The headlines tell the story of violence, anger, a variety of “isms,” threats to school children, war, fires, floods and famine. It is tempting to escape with YouTube videos of cute kittens playing, laughing babies, music or to retreat to the world of sports, though sports may provoke anger or elation. Being a “glass is half full” kind of person, I look for hope rather than despair. The next generation of family physicians give me that hope.
I have the pleasant task of assisting with the recruitment interviews for the Duke Family Medicine Residency Program’s entering class of 2016. They are the future of family medicine and are going to make a difference in the world. Reading their personal statements is like a glimpse into the foundation of activism and advocacy. They are doing more in their short tenure on the planet than many of us do in a lifetime.
They are reaching out to address disparities. Many started their own journeys in high school or college. They have started foundations, overcome adversity, challenged the status quo, and plan to be forces of change. We are looking for people who will be agents of change. I think we have found an abundance of candidates and that gives me hope for the future of family medicine and the future of the planet.
This is by no means is a new phenomenon for Duke Family Medicine. Family doctors love the opportunity to share the stories of the journeys our patients travel and pride ourselves in considering the determinants that impact decisions, access and outcomes. We share those journeys through decades of caring.
Duke Family Medicine alumni have a history of leading and caring. A prime example is Maureen Murphy, M.D., Duke Family Medicine Class of 1988, who recently was named AAFP Family Physician of the Year. I had the pleasure of sharing her last night on call as a resident and I am not at all surprised that she has been recognized by her peers.
We are doctors, we are teachers, we are leaders, we are administrators, we are missionaries, we are trendsetters, we are philanthropists. We span the nation and the world. Our alumni colleagues have negotiated for access to care for populations that have no voice of their own. We have advocated for our patients, our specialty, our communities and our profession. We are shaking the status quo for training future family doctors. We are Duke Family Medicine.
Joyce Copeland is core faculty in the Duke Family Medicine Residency Program. Contact her at joyce.copeland@dm.duke.edu.
Editor’s note: A member of the Duke Family Medicine Residency Program leadership team guest blogs every month.