The Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) is a student-led organization that empowers medical students on campus to learn more about the family medicine specialty. There are similar interest groups on campus for other specialties that offer a place for medical students to ask questions, plug into professional organizations and learn more about the departments that represent these specialties on campus.
The Department of Family and Community Medicine’s FMIG recently completed selections for its 2021-2022 executive leadership team. The team includes four medical students, all in their first year, who will collaborate to plan events and work with their departmental advisor, Ksenia Blinnikova, M.D., to increase interest in family medicine among their peers. Fallon Lalor, Dalton Frederick, Claire Wilson, and Hope Cain will serve the organization this year. Each student has a different perspective on family medicine and looks forward to a successful year in FMIG.
Hope Cain
Hometown
Hartselle, AL
Undergraduate school
University of Mobile
Why did you choose to come to UAB?
I chose to come to UAB because it felt like home when I was on campus and where I am supposed to be. The faculty and staff here are amazing and willing to help! I could not imagine learning anywhere else.
Why did you choose to join FMIG and are interested in Family Medicine?
I choose to join FMIG because I want to bring awareness to the multiple opportunities one can have through Family Medicine. I want more people to understand just what all Family Medicine can provide for patients.
What are you most looking forward to about being on FMIG leadership this year?
I am most looking forward to connecting to students and faculty.
What is your advice for upcoming MS1s as they come to campus this summer?
Have fun! Enjoy and learn as much as you can because it flies by!
Dalton Frederick
Hometown
Hamilton, AL
Undergraduate school
UAB
Why did you choose to come to UAB?
I chose UAB as part of joining the Rural Medical Program. The reputation and vast support for family medicine in rural areas were a big factor in coming here. I loved the atmosphere here as an undergraduate and wanted to continue this as part of UAB SOM.
Why did you choose to join FMIG and are interested in Family Medicine?
I choose to join FMIG to show how great an opportunity that family medicine can be. It’s a rewarding specialty that is increasingly needed in all different areas, especially rural ones. In family medicine, an individual can treat an entire family and be an integral part of a community.
What are you most looking forward to about being on FMIG leadership this year?
I am most excited about collaborating with different physicians in family medicine to be given a platform to talk about their professions with medical students. There are many opportunities in family medicine in many different areas.
What is your advice for upcoming MS1s as they come to campus this summer?
My best advice for upcoming MS1s is not to rush everything. Make as many friends and connections as you can from the start.
Fallon Lalor
Hometown
Grant, AL
Undergraduate School
UAB
Why did you choose to study at UAB School of Medicine?
I chose UAB because of the opportunities provided by the Primary Care Track to develop longitudinal relationships with patients. I will do my clinical rotations in Tuscaloosa, and I look forward to the unique opportunities to learn clinical skills in an environment that is focused on Primary Care and service.
Why did you choose to join FMIG and why are you interested in family medicine?
I chose to join FMIG because I have been interested in the field since I shadowed a Family Medicine physician for several weeks as an undergraduate student. I was inspired by the physician's dedication to improving his patients' quality of life and helping them overcome the obstacles that impeded their access to care. Family Medicine physicians have the unique ability to walk with patients from birth until the end of their lives and that is what appeals to me the most about the field.
What are you most looking forward to about being on FMIG leadership this year?
I am looking forward to educating the incoming first-year medical student class about the field of Family Medicine because I think many students don't realize the opportunities Family Medicine physicians have to work with underserved populations and serve as a leader in their community.
Any advice for upcoming MS1s?
My advice for upcoming MS1s is to come in with an open mind and make as many friends as you can!
Claire Wilson
Hometown
Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate School
UAB
Why did you choose to study at UAB School of Medicine?
I came to UAB because of the amazing faculty! After a great experience at UAB getting my undergraduate degree, I couldn’t imagine leaving this community.
Why did you choose to join FMIG and why are you interested in family medicine?
I chose to join the executive committee to increase awareness of family medicine and all the great opportunities it can afford physicians. I am excited to learn about all the wonderful things family medicine does for the Birmingham community.
What are you most looking forward to about being on FMIG leadership this year?
I am most excited to engage with my fellow students and plan programs that are interesting and helpful to them.
Any advice for upcoming MS1s?
I would tell an incoming MS1 to take advantage of all of the wonderful social events because getting to know my classmates has been so fun.