From Scholarship Recipient to Mentor:

Brent Smith, M.D., M.Sc., M.L.S., FAAFP, a respected family physician and community leader in Greenville, Miss., is a first-generation doctor who is passionate about patient care and mentoring future medical professionals. Raised in Cleveland, Miss., with influences from his father, a history teacher, and his mother, a nurse, Smith's passion in medicine was reignited by a scholarship from the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation in 2008. Now, he advocates giving back as integral to shaping the future of family medicine.

Struggling for clarity on his path and specialty choice during his third year of medical school, Smith felt isolated and overwhelmed by his future in practice. Despite having a genuine passion, Smith questioned his long-term motivations and goals as he advanced through training, frequently feeling as though he was merely going through the motions without a profound sense of purpose. However, after attending the National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students before his fourth year on an AAFP Foundation scholarship, Smith found a home for his passions and a calling for family medicine.

“Being a family physician comes with its challenges — feeling overwhelmed by work and isolated when transitioning to smaller communities are two,” said Smith. “But reconnecting with passionate leaders in family medicine brings hope and encourages us all to make positive change, [which I experienced through my first conference].”

Because of the impact of this early experience, he felt giving back with his time, talent and resources was a natural next step. He has since held leadership roles, starting as an alternate delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates while he was a student before serving as the resident member of the AAFP Board of Directors.

"Physicians coming together fosters a strong sense of self-worth and connection," said Smith. "The Foundation provides early-career physicians with mentorship opportunities in family medicine, in line with our commitment to uphold the Hippocratic Oath in shaping the next generation of physicians. Hopefully from this early connection, more leaders follow for the next generation."

Now in his current role as lead consultant for the Family Medicine Leads Work Group, Smith faces an interesting challenge: assembling a team of dedicated individuals to help shape the next generation of leaders in family medicine. This task involves coordinating with faculty and stakeholders, all of whom are volunteers driven by their passion for ensuring scholars thrive.

Over the past four years, Smith has contributed to the program's stability while introducing new components, such as a longitudinal element featuring ongoing educational sessions throughout the year. Smith noted that his approach keeps scholars engaged beyond the initial immersion, ensuring a sustained learning experience.

The unexpected shift to online platforms in 2020 due to the pandemic presented challenges and opportunities. Despite initial reservations about moving away from in-person interactions, Smith and his team discovered that residents could thrive in a virtual environment. This realization led to integrating online components into the program, complementing the traditional in-person format.

As the lead consultant, Smith worked closely with his predecessor, Jason Marker, M.D., M.P.A., FAAFP, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. While his tenure with the program will conclude in 2025, Smith remains committed to adapting and innovating to meet the evolving needs of scholars, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

While transitioning to residency education, Smith is fulfilled in merging this passion for medical education, history and mentoring new residents. Of special significance, Smith noted he serves just 30 miles from his hometown. Alongside his professional commitments as program director for the Mississippi Delta Family Medicine Residency, he volunteers as a team physician for a community college and remains active in junior high and high school athletics throughout the Delta.

“In giving to the Foundation, I honor those who've impacted me,” said Smith. “My aim is for scholars to recognize these individuals because their legacy lives on through them. It's one of the most meaningful ways I have found to pay tribute to the people that have most impacted me.”

As you think about supporting the Foundation, remember that the "All in for Family Medicine" campaign has launched with a goal of raising $30,000. This money will help provide 50 scholarships for medical students to attend National Conference in 2025. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students.