IFM | The FMIG effect: Finding community, building leaders and choosing family medicine

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, host Adam Bradley, AAFP Manager of Student Choice, explores how Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs) help medical students discover the possibilities within family medicine.

Student leaders Sharleen Cineas of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and Gabriella Morin of East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine share what drew them to family medicine. They discuss the specialty's emphasis on treating the whole person, caring for patients throughout their lives and understanding the social and community factors that influence health.

The conversation highlights how FMIG involvement can provide students with mentorship, community, leadership experience and opportunities to advocate for patients. They discuss how their FMIGs helped them build confidence, connect with family physicians and explore the wide range of procedures, fellowships and career paths available within the specialty.

They also share successful events organized by their award-winning FMIGs, including community health fairs and hands-on clinical procedure workshops. The discussion offers practical ideas for planning affordable events, forming partnerships, recruiting members and building an FMIG leadership team that can sustain the organization over time.

Topics

00:00 Introduction 00:55 Meet the FMIG student leaders 02:09 What drew the students to family medicine 02:22 Gabriella's path to family medicine 04:41 Charlene's whole-person approach to care 06:02 How FMIG solidifies interest in family medicine 07:03 Developing leadership skills through FMIG 10:43 Recognizing award-winning FMIG program 11:03 Building a collaborative community health fair 12:31 Creating a hands-on procedures workshop 13:41 Affordable ideas for FMIG events 16:56 Advice for starting or rebuilding an FMIG 19:44 Advice for aspiring FMIG leaders 20:59 How FMIG involvement shapes medical school 23:01 Making the most of the FUTURE conference 24:32 Closing thoughts and FMIG resources

Resources

• Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIG) homepage

• FMIG Program of Excellence Award

• Family Medicine Champions program

• Student Membership

• Strolling Through the Match

• Residency Directory

• Student leadership opportunities

• AAFP advocacy resources

Disclaimer

Copyright 2026. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of the American Academy of Family Physicians.