Josué Fraga, MS2
Charles R. Drew University, College of Medicine
Attending the Family Medicine Conference for the first time, thanks to the LAAFP scholarship funds, was an experience I’ll never forget. Walking into that space, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But right from the start, I could feel that family medicine was something special. The energy was warm and welcoming—like everyone there was part of one big family.
Meeting the residents was probably the highlight of the entire event. These were people who had been where I am now and hearing them talk about their experiences made everything feel a bit more real. They shared stories of the ups and downs, the challenges and the rewards, and it was clear how much they loved what they were doing. They talked about the connections they’ve made with their patients, some of whom they’ve been seeing for years. It was inspiring to see how much they cared, not just about treating illnesses, but about truly knowing the people they’re helping.
The conference also gave me a new perspective on what family medicine can do. It’s not just about treating symptoms or diagnosing conditions; it’s about being there for people through all the different stages of their lives. I heard stories of family doctors who had cared for three generations of the same family, and it hit me just how deep and meaningful those relationships can be.
Rachelle Ann Lopez Gonzales MD, PGY-3
Keck School of Medicine of USC Family Medicine Residency
I am incredibly grateful to the Los Angeles Academy of Family Physicians (LAAFP) for awarding me a scholarship to attend the CAFP POP! Conference. This was my first time presenting my own research in front of a large audience, and it was an invaluable experience. Presenting on the well-being of resident physician parents not only allowed me to share important findings but also opened doors for potential collaborations to expand this research further.
I was also fortunate to connect with many attendings who generously shared post-residency advice that I know will be incredibly useful as I move forward in my career. Additionally, I was inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the medical students and pre-med students I met, who are passionate about pursuing medicine and family medicine.
The workshops, particularly those on life after residency, were enlightening and have made me feel more prepared and knowledgeable about my next steps.
Overall, I am immensely grateful for the support from LAAFP, which made it possible for me to participate in this conference and has greatly contributed to both my research project and my professional development.
Family medicine is about more than just healthcare—it’s about making a difference in people’s lives in a personal way. The idea of being able to impact not just individuals, but whole families and communities, really resonated with me. It’s a kind of medicine that requires you to see the whole person, not just their illness, and that’s something I find incredibly important.
By the time the conference ended, I felt more certain than ever that family medicine is where I belong. The LAAFP scholarship didn’t just give me the chance to attend the conference—it gave me the chance to see what my future could look like. I left with a sense of excitement and purpose, knowing that I want to be the kind of doctor who makes a real difference in people’s lives, just like the residents and physicians I met there. This experience has truly shaped the way I see my future in medicine, and I’m so grateful for that.
Chrystal Kumar MS2
Charles R. Drew University, College of Medicine
Attending CAFP’s POP Conference alongside such incredible, inspiring, and uplifting family physicians reignited my passion for medicine and reaffirmed my decision to pursue this career. As a second-year medical student, stepping outside the academic setting was an eye-opening experience. It provided a glimpse into how the work I am doing now will soon translate into making a meaningful impact on my community in ways I can only begin to imagine.
I specifically loved the student procedure workshops and the residency fair. The procedure workshop allowed me to develop hands-on skills in critical areas: point-of-care ultrasound, IUD insertions, and suturing. The mentorship provided during these sessions was invaluable, not only for building my confidence in procedural techniques but also for preparing me for clinical practice. Additionally, the residency fair gave me insight into the next phase of my training. Meeting with program directors and residents helped me better understand the diverse paths available in family medicine and reassured me that I am on the right track to making a lasting difference as a physician.
Thank you so much, LAAFP, for allowing me to attend the POP Conference. This experience left me feeling inspired, renewed, and more focused than ever as I continue on this journey, and it was a reminder that the work we are doing now as students will soon translate into profound benefits for the communities we serve.
Jessica Malisa, MS4
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Attending the CAFP POP conference was an amazing opportunity. I had the chance to connect with family medicine programs in California, residents, and meet other medical students. At the panel on residency application tips, I heard firsthand from current residents. At the workshop on advocacy at different levels, I learned about an advocacy project done by students. In different groups, some students and I worked with other students to address a problem and make a proposal to a specific audience. At the luncheon, I heard inspiring stories from the CAFP doctor of the year and other awardees. The people I met and the things I learned at the conference made me even more excited to enter family medicine.
Bryan A. Medina, MD, PGY3
California Hospital Medical Center Family Medicine Residency
Attending the CAFP FM POP! conference was a wonderful experience that left me with valuable connections and knowledge. During the event, I had the opportunity to attend multiple sessions from different areas of FM. It gave me many opportunities to learn the latest guidelines and new ways to treat multiple patient conditions. It also allowed me to connect with many professional opportunities as well, as I start crossing into finishing residency.
Overall attending POP enriched my professional growth, expanded my network, and reinforced my dedication to advancing family medicine. I look forward to implementing the knowledge gained and contributing to the progress of healthcare in our community. A tremendous amount of appreciation to the LAAFP for supporting me with a scholarship to attend the conference.
Krupa Modi, MS4
Keck School of Medicine of USC
As a fourth-year applying to Family Medicine residency, attending POP was such a valuable experience. I enjoyed getting to meet programs and speak directly with their directors and residents. These conversations were so useful in helping me determine what programs to apply to and what questions I should ask as I progress through the application process. I also enjoyed attending workshops about ACE screenings and advocacy in primary care, as these opportunities showed me how I can support my community both in and outside of clinical settings. Attending POP was a wonderful experience that showed me how I can best position myself to become the family physician I aim to be.
Martha Romero, MS2
Charles R. Drew University, College of Medicine
I am grateful for LAAFP’s continued support! Previously, I got the opportunity to attend the 2024 AAFP National Conference through LAAFP’s travel scholarship and it was an eye-opening experience that solidified my passion for family medicine and reignited my passion for advocacy and leadership within family medicine. Attending this year’s POP! Conference was just as re-invigorating! As a first-generation medical student in my medical school’s inaugural class, the guidance on residency applications and the connections made with other students interested in family medicine were invaluable. Seeing Latinos excel in leadership and residency roles within family medicine filled me with immense pride and determination. In the future, I aspire to be like them and work in health clinics at the heart of underserved communities, addressing language barriers and fostering meaningful patient-physician interactions.
I had an amazing time at the POP conference this year and am so thankful for the opportunity to receive the LAAFP scholarship! I relished meeting residents from all over FM programs in CA and joining the LAAFP for their breakfast meeting on the last day. Being around all these amazing FM physician, residents, and medical students is so invigorating and sustains me along my journey. I am also thankful for the scholarship as it allowed me to purchase professional headshots at the conference and take part in the paid procedural skills workshops.
I hope to stay in California for residency, so the insights gained at this conference will be crucial in familiarizing myself with California programs and identifying key areas to focus on to become a competitive applicant. This scholarship has alleviated financial barriers allowing me to fully embrace this transformative experience and deepen my commitment to family medicine.
Martin Vazquez, MS2
Charles R. Drew University, College of Medicine
Attending the 2024 CAFP POP Conference in Costa Mesa, California, reinforced my understanding of the residency application cycle. The current interns and residents went above and beyond to give us important tips on how to have a successful application. I appreciated how they were candid about their interviews and how many residency programs they applied to. The residency/exhibitor fair allowed me to have one-on-one conversations with the interns, residents, and program directors. I was able to get the inside scoop on how they are enjoying their programs and what made their applications stand out. Hearing California’s Surgeon General, Dr. Diana Ramos, speaking on her office’s next steps on focusing on maternal health, was moving.
I want to thank LAAFP for offering me this opportunity to explore and solidify my journey into family medicine. I am honored to be a part of the LAAFP and look forward to continuing working with our chapter on future events and opportunities.
Jackie Vu, MS4
David Geffen School of Medicine/ UCLA
Attending the POP Conference was an empowering and transformative experience that reinforced my passion for Family Medicine. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals, all dedicated to the mission of providing comprehensive and compassionate care, was both inspiring and motivating. The conference not only expanded my knowledge but also deepened my commitment to this vital field of medicine.
One of the most impactful sessions was a talk on reproductive health and information sharing, which highlighted the complexities and responsibilities of providing care in today’s challenging legal landscape. The discussion brought to my attention something I was not previously aware of, which is that with electronic medical records, information can be shared across state lines, and depending on what is documented in regards to a patient’s abortion history, we as providers can inadvertently put patients at risk. This was shocking as I generally think of thorough documentation and information sharing as helpful in improving continuity and quality of care. However, now knowing that what I document can have legal ramifications for my patients, I intend to proceed with vigilance in protecting patient confidentiality and with intentions to stay informed, especially in an increasingly interconnected world.
I am immensely grateful to the Los Angeles Academy of Family Physicians (LAAFP) for providing me with the scholarship that made my attendance possible. Without this generous support, the financial burden might have prevented me from participating in such a valuable experience. Thank you again to the LAAFP for making this incredible opportunity possible. Your support has made a significant impact on my path to becoming a Family Medicine physician, and I am deeply appreciative of your investment in my future.
