Po-Yin Samuel Huang, MD
My FM Story…
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your assistant treasurer-secretary. With my first editorial, I would like to share with you my story of how I got involved with organized medicine. It all started during the end of my second year in residency. I had the honor to be chosen as the administrative chief resident. In preparation for this role, I attended the Chief Resident Leadership Development Program provided by AAFP in May 2013. Aside from receiving newsletters, that was my first direct contact with AAFP and my first trip to Kansas City. I then attended the AAFP Scientific Assembly (now known as FMX) in October 2013 as part of this training program. Various leaders shared their visions for family medicine, and this awe-inspiring moment was the first time I experienced the tremendous value brought forth by organized medicine.
In October 2013, I was also invited by my attending and mentor Dr. José Avalos to attend the California Medical Association (CMA) House of Delegates as a resident delegate. It was an eye-opening experience to see how policies are debated and formulated. I subsequently attended the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates Interim Meeting in November 2013 and witnessed a similar process take place at the national level. Following my initial encounters with the medical associations, I attended my first CAFP All Members Advocacy Meeting in March 2014 and had the opportunity to participate in my first lobby day. It was heartwarming to be surrounded by like-minded family physicians developing policies to advance primary care and advocating for our patients and our profession at the State Capitol. I enjoyed it so much that I signed up for the Family Medicine Congressional Conference (now known as Family Medicine Advocacy Summit or FMAS) in May 2014 to lobby at the national level. It was the first time I experienced the awesome strength of our voices united through organized medicine.
In addition to the wonderful experience developing policies and lobbying the legislators, I also met numerous friends along this journey. Hearing their stories and perspectives expanded my horizons and opened my eyes to broader understanding beyond my day-to-day clinical work. I learned about various modes of practice and the different challenges faced by physicians in various levels of training and specialties. Learning from awesome mentors along the way has propelled me to join the leadership at LAAFP and other organizations to serve our members and advance our causes. Thus, I became a strong believer of the importance of organized medicine, providing tremendous value, unifying our voices, and facilitating networking opportunities amongst physicians in all walks of life. This is how I got involved with (hooked on) organized medicine. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your assistant treasurer-secretary. I look forward to hearing your stories.
