Three students attended the AAFP National Conference for FM Residents and Students in Kansas City MO, July 28 - 30, 2022.

Rachael Garcia and Angelina Palacios each received a scholarship from SEMAFP. to attend the conference.  Dr. Morris is the President.  Lauren Varvatos was the recipient of DFMPHS Direction Fund for Medical Students scholarship 

The following is a thank you from Angelina to SEMAFP: 

"I had the honor of being awarded the scholarship to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students this year. I wanted to take a moment to both thank you and reflect on my time at the conference. It was my first time being able to attend an event like this one. I was initially overwhelmed by the number of professionals and events to do at the conference. However, this was quickly diminished by how reinvigorating the talks and networking were.   

This conference was the first time I had heard that a “family physician is a physician of the people”. This term very clearly summarizes my passion for becoming a family physician. I was able to attend talks that made me feel empowered to work hard for patients to provide them with the care they need. For instance, the “Caring for Everyone Under the Rainbow” made me feel like with the right amount of effort and determination, I can provide the gender reaffirming care some of my patients will need. Additionally, I was also told “why not?”. This is to all the dreams and aspirations I have in terms of the care I want to provide my patients. Why not be able to do it all? 

Honestly, this conference has built my confidence up to say I am going to become a family physician that provides open and honest care to patients. It has also made me aware of future conferences I want to be a part of and have a voice in.  

Once again, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity."