MAFP Connects with Future Healthcare Professionals at Michigan HOSA Conference

As Michigan’s population continues to age and more physicians approach retirement, strengthening the family medicine workforce is essential to improving access to care across the state. Supporting that pipeline is a major focus of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) and its philanthropic arm, the Family Medicine Foundation of Michigan (FMFM). In addition to creating opportunities for medical students to explore the specialty and encouraging resident physicians to remain in Michigan after training, MAFP and FMFM are also working to inspire interest in family medicine among high school students.

Most recently, MAFP hosted a booth at the 2026 Michigan HOSA State Leadership Conference. HOSA-Future Health Professionals is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a career and technical student organization and includes a national network of middle school, high school, college, and post-secondary students interested in pursuing health professions.

Representing MAFP at the conference were PGY-3 Haley Kopkau, MD and David Stalker, MD from Munson Family Medicine Residency Program who connected with students about the specialty. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about medical training, daily life as a physician, and the many pathways available within family medicine.

Hands-on activities, including suturing kits, also gave students an engaging introduction to clinical skills and helped draw strong interest to the booth throughout the event.

Family physicians interested in mentoring students, discussing career pathways, or representing the specialty at future events are encouraged to contact MAFP at [email protected].