We’re proud to share that GUS Medical Schools – Saba University School of Medicine (Saba), Medical University of the Americas (MUA) and St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM) – were recently awarded the 2024 Program of Excellence Award by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). 

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This award recognizes the development of a brand-new, student-led Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) that includes members from all three medical schools. The aim of this group, and other FMIGs like it that also received the 2024 award, is to grow and support interest in family medicine, and thereby enrich medical systems around the world.  

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President and Founder Aalyia Rana, an SMUSOM student, shared more about the group’s founding: “Our goal was to create a community across three sister schools to foster interest in Family Medicine by sharing knowledge, resources and experiences. Through collaboration among SMUSOM, MUA and Saba, we hoped to establish a unique platform for students to explore the diverse aspects of family medicine and build connections with peers and mentors.” 

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Students from the GUS Med FMIG were honored in early August during the AAFP National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students in Kansas City, Missouri. This wonderful event highlighted and celebrated the group’s accomplishments, and provided students with the opportunity to network with peers and hear from family medicine industry leaders. 

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On behalf of GUS Med & Vet, Dr. Linda Berardi-Demo, FMIG Group Advisor, shared “We are so proud of the innovation and commitment of our students. Their work truly exemplifies our mission and values. We can’t wait to see everything the Family Medicine Interest Group will achieve!”