MSU College of Human Medicine Alum, Julie Ngo, Wins Outstanding Medical Student in Michigan Award

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, the state’s largest medical specialty association, awarded Julie Ngo with its 2023 Outstanding Medical Student in Michigan Award on Aug. 14.

Ngo served as 2022-2023 president of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine’s family medicine interest group on the Flint campus, vice president of the student council, and directed the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association. She also served on numerous other student boards and councils and was a leader among her peers, supporting fellow medical students with their coursework, research, and path to medical residency.

“We are thrilled to honor Julie Ngo with this award,” said Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Chair Glenn Dregansky, DO, FAAFP. “Her commitment, kindness, and compassion shines through in her hard work, and that will make her an extraordinary family physician in the years ahead.”

Throughout medical school, Ngo has collected numerous awards and honors. Most notably, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2011 from the White House, and she earned commendations at the American Academy of Family Physicians’ 2022 Family Medicine Experience conference, the largest gathering of family physicians in the United States.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be presented with MAFP’s Outstanding Medical Student in Michigan Award, although the work I have done is nothing in comparison to the joy that comes from serving and advocating for those who are underserved and underprivileged. That is the real reward,” said Ngo.

Ngo is a 2023 graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where she earned her medical degree. On July 1, she began her 3-year family medicine residency training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians’ annual Outstanding Medical Student in Michigan Award is presented to a student member for their academic excellence, leadership, community service, and dedication to pursuing a career as a family physician.

Family medicine is a primary care specialty practiced by family physicians. Family physicians are the quarterbacks of health, helping people stay healthy, manage chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, and avoid preventable hospitalizations.

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians advocates for family physicians; among its top priorities are preserving physician-led team-based care and increasing the state’s primary care workforce. Both are critical for Michigan residents to be able to access healthcare services when and where they need them.