Dr. Kehinde Eniola Passes the Torch to the Next Generation of ELI Mentors
After serving nearly 10 years as a mentor in the Family Medicine Leads Emerging Leader Institute (ELI), Kehinde Eniola, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, C.P.E., is making room for the next generation of mentors.
“I have loved every moment of working with my mentees over the years,” said Eniola. “Now, it's time for me to step down from this role and allow other leaders to serve.”
“Working with medical students and residents from all over the U.S. has been a truly enlightening and enjoyable experience,” she noted.
Eniola’s commitment to educating future doctors was recently recognized when she was appointed a full professor position in family medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a testament to her expertise and dedication to the field. Eniola hopes that those who volunteer their time in family medicine will continue to reach out, nurturing talent and fostering growth within the specialty.
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In 2019, Eniola mentored Aaron Thompson, M.D., M.S., through the Emerging Leader Institute program application process. After his acceptance into the program, Eniola continued to work with him on his project, and by 2020, Thompson had earned an ELI award. This success story was a significant moment for Eniola, demonstrating the impact of his mentorship and the value of supporting learners through challenging processes.
“Volunteering with the ELI mentorship program has made it so much easier to mentor others,” said Eniola. “They've provided clear guidance on what questions to ask, and the regular monthly reminders help keep us on track. One of the best parts has been the opportunity to meet with leaders in the ELI program, who are always available to guide me through the process. Having this level of support has been crucial in my role as a volunteer mentor.”
Next for Eniola is to focus on encouraging faculty to stay involved with the AAFP’s education programs. She believes this effort not only sustains current initiatives but also opens doors for greater collaboration among health care professionals through roles such as her position as chair of the Adolescent Health AAFP Member Interest Group (MIG). This work allows her to promote essential conversations about adolescent health and policy within the broader context of family medicine.
By focusing on collaboration and mentorship, she’s helping to shape a brighter future for family medicine. Her enthusiasm for volunteer work is infectious, inspiring others to join her in building a more connected and informed community of health care providers. Through her volunteer work, she advocates for ongoing education and active participation in AAFP and Foundation events, ensuring that the family medicine community stays strong and resilient.