical specialty interest groups and professionals, discussing important topics and the latest research.
Recognition and Impact The Program of Excellence Award acknowledges UAG FMIG's outstanding achievements over the past year. This recognition underscores the group's creativity, dedication, and leadership, which have significantly contributed to the field of family medicine.
Dr. Gema Paloma Rivera Ayala and Dr. Daniel Alejandro Rivera Robles, along with the student members, have set a high standard for FMIGs nationwide. Their commitment not only enhances student interest in family medicine but also addresses the pressing issue of primary care physician shortages in the U.S.
The AAFP commends the UAG FMIG for their exemplary work and efforts in building a diverse and dedicated family physician workforce. As these students celebrate their accomplishments, they also look forward to the long-term impact of their efforts on health equity and workforce development.
The UAG School of Medicine is immensely proud of its FMIG for receiving the 2024 AAFP Program of Excellence Award. This honor reflects their hard work, dedication, and passion for family medicine. Congratulations to Anne Kaiser, Jordan Soma, Brenda Granados, Norma Daphne Cervantes, Jessica Negrete, Dr. Gema Paloma Rivera Ayala, and Dr. Daniel Alejandro Rivera Robles on this outstanding achievement. The UAG FMIG continues to inspire and lead, embodying the values and mission of the family medicine community.
For more information about the FMIG Program of Excellence Award and to see last year's winning programs, visit the AAFP website.
UAG School of Medicine gives students an immersive experience that prepares them for what's next on their medical journey by exposing them to various health care settings from start to finish.
