Resident AAFP Leaders
Elected and Appointed Positions
Residents make significant contributions to family medicine as members of the wide variety of boards, commissions, and inter-organizational teams that shape the AAFP. Experience in a leadership role provides valuable career insight and unique mentorship opportunities.
Most resident leadership positions serve for a one-year term, many beginning in the fall.
As medical care and health care reform undergo pivotal changes, the voice of family medicine's next generation of physicians is critical in shaping a future that aligns with the core principles of primary care. Learn what drew current leaders to their roles and find out what they hope to achieve through their skills and passion for family medicine.
Elected National AAFP Leaders
Janet Nwaukoni, MD
Northwestern McGaw Family Medicine Residence at Lake Forest, IL
Resident Member of the AAFP Board of Directors
In her role, Dr. Nwaukoni brings a student perspective to high-level decision-making discussions of the AAFP Board of Directors.
Bright Zhou, MD
Stanford-O'Connor Family Medicine Residency
Resident Chair of the AAFP National Conference
In this role, Dr. Zhou provides input into planning the theme, programming, and special activities for the upcoming National Conference.
"As Resident Chair of National Conference, my biggest goal is to introduce fellow residents to the opportunities available within the academy and at National Conference. As an openly queer and nonbinary family physician, I plan to create an intentional space that is open and inviting to folks from all backgrounds. Whether leadership opportunities, resolution writing, making lifelong connections, or influencing students at the residency expo, there is something for everyone at National Conference and I want to expand these opportunities to all. I'm extra excited to see what energy the future of Family Medicine will bring to this year's 50th National Conference - see y'all there!"
Aerial Petty, DO
Family Medicine Residency Program at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center
Resident Delegate to the Congress of Delegates
In this role, Dr. Petty represents resident member interests at the AAFP Congress of Delegates and functions as a member of the AAFP Commission on Education.
"I hope to elevate the voices of my fellow residents, to engage them in advocacy, and to strengthen our grassroots approach to policy that family medicine residents are so well suited to. I aspire to show other residents that policy is not simply a necessary part of what we do in family medicine; it's a fun and rewarding aspect too. I hope to encourage more residents to see how policy is another way in which we're able to advocate for our patients, communities, and each other through my role as alternate delegate to the Congress of Delegates and as a member of the Commission on Education."
Rebecca Stoll, DO
Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency
Resident Delegate to the Congress of Delegates
In her role, Dr. Stoll represents resident member interests at the AAFP Congress of Delegates and functions as a member of the AAFP Commission on Education.
"I plan to serve residents and represent their interests in all capacities. My focus will be based on what is most important to those I was elected to represent. Based on my experience as National Conference, I think we have a long way to go to support our IMGs and unmatched residents. I'm honored to be in this role and so thankful for the opportunity!"
AAFP Commissions
Christopher Veal, MD
Carle Foundation Hospital Program
Resident Member of the Commission of Continuing Professional Development
As a representative of the AAFP's Continuing Professional Development, the resident leader is involved in oversight, planning, and evaluation of all AAFP-provided CME.
"A great deal of my advocacy has been in the area of Trauma Informed Care. I am hoping to be able to use my position to help ensure Trauma Informed Care training or principles are incorporated in AAFP CME and recommended professional curricula."
Oby Egeolu, MD, MS
OPTI West Program-Roseburg Family Medicine Residency
Resident Member of the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
As a representative of the AAFP's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in Family Medicine, the resident leader is involved in leveraging diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and antiracism lenses to inform and guide AAFP recommendations, policies, and work addressing disparities in care, health, and workforce.
"Develop, and evaluate policies that promote health equity."
Jonathan Staloff, MD, MSc
University of Washington Family Medicine Residency Program
Resident Member of the AAFP Commission on Federal and State Policy
As a representative of the AAFP's Commission on Federal and State Policy, the resident leader is involved in guiding the Academy's advocacy efforts before the federal government and to assist the constituent chapters in their advocacy efforts before state governments.
"The details of federal and state policy have profound impacts for family medicine physicians, patients, and communities. As a member of the Commission on Federal and State Policy, I hope to bring my policy background to advocate for reforms that strengthen primary care as the focal point of a population health oriented health care system."
Ada Pariser, MD
Kent Hospital/Brown University Program
Resident Member of the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science
Dr. Pariser's role includes contributing to a wide scope of issues, such as health of the public, evidence-based clinical recommendations and care, generation of new knowledge and science with dissemination and implementation, and disparities and the underserved populations.
"I am humbled and honored to be appointed to this position in which I hope to represent the resident perspective in the work of the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science. The work done by this commission has the potential to impact many facets of the health and wellbeing of our members, patients, and communities. The importance of this commission producing work that is evidence driven, inclusive, and timely is paramount and I am eager to assist the commission in fulfilling its mission.."
Madeline Hazle, MD
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Resident Member of the AAFP Commission on Membership and Member Services
Dr. Hazle's role includes projects in areas such as recruitment, retention, value of membership, member services, life-stage career issues, special needs, awards, international membership, urban/rural membership issues, degree of fellow, special constituencies, National Conference of Special Constituencies planning and chapter relations, and leadership development.
"I look forward to bringing the resident perspective to commission discussions and advocating for the needs of my fellow trainees within the AAFP. I hope to increase the engagement of residents and students in AAFP materials and activities, and I would like to help develop and promote efforts specifically geared toward this demographic."
Karstan Luchini, DO, MS
University of Missouri-Kansas City Family Medicine Residency Program
Resident Member of the Commission Quality and Practice
This leadership role includes the study of health care delivery systems (e.g., PCMH, ACOs), performance measurement, practice redesign/quality improvement, privileging, health information technology, practice management, private sector advocacy, and physician payment.
"In my role as a Resident Member to the AAFP Commission for Quality and Practice, I plan to offer a rural medicine perspective to enhance the commission's initiatives. Drawing from my experience as a youth in the rural Midwest, I aim to advocate for policies that address the specific challenges and opportunities in underserved areas. My contributions will focus on promoting evidence-based guidelines tailored to the needs of rural communities, ensuring equitable access to quality care. Moreover, I'll work to raise awareness about the vital role of primary care in rural medicine and foster collaboration between urban and rural healthcare providers to improve healthcare quality in these underserved regions."
Jiayu "Kate" Tian, MD
University of Vermont Family Medicine Residency
Resident Member of the Commission on Education
In this role, Dr. Tian supports the AAFP's strategic objective on education by supporting the lifelong learning of family physicians and other health care professionals as a member of the commission that guides the AAFP's accreditation and provision of continuing medical education.
"My goal while serving on the COE is to represent residents’ perspectives on medical education to ensure family medicine residency training prepares us for long-lasting, satisfying careers that also fulfill the needs of our communities. I am also excited to contribute to projects that foster student interest in family medicine and strengthen the #FMRevolution!"
Representatives and Liaisons to Other Organizations
Prachi Thaper, DO, MSc
University of Texas Southwestern Family Medicine
Resident Delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) Resident Fellow Section
Dr. Thaper represents AAFP resident interests at AMA meetings and interacts with AMA delegates from the AAFP.
"I hope to act as an advocate to help share my fellow family residents' voices and opinions with the AMA. I also hope to meet and collaborate with like-minded peers and mentors."
Garrett Knesse, MD
University of California San Diego-FMRP
Resident Delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates
Dr. Knesse represents AAFP resident interests at AMA meetings and interacts with AMA delegates from the AAFP.
"After many years of working with the Academy as a student and Resident leader, stemming from work with the family medicine interest group National leadership, Congressional delegations, and Commission on Education involvement, I am ecstatic to take the leap into representation of Family Medicine residents on behalf of the AAFP as a delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates. I hope to use my role as a representative and cumulative experience working alongside the academy to voice the interest, concerns, and aspirations for Family Medicine as they integrate with Medical Society largely and organized medicine as a whole. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your comments, concerns, and interests should you have them surrounding our business with the AMA delegation."
Kelly Dougherty, MD
Mercy Family Medicine Residency
Resident Member of the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees
In this role, Dr. Dougherty is involved with high-level decision making on a nonprofit board of trustees.
"I hope to give back to the AAFP Foundation for all they contribute to us as Family Medicine Residents and Students. I hope to use my experiences and feedback from my peers to continue to shape Foundation Programming to further strengthen their impact on future Family Physicians."
Paola Lepe, MD
Stanford University-O'Connor Family Medicine Residency
Resident Member to Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Residency Directors
In this role, Dr. Lepe is involved with high-level decision making on a nonprofit board of trustees.
Ijeoma Amanze, MD
Family Medicine Residency Program of LSU Health Shreveport
Resident Member to the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors
In this role, Dr. Amanze is to inform and provide a resident perspective to program directors on environmental issues impacting residents and their education.
AAFP Advisory and Program Boards
Maria Bianchi Rey, MD
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Family Medicine Residency Program
Resident Member of the AAFP Center for Global Health Initiatives
Contact Dr. Bianchi-Rey
In this role as the resident member, Dr. Bianchi-Rey is to help plan the AAFP Family Medicine Global Health Workshop, and take the lead in preparing and facilitating the Global Health Networking Meeting at the National Conference.
Zachary Moorehouse, DO, MS
Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program
This role is dedicated to conducting, supporting, promoting, and advocating for primary care research in practice-based settings.
Moses J. Syldort, MD
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at Glen Cove Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
Resident Member of the American Family Physician Editorial Board
In this role, Dr. Syldort will work on a peer-reviewed clinical research journal dedicated to advancing knowledge essential to understanding and improving health and primary care.
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Veerauo Konkankit, MD
Yuma Reginal Medical Center Program, Rural Track Program
Resident Member of the Annals of Family Medicine Editorial Advisory Board
Dr. Konkankit participates in activities including helping to develop and maintain the journal's social media presence to writing Annals Journal Club questions and more.
"It is of great honor to have been selected for this position. I am dedicated to advancing knowledge essential to improving health and primary care. I aspire to educate fellow residents with an interest for research and further promote the importance of research in primary care. I believe one of the major aspects of practicing medicine is not only having the ability to understand it, but also advancing it further for our future generations. With a great interest in academic medicine, I am eager to learn from other board members in this upcoming year."
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