Chandler Stisher is a fourth-year medical student.A medical student from the University of Alabama at Birmingham has been selected to serve as the student representative on the American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors. Chandler Stisher, a fourth-year medical student, will serve as the only student on the board for one year.
“In my role this year, I hope to inspire other students to consider family medicine as a possible career as well as encourage interested students to pursue leadership opportunities within the AAFP,” Stisher said. “Many students don’t know what family physicians do on a daily basis, and I hope to be able to help change that.”
Stisher, a UAB School of Medicine student in the Department of Family Medicine, has been involved with the AAFP for the past two years. He hopes he will be able to provide a student perspective.
“As a student on the board, I want to represent the diverse student voice to the AAFP Board of Directors to make sure that student interests continue to be a high priority for the AAFP,” he said. “Over the past 2 years, I have learned that AAFP leadership truly cares what students have to say, and I am excited to be part of that team this year.”
To Stisher, family medicine is a perfect fit as it provides many opportunities to help others in various capacities.
“The ability to follow patients throughout the lifespan really appeals to me, and I believe this allows family physicians to connect with their patients on a deeper level. I also like that I have so many options as a family doctor: sports medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, inpatient medicine, outpatient medicine, population health, palliative medicine, etc.” Stisher explained. “In addition, the training that I will receive, a family medicine residency will ultimately prepare me to work in other countries that do not have the access to healthcare that we do in America, and receiving that type of training was very important to me when choosing a medical specialty.”
Stisher will serve as the AAFP student director from now until October 2019. After he completes his residency, he hopes to pursue a Faculty Development Fellowship and participate in medical mission trips around the world.