As we look to the future of family medicine, Noorda-COM FMIG is committed to supporting and empowering future family physicians through hands-on experiences, professional development and community engagement. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, we hosted a range of events, including clinical workshops, guest panels and community outreach initiatives. These events were designed to help students build practical skills, connect with experienced physicians and give back to our local communities.
Clinical Workshops
This year, we hosted several highly attended workshops, including two suturing events and a splinting workshop. Each of these sessions had over 50 students in attendance, reflecting the growing interest in and demand for these valuable learning opportunities.
These workshops would not have been possible without the incredible support from the amazing faculty at our school. We were fortunate to have nine family medicine faculty members present across all the workshops, providing an opportunity to ask questions and learn from experienced clinicians.
During the suturing workshops, students had the opportunity to practice suturing on various mediums, including bananas, grapes and pig feet. In our splinting workshop, students learned how to properly apply splints for various injuries and were each given a SAM splint to take home.
Our clinical workshops were tailored to provide students with practical, real-world skills in various aspects of family medicine. These interactive sessions were not only an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, but also a chance to ask questions and learn from faculty and experienced clinicians. These workshops are just a few examples of how our FMIG chapter is committed to equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in family medicine.
Wellness and Harm Reduction Initiatives
Our FMIG chapter is committed to supporting the well-being of future physicians and raising awareness about crucial public health issues. This year, we hosted a screening of the impactful film “Do No Harm,” followed by a panel discussion with Noorda-COM physicians and Noorda-COM’s director of Interprofessional Education and Student Wellness. The panelists shared their personal experiences with burnout, offering valuable insights into the mental and emotional challenges faced by healthcare professionals. They also discussed available resources for students to prevent burnout and manage stress, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed. The event provided a safe space for open dialogue about mental health, promoting the message that it’s okay to ask for support, even in a demanding profession like medicine.
In addition, we co-hosted a Naloxone Training in partnership with Med Students for Choice and featured a speaker from Salt Lake Harm Reduction. This training was an essential learning opportunity for our members, as it provided knowledge on how to administer Naloxone, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. The session highlighted the growing opioid crisis and the role healthcare providers can play in harm-reduction efforts, equipping students with the skills to potentially save lives in the future.
Guest Speakers and Panels
We also welcomed a diverse group of guest speakers, including respected family physicians, specialists and community leaders. These talks offered valuable insights into the current state of family medicine, innovations in patient care and personal stories from those who have shaped the field.
One of the highlights was a special panel celebrating National Women Physicians Day on Feb. 3, where we had a remarkable group of women leaders in medicine. The panel included Dr. Lynsey Drew, Noorda-COM dean and president-elect of UAFP, Dr. Amie Mower, a faculty member at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine and a former Army physician, and Dr. Heather Sojourner, a representative from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commission and UAFP board member.
During the discussion, the panelists shared their experiences navigating gender biases in medicine and provided insight into how women in medicine can support each other to break through leadership barriers. They also tackled important questions like how to maintain a balance between work and family life, encouraging students to find their own paths to work-life harmony while pursuing meaningful careers in family medicine.
Suturing lab
We also hosted a hybrid panel with distinguished guests from Black Physicians of Utah, where Dr. Richard Ferguson and Dr. Jessica Jones shared their experiences navigating bias and microaggressions in their medical journey. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue about race, bias and the importance of diversity in healthcare, providing them with a deeper understanding of the challenges underrepresented physicians face and how to contribute to positive change.
Additionally, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Carrie Jaworski, president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine, who shared her expertise on the intersection of sports medicine and family care. Her talk provided valuable insights into how family physicians can address physical activity and sports-related health concerns across patient populations.
Through these speakers, we hope we inspired our members and helped them envision the many possibilities within family medicine.
Working with the CJC
In addition to our educational events, we are committed to making a positive impact on our local community. Our chapter is proud to be actively involved in supporting the Children’s Justice Center (CJC), a vital organization dedicated to supporting children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The CJC provides a safe and compassionate environment for children and their families, offering services such as forensic interviews, medical exams, and advocacy to help children heal and find justice.
Throughout the year, our FMIG chapter volunteered at several CJC events to support their mission. We had the opportunity to help the CJC during their open house by assisting with moving, as well as running carnival games to create a fun, welcoming environment for families. We also had multiple students donate their time during CJC’s Casino Night fundraiser in October. In addition, thanks to generous funding from UAFP, we were able to collect hygiene items in place of fees from students and were able to donate over 100 hygiene kits to the Provo CJC.
These initiatives have not only allowed us to give back to the community but have provided opportunities for students to develop a deeper sense of empathy and directly contribute to the well-being of children in need. Through our continued partnership with CJC, we remain committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of children and contributing to the well-being of our community.
Hygiene items collected during FMIG’s first Suture Workshop were used to make over 100 kits for the Children’s Justice Center.
Children’s Justice Center Grand Opening and Casino Night Fundraiser
Conclusion
As future family physicians, we understand the importance of continuous learning, professional growth and community service. Our FMIG chapter is proud to foster a supportive environment where students can grow, learn and make a real difference. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Utah Academy of Family Physicians* for their generous support and funding, which made these events possible. Your contributions have been instrumental in creating these invaluable learning and community engagement opportunities for our members.
*UAFP is proud to support Family Medicine Interest Groups with annual grants. NOORDA Student Rep. Serin Baker has gone above and beyond, organizing over 15 events throughout the year and providing incredible additional learning opportunities and community activities for all NOORDA students. UAFP is able to provide these grants through the generosity of the UAFP Board of Directors, membership dues, and the generous donations of our UAFP members. The future of family medicine is in good hands!
