MAFP Program Strengthens Skills for Family Medicine Leaders PDF Print Email
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Thursday, August 03, 2023 07:08 AM

MAFP Program Strengthens Skills for Family Medicine Leaders

Leadership ConferenceOn Friday, December 6, 2024, MAFP hosted the Family Medicine Leadership and Development Program at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. This immersive program provided members with an opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, connect with peers, and expand their impact within the specialty of family medicine.

  • The program kicked off with “Effective Communication Using DiSC” led by Caryn Bedford, a consultant from Human Resource Management Services. Attendees explored personalized insights into their behavioral styles and learned how to enhance communication in their professional relationships using the DiSC framework.

  • MAFP CEO Karlene Ketola, MSA, CAE, introduced participants to leadership opportunities within the MAFP and AAFP with “Pathways to MAFP and AAFP Leadership.” The session emphasized the benefits of engaging in professional associations, from skill development to networking and driving meaningful change.

  • Participants gained a deeper understanding of nonprofit board governance in the “Foundations of Board Governance” session led by the Nonprofit Network’s Crystallee Crain, PhD. Participants learned about essential legal duties, responsibilities, and actionable strategies for improving board leadership at both the community and state levels.

  • In “Media Relations: Strategies for Success” Angela Minicuci, APR, and Josh Hovey, APR, from Bellwether Public Relations, shared strategies for effectively engaging with the media. Attendees learned practical tips for shaping media narratives and building positive relationships with reporters.

  • Emily Henderson, Government Affairs Consultant from McCall Hamilton, concluded the program by guiding participants on how to amplify their voices in advocacy efforts with “Advocacy and Using Your Influence.” The session included techniques for engaging with legislators and delivering persuasive testimony to legislative committees.

The program served as a launching pad for attendees interested in taking on leadership roles within the MAFP and AAFP. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how to navigate leadership opportunities, influence policy, and make a lasting impact on the future of family medicine. 

Here is what participants had to say about their experience:

  • “I'm excited to take skills learned today and apply [them] on my next media venture for my local clinic!”

  • “I thought all the lectures were great! I learned quite a bit regarding board membership and this inspired me to be much more vocal on the boards I serve. I am also more committed to joining in on Advocacy Day and discussing the issues at hand with our current lawmakers.”

  • “It will change/improve how I speak with media about my work.”

  • “It relit the fire to get me involved in policy.”

  • “I have a better understanding of how to improve…….. my ability to lead in MAFP.”