May 31, 2025
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach CA
The meeting was called to order by President, Jerry Abraham, MD. All of the participants were welcomed and each was provided the opportunity to introduce themselves. There were 31 members in attendance. Executive Director Joe Kuns was also present. The LAAFP Member Meeting Minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting were presented by Dr. Abraham. He requested a motion to approve the minutes as printed in the agenda. It was moved, seconded, and approved without objection.
The 2025 Treasurer’s Report was presented, and Dr. Abraham requested a motion to accept the report. It was seconded and accepted unanimously.
Dr. Abraham began a discussion to highlight two grants. The LA Safe Haven Grant, through Essential Access, supporting reproductive health initiatives and a new grant from the ABFM Foundation to develop a regional family medicine residency network, responding to the need for collaboration between residency programs across the county. Dr. Peony Khoo was recognized for spearheading the residency network initiative. The discussion focused on the historical importance of residency networks and hopes to revive collaborative learning days for residents across programs.
A group discussion on continued prioritization of mentorship for students and residents, with special efforts to encourage interest and retention in family medicine. Participants shared that exposure to family medicine varies widely by institution. Those schools with dedicated primary care tracks report stronger interest, while others lack family medicine rotations. The discussion included systemic issues affecting career choice, including loan repayment, and policy changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Procedural skills workshops, particularly those involving hands-on training, are highly popular and effective in promoting family medicine to students and residents.
President Emeritus, Dr. Emma Hiscocks was recognized and presented with a plaque from the AAFP for her service as last year’s LAAFP Chapter President. Upcoming meetings were discussed including a virtual Member Meeting in September, and the December meeting at Descanso Gardens.
The meeting was adjourned.
