NCCL Helped Convener 'Personally and Professionally'
April 26, 2024, David Mitchell, Kansas City, Mo. — California AFP President Alex McDonald, M.D., CAQSM, FAAFP, led his peers as convener of the National Conference of Constituency Leaders, the AAFP’s leadership development event for women, minorities, new physicians, international medical graduates, and LGBTQ+ physicians or physician allies, April 18-20.
AAFP News sat down with McDonald, an assistant clinical professor at the Bernard J. Tyson Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine in Pasadena and core faculty member at Kaiser Permanente’s Family Medicine Residency in Fontana, at the conclusion of the three-day event to get this thoughts on leadership and making connections in family medicine.
AAFP News: You’ve attended a lot of AAFP and chapter events as a delegate. What was it like to be the person at the podium running the meeting?
McDonald: It was really fun. I’ve come to this meeting for so many years. I have made so many friends and connections, so I felt very comfortable and at home seeing so many people who have supported me. To add my own flair and personality to the meeting was a lot of fun. I take the work, but not myself, seriously. I hope that came through.
AAFP News: When we talked recently you said NCCL was “burnout prevention” and you wanted your peers to “feel invited, connected and engaged” and that you wanted to “help elevate their voices and inspire them.” How do you feel now that it’s over? Mission accomplished?
McDonald: Yes. I definitely felt the energy and enthusiasm that people had. I already got feedback from people about making the meeting fun and engaging. People felt valued and heard because we gave them a safe space to be themselves and to bring forth issues that matter to them. I feel good about that.
Convener Alex McDonald, M.D., CAQSM, FAAFP (third from left) stands with fellow family medicine leaders after the 2024 National Conference of Constituency Leaders. Also pictured, from left, are Marie-Elizabeth Ramas, M.D., FAAFP; Sarah Nosal, M.D., FAAFP; Kim Yu, M.D., FAAFP; Elizabeth McIntosh, M.D., M.P.H.; Jay Lee, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP; and Kisha Davis, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP.
AAFP News: You heard several speeches this week from members running for leadership roles. Why are you excited about this group of family physicians who are pursuing their own leadership paths?
McDonald: I was really excited to see how many people put their names in for all the positions. Having more voices, win or lose, is helpful for the organization and members. To see such diverse representation of candidates is important so that members can see others who look like them and share their background and cultures. That’s another successful aspect of this meeting. Hearing from this group of emerging leaders was really inspiring. I’m excited to see them move us forward.
AAFP News: Delicia Pruitt, M.D., FAAFP, who served as a minority constituency co-convener this year, was elected NCCL convener for 2025. What advice or insights would you share with her and others who will follow you in this role?
McDonald: No. 1, listen to staff. The AAFP staff is incredible. They do a lot of the work, and we get to show up for the fun part. Bringing new perspectives to the event planning process is highly valuable and encouraged, so advocate where there are opportunities. Add your own mark to the meeting by highlighting things that are important to you.
AAFP News: In addition to the leadership positions filled this week, the Academy has a lot of opportunities for members to get involved, regardless of where they are in their education, training or career. What would you say to members who might be pondering those opportunities but aren’t sure about their qualifications or the time commitments?
McDonald: Do it. Get involved. There are so many way to get involved. There are varying layers of involvement with different time commitments. Showing up is 80% of the battle. I got involved as a resident. It opened my eyes and changed the trajectory of my career in ways I didn’t know were possible. I’m so grateful, and I keep coming back. The relationships I’ve made and leadership skills I’ve learned have helped me personally and professionally in tremendous ways.
AAFP News: I know you spent a lot of time in reference committees and business sessions this week, but what else stood out to you?
McDonald: In her plenary on Thursday, Kameron Matthews highlighted the importance of DEI work and that we all have roles to play in addressing bias. It’s work we can’t do individually. We have to do it collaboratively. That’s a message that resonated with members.
Our lunch speaker on Friday, Stella Safo, said that representation matters. Actively soliciting input from those who historically have not been invited to the table is important.
The big thing that stood out to me is just the idea of creating a place where all people are welcome. We have commonality as family physicians, but we bring our own backgrounds and experiences. Finding a place where that idea is welcome and celebrated is missing in many other organizations. The number of people who have a sense of connection and community as a result of this meeting is inspiring. NCCL is one of the most successful programs the Academy has ever launched. It’s developed leaders not only within the Academy but in chapters and other organizations, spreading the ideals of family medicine in many places.