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Year: 2020
Who: The Association of Black Family Medicine Physicians (ABFMP) was founded by Dr. Carmen Simmons, Dr. Asia Colen, and Dr. Ryan Walker.
Where: USA
What: The Association of Black Family Medicine Physicians (ABFMP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black individuals pursuing careers in Family Medicine. With Black physicians representing only 5% of the physician workforce and just 7.8% of Family Medicine residents, ABFMP aims to address this significant underrepresentation by fostering community, offering mentorship, and providing essential resources to empower Black medical students and residents to succeed in the field.
Founded in January 2020, ABFMP began as an informal network of 4th-year medical students connecting through GroupMe to share their passion for Family Medicine, discuss research opportunities, and navigate residency applications. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 heightened concerns about how students could apply for Family Medicine residencies without access to in-person conferences and program visits. Recognizing this challenge, ABFMP evolved into a vital support system under the leadership of its founding members, including Dr. Carmen Simmons, who played a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s early efforts.
By August 2020, the group was known as the Association of Black Family Medicine Applicants, collaborating with over 20 residency programs and residents to offer webinars, personal statement reviews, mock interviews, and mentorship. These efforts provided critical guidance and networking opportunities, helping students overcome barriers to entry into Family Medicine.
On September 3, 2021, the organization became officially incorporated in Georgia as a nonprofit corporation, rebranding as the Association of Black Family Medicine Physicians. By 2022, ABFMP achieved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, solidifying its foundation. Led by Executive Director Dr. Ryan Walker and Communications Director Dr. Priscilla Auguste, ABFMP continues to uphold its mission of supporting Black students and residents through workshops, residency application assistance, and network building. The organization remains a beacon for advancing diversity and inclusion within Family Medicine while empowering the next generation of Black physicians.
Sources:
Websites:
American Black Film Makers. (n.d.). Vision and Mission. https://www.abfmp.org/vision-and-mission
LinkedIn. (n.d.). American Black Film Makers (ABFMP). https://www.linkedin.com/company/abfmp
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