Uniformed Services University Family Medicine Interest Group Earns National Award for Innovative Programming
American Academy of Family Physicians honors USU Family Medicine Interest Group with 2026 Excellence for Innovative Programming Award
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| From left, Dr. Christina M. Kelly, vice chair for faculty development and advancement in the USU Department of Family Medicine, joins USU medical students Allison Kwon and Tyler Kraft, both Class of 2028, who accepted the 2026 AAFP Program of Excellence Award for Innovative Programming on behalf of the Family Medicine Interest Group during the AAFP FUTURE conference, held July 29-Aug. 1 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Courtesy photo) |
August 12, 2026 by Sharon Holland
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) has received for the 2026 Excellence for Innovative Programming Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), recognizing the organization's exceptional efforts to engage medical students and promote careers in family medicine through creative and impactful programming.
The award is part of the AAFP's annual Program of Excellence Awards, which honor Family Medicine Interest Groups that make outstanding contributions to their medical school communities by inspiring and preparing the next generation of family physicians. The awards were presented during the AAFP FUTURE conference, held July 29-Aug. 1 in Kansas City, Missouri.
The award marks the second year in a row that USU's Family Medicine Interest Group has earned the recognition. Behind the year's programming were the group's Class of 2028 student officers, including Allison Kwon and Tyler Kraft along with fellow officers Thomas Croft and Labonita Ghose.
USU's FMIG was recognized for developing innovative programs that introduce students to the breadth and impact of family medicine while reinforcing the specialty's critical role in military readiness, operational medicine, and comprehensive patient care. Through educational events, mentorship opportunities, community engagement, and hands-on experiences, the group has fostered student interest in family medicine and strengthened connections between learners, faculty, and military physicians.
Over the past year, the USU FMIG engaged more than 200 students through 10 events highlighting the diversity and scope of family medicine. Programming included panels featuring White House physicians, discussions about global health opportunities and family medicine-obstetrics fellowships, and opportunities for students to connect with military family medicine residents and clerkship site directors as they prepared for clinical rotations. The group also promoted involvement in the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians (USAFP), recruited new members at USU's Connections Fair, and highlighted student research at the USAFP awards lunch.
One example of the university’s FMIG's innovative, hands-on programming was a Battlefield Acupuncture workshop co-hosted with the USU Integrative Medicine Interest Group. The event introduced students to an auricular technique used for pain relief while showcasing the range of skills military family physicians can employ in both austere environments and routine patient care. Students participated in demonstrations and hands-on practice under the direct supervision of family medicine faculty. The event also provided an opportunity for students and faculty to build relationships and learn more about the scope of military family medicine.
"This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and leadership of our students and faculty advisors," said Army Col. (Dr.) Dana Nguyen, chair of the USU Family Medicine department. "Family medicine is foundational to the Military Health System, and our Family Medicine Interest Group continues to demonstrate how innovative programming can inspire future military physicians to pursue careers focused on comprehensive, patient-centered care."
"This award highlights the enthusiasm and commitment of our students to advancing family medicine," said Lt. Cmdr. (Dr.) Taylor James, assistant professor of Family Medicine and USU Family Medicine Interest Group advisor. "Their work not only enriches the educational experience at USU but also helps ensure the future strength of the military family medicine workforce."
The AAFP represents more than 124,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. Its Program of Excellence Awards recognize family medicine interest groups that demonstrate exceptional achievement in recruiting and supporting students interested in family medicine through innovative programming and meaningful engagement.
As the nation's federal health professions university, USU prepares future physicians, advanced practice nurses and dentists, scientists, and other health professionals to serve the uniformed services and the Nation.