Student organization excellence

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine’s Family Medicine Interest Group has been named one of the top family interest groups in the country. 

The American Academy of Family Physicians recognized OUWB’s Family Medicine Interest Group with the AAFP Overall Program of Excellence Award for 2025. 

The AAFP acknowledges programs within three categories: overall awards, categorical and special consideration awards, and faculty awards. This year, OUWB was awarded both the Overall Program of Excellence Award and the Joyce Jeardeau Memorial Award for faculty excellence. 

The Overall Program of Excellence Award recognizes well-rounded programs that demonstrate excellence and assist in further promoting family medicine within their medical school and community. 

To be considered for an award, an FMIG program must exemplify quality in the following categories:

• FMIG structure and operation
• Community service
• Professional development
• Exposing students to family medicine and family physicians
• Promoting the value of family medicine
• Measures of success 

In addition to this, programs must highlight notable changes from the previous years’ experiences and activities. 

OUWB’s Family Medicine Interest Group received this recognition following a nomination from Jordan Kamen, M3 and 2024-2025 FMIG President. Kamen says she was surprised to learn OUWB’s FMIG had received the award. 

Kamen’s application and nomination led to the group's win and FMIG’s faculty advisor, Adam Shammami, D.O., winning the Joyce Jeardeau Memorial Award that recognizes a faculty advisor for outstanding work in supporting their FMIG. 

“We stayed consistent and Dr. Shammami, our advisor, has been a huge part of that,” Kamen says. “He’s been key to getting so many events done because he helped set up and find all the residents and doctors who come to be on the panels.” 

OUWB students and members of FMIG take a moment to pose for a photo while volunteering at World Medical Relief in Southfield, Michigan.

Unlike the Program of Excellence Award that acknowledges multiple universities, the Joyce Jeardeau Memorial Award recognizes a sole faculty member across the nation for their work.

"To be acknowledged by such a respected organization is incredibly meaningful, and I am deeply grateful for this honor,” Shammami says. “It’s a humbling recognition that reflects not only my efforts but also the efforts, and collaboration of the OUWB students that am privileged to work with and provide mentorship for.”

'Doing something right'

More than receiving the award, the dedication and commitment that the Family Medicine Interest Group puts in pays off. 

“To get experience in specialties before we’re actually in the hospital, it is just proof that we are doing something right,” Kamen says. 

The Family Medicine Interest Group is comprised of students from various years in their program, including an executive board of five M2s who help plan and support the group’s initiatives. 

"What sets them apart is not just their academic excellence, but their unwavering commitment to the core values of family medicine — continuity of care, advocacy, equity, and holistic patient-centered practice,” Shammami says .

Kamen says the group prioritizes students gaining understanding in areas that interest them. 

“We met multiple times to plan out events for the entire year and to figure out, ‘What do people want to see?’” Kamen says. 

The Family Medicine Interest Group has provided an event nearly every month during the academic year, allowing students to gain exposure in various areas of studies. 

Among the group’s most notable events are the skills nights. These events provide hands-on experience for students in various specialties. Oftentimes, FMIG partners with other student organizations to provide further exposure and experience for students. 

The skills nights rotate yearly and are chosen based on the interests and wants of students. This year included skills nights in dermatology, casting, and ultrasounds. 

Another example of an FMIG event centers on providing students with opportunities to learn more about the subspecialities related to family medicine. 

Panel discussions also are held to give students chances to hear from various residents and doctors. This year’s panels included primary care and different areas of human medicine. 

By providing students with a wide range of events and activities, they aim to garner interest in family medicine and help students to find their passion. 

Kamen says the recognition from the AAFP helps set this group apart from others across the country and highlights the benefits of being involved. 

“With this distinction, we can encourage even more people,” Kamen said. “Maybe that can encourage more people to be interested in family medicine early on.”