MAFP Hosts Family Medicine Student Events

Despite restrictions on campus visits, 131 new student members joined the MAFP in 2020. Student activities were suspended for many instances, with classes virtual and no rotations, but MAFP was able to make the most of some opportunities for student interaction.

MAFP visited the Univ. of Mississippi School of Medicine on Aug. 6, 2020, for the Family Medicine Lunch for UMMC M1 students. Due to social distancing, the school split the M1 class into two separate lecture halls, so speakers had to split up to speak to both groups. Of course, masks were required. Boxed lunches were provided for all M1s, and students heard from FMIG leaders Weston Eldridge and Lane Williamson, in addition to MAFP’s Kristen Kern and MS Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP) director Wahnee Sherman.

The Academy also had a virtual presence at the all-virtual UMMC Department of Family Medicine residency fair. MAFP staff hosted a virtual booth. Similarly, MAFP helped with a FMIG chapter meeting, where MAFP President Dr. James Griffin spoke virtually about his career.

Perhaps the most fun of all the events was the MRPSP Christmas party, which was a drive-through affair held Dec. 1, 2020, in the MAFP headquarters parking lot. It was one of the coldest nights of the year, and MRPSP staff served hot chocolate and gave out gifts to all scholars who attended. MAFP joined in the fun, too, bringing Santa (Rob Embry) in addition to staff members to lend some holiday cheer. MAFP also distributed gifts to attendees. No one got out of their cars, but after months of social distancing, even a drivethrough event felt like a party.