Donor Spotlights

Why did you choose to go into Family Medicine?

Growing up in a small rural community in the Midwest, family medicine physicians were the only doctors that I came in to contact with in my youth so the field held a natural affinity for me because of that. Knowing that I would most likely practice in a smaller to mid-size community after my training was complete, family medicine seemed like a great fit to meet the needs of the community the best as well. During medical school, I really loved all of my rotations, and I do not think that I would be truly happy just focusing on one specific patient population, organ system or age group like many specialties do. I also love how family medicine really focuses on preventative care, as many health issues would not exist and countless health care dollars would be saved if we focused first on preventing chronic disease and catastrophic illnesses before they occur as much as we are able. I love the “cradle to grave” concept of full scope family medicine practice and being able to see all ages from newborn to elderly, all genders and for a myriad of problems. I love the continuity that comes with family medicine and how we truly follow our patients through their journeys and get to know our patients and their families not only from a medical standpoint but also from a personal standpoint. I am very happy that I chose family medicine, and I cannot imagine myself doing any other field in medicine.

Why do you choose to donate to the Foundation?

I believe that family medicine is the bedrock of our entire health care system, and that it is vitally important to the health and quality of care for all communities in our state. For this reason, I believe it is important to financially support the WAFP-Foundation as they in turn support very important endeavors in family medicine, including those pertinent for both for current practicing physicians at all stages in their careers and at all levels of scope of practice as well as medical learners including both residents and medical students throughout the state of Wisconsin. If we want to continue to have a strong presence for Family Medicine practice and training in the state of Wisconsin, we also need to be willing to donate for the cause.

What do you want to accomplish by giving to the Foundation?

I want to lead by example and show others the value of supporting the WAFP-Foundation and being actively engaged in the WAFP as a member. I want to serve my fellow physicians to the best of my ability, and I want to give back to the next generation of Family Physicians so that they can also achieve their dream of becoming a family medicine physician (and hopefully convincing them to also stay in the state of Wisconsin to practice after residency too!).

What advice would you give to a medical student wanting to pursue Family Medicine in Wisconsin?

You have chosen the best career in medicine and the best state to practice primary care! If you truly love family medicine let nothing hold you back - you will be able to pay back your loans and live a comfortable lifestyle. You will be respected, and you are in prime position to hold leadership positions in medicine with your broad depth of training and focus on holistic and high quality care. You have so many options for scope of practice and for any specialized interests that you might have over the wide breadth of our specialty which is one of the many benefits of family medicine. All of our family medicine training programs throughout the state are excellent—just find one that fits you best and where you will be most happy, and you will have a very rewarding career ahead of you.

Why did you choose to donate to the Students to FUTURE campaign, and how is that important to you?

I continue to donate to the Students to FUTURE campaign because exactly 40 years ago this summer, I was given a grant to be able to attend the National Conference for Student Members between my first and second years of medical school at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. At the time, I had been debating between Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. I truly enjoyed seeing other students from other parts of the country who were very motivated to become family physicians. I remember getting tickets to a Royals game during the season that they won the World Series. I ended up being the only student from my class who graduated Alpha Omega Alpha who went into Family Medicine. I would like other students to also have this experience. During my time as a 4th year preceptor for University of Wisconsin medical students, I found out that the conference has adapted to the times and is also in high demand by 4th year students who are given advice and networking opportunities to find their best residencies.

Why is supporting this initiative important to Family Medicine?

Family Medicine can only be enhanced by getting more qualified medical students to pursue this specialty.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming medical students wanting to pursue Family Medicine in Wisconsin?

A career in Family Medicine is still very viable. I have truly enjoyed the breadth of the specialty as I realize that I would probably have gotten bored in most other specialties. The diversity of this field allows physicians to adapt as medicine constantly changes. During my second career, in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, I found that this flexibility is invaluable in being able to fill in different needs as the need arises.

Why did you choose to donate to the campaign, Students to National Conference, and how is that important you?

My spouse and I are very deliberate in our annual giving plan. We invest in organizations that share our vision and our values. By joining with other people with similar goals, we can do so much more that we could ever do by ourselves. WAFP is a great partner in advocating for the health care needs of the communities we serve, and is the only significant voice to call students in to Family Medicine.

What do you want accomplish by giving to Students to National Conference?

The National Conference is always the singular event that motivates students to go in to Family Medicine, or confirms that plan for those who always knew they wanted to be a Family Physician. By supporting attendance at the National Conference, we are helping to build the workforce of our future.

What advice would you giving to up and coming medical student wanting to pursue Family Medicine in Wisconsin?

Go to Kansas City as often as you can. Spend time in a rural or small-town rotation and experience the joy that comes with prov

Why do you enjoy giving to this organization?

I understand the great need for organized medicine to support Family Physicians and our patients especially through their advocacy efforts.

What is your favorite program to donate to and why?

My favorite program to support is Send a Student to National Conference. It is very well attended and has a high percentage of attendees that end up choosing Family Medicine.

If you were talking to someone else about giving to our organization, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that one of the areas of focus for WAFP is workforce development and for years the foundation has been providing grants and scholarships to students and residents to promote family medicine and practicing in Wisconsin. For many years now, the Foundation has been raising $30,000 a year to send 50 students to the AAFP National Conference for Students and Residents. That effort has resulted in 77% of those students selecting FM as a residency. The foundation has also provided scholarships to encourage rural family medicine. The best thing about giving to the foundation is that every dollar donated goes to supporting these programs.