The following was prepared by Kameron L. Matthews, (MSIII), 2003 President, JHUSM FMIG:
The Johns Hopkins Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) is a student-run, extracurricular organization that plays a vital role in the professional development of medical students enrolled at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSM) who are interested in family practice. Because the university lacks a Department of Family Medicine, it has been difficult for students interested in this field to learn more about the specialty. The role of the FMIG is to serve as a surrogate for such a Department. We have physician advisors who provide mentorship whereby interested students can get answers to their questions about family practice, as well as glean general and specific information about electives, residencies, summer opportunities and financial aid opportunities designed for students interested in or committed to careers in primary care.
The JHUSM FMIG enjoys a close relationship with the Maryland Academy of Family Physicians which supports our initiatives with financial and educational support. We will continue to send interested student representatives to the AAFP Annual National Congress of Student Members held each summer in Kansas City.
This year, we plan to explore the various paths available to family physicians such as sports medicine, health policy, women’s health and community enrichment. Regarding the latter, because the specialty is one dedicated to improving the community through prevention and education, the JHUSM FMIG also encourages our members to work together through community service projects.
We are excited for our 2002-2003 projects as we continue to bring the ideals of Family Medicine to the Hopkins campus and expose our students to a great specialty
