Pay it Backward and Pay it Forward on #GivingTuesday

Victoria Gorski, MD

I’m writing to ask you to put the STFM Foundation on your list of worthy causes to contribute to this year on #GivingTuesday.

The STFM Foundation plays a critical role in nurturing people at all phases of the career life cycle in academic family medicine. So this time of year presents a fitting opportunity for giving a gift to the organization that is likely to be for you, as it is for me, your primary professional family.

Many folks in this family of mine have benefited from the foundation’s support. Esteemed senior colleagues have been coached as they prepare for leadership positions in academic medical centers. Delightful and energetic junior colleagues have been awarded funds to enhance their networking and mentorship opportunities. Through the STFM Foundation, our family has been enriched by the diversity of having international scholars visit with us.

And then there are all the opportunities for growth, creativity, and development of the discipline created by the Group Project Fund. Several of the STFM Groups in which I am a member have been able to create new or enhanced curricula and develop innovative approaches to faculty development because of this award. The money received by the Group on the Family and Behavioral Health allowed us to launch the Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator Fellowship, which was especially meaningful to me. Now in its seventh year, the fellowship is running strong, continuing to provide a highly rated experience in professional development for new faculty teaching the behavioral sciences in family medicine.

A gift to the STFM Foundation allows you to both pay it backward and pay it forward. You will honor those you’ve been mentored by. You will also thank those who have kept you young at heart and energized in intellect and spirit by giving them opportunities to grow and carry on your legacy.

This year on #GivingTuesday, at this special time of year for expressing gratitude and reflecting on the gift of family, please send a donation to the STFM Foundation.