Philanthropist of the Year
Dennis Gingrich, M.D., FAAFP
At the AAFP Foundation’s Annual Recognition Ceremony during the 2024 Family Medicine Experience, Dennis Gingrich, M.D., FAAFP, was honored as the Philanthropist of the Year, a recognition that underscores his decades-long commitment to the field of family medicine. Gingrich’s journey with the Foundation began when he transitioned into academia, where he quickly realized the importance of immersive experiences in shaping future family physicians.
“I learned when giving career counseling that it was important for them as they considered family medicine to be immersed in some kind of experience to understand the complexity of family medicine,” Gingrich said. “The National Conference (of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students) was a terrific way to introduce them to that.”
Gingrich soon discovered that the Foundation supported scholarships for students to attend National Conference (now known as Future: The National Conference for the Future of Family Medicine), which is funded by the members of the family medicine community. This realization deepened his connection to philanthropy for the specialty, aligning with his belief in shared goals and values. For Gingrich, contributing to the Foundation was not just about financial support. “When I contribute, it goes to a place I want it to go,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of knowing that his contributions were making a direct impact.
His contributions to the Foundation extend beyond financial donations. For over a decade, Gingrich has been involved with the Emerging Leader Institute (ELI), serving as a mentor and teacher. This experience, he shared, has been one of the most rewarding ways he has contributed to the Foundation’s mission. Through his work with ELI, Gingrich has seen firsthand the profound impact the Foundation has on nurturing future leaders in family medicine.
"If I had to pick one term that describes Dennis Gingrich, it is relationship," said Douglas Spotts, M.D., FAAFP, FCPP. "Relationships are important to him, and he travels great distance and carves out generous amounts of time to continually nurture and cultivate relationships for himself and create these opportunities for others."
Gingrich’s dedication is also evident in his scholarly work. He is in the process of co-authoring a book with Aaron George, D.O., FAAFP, FCPP, on the history of family medicine, a project supported by the Foundation’s Sandra L. Panther Fellowship. Reflecting on the support he received, Gingrich expressed a wish that every contributor could see the significance of their support and the difference it makes in achieving goals and completing projects.
Upon receiving the Philanthropist of the Year award, Gingrich was both surprised and grateful. “My first reaction was surprise and shock,” he admitted. “My second reaction was gratitude — how kind to acknowledge my work in supporting the Foundation. It doesn’t mean that I am particularly special, but it serves as an example of how to meaningfully work for the benefit of the Foundation.”
Gingrich’s recognition as Philanthropist of the Year serves as a testament to his lifelong dedication to family medicine and his unwavering support of the AAFP Foundation.