#USA #Bronx #Community Care #Sarah Nosal #AAFP

New Leadership in Family Medicine

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has officially welcomed Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, as its new president, reflecting a significant moment in the organization’s history. Nosal, a dedicated family physician hailing from the Bronx, New York, brings nearly 20 years of experience working in diverse and under-resourced communities. Furthermore, she has substantial experience in leadership roles within healthcare advocacy.

The AAFP, representing over 128,300 family physicians, residents, and medical students across the nation, stands firmly behind Nosal's vision for family medicine, which emphasizes the importance of community connection in healthcare.

"Community has always been at the heart of family medicine. Our patients do not just come to us in exam rooms; they are our neighbors, our children's teachers, and the people we see in the grocery store," Nosal articulated. This statement encapsulates her approach to family medicine, where patient relationships extend beyond clinical settings, fostering an environment that supports health through community engagement.

In her capacity as vice president for Innovation and Optimization, as well as chief medical information officer at The Institute for Family Health, Nosal has made significant strides in advancing telehealth services and improving healthcare IT infrastructure. Her focus on equitable access to medical information and quality care aligns seamlessly with the core values of the AAFP.

Nosal is not just a leader in the healthcare field; she also serves as an assistant professor at the Mount Sinai Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. She actively contributes to free clinics that cater to uninsured and marginalized patients, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, "As a resident, I attended my first national AAFP governance meeting and saw firsthand how individuals could truly shape family medicine and the way we work with patients." This experience ignited her passion for positive change within the AAFP and the broader healthcare environment, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing the quality of care in family medicine.

Nosal earned dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology from Bryn Mawr College, followed by her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She completed her residency specializing in Urban Family Practice at Beth Israel Medical Center, underlining her dedication to serving diverse populations.

As a board-certified member of the American Board of Family Medicine and a recipient of the AAFP Degree of Fellow for distinguished service, Nosal is established as a leading figure in family medicine. She aims to continue leading the AAFP towards its goals, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes long-term relationships between physicians and their patients.

AAFP's Mission

The American Academy of Family Physicians is the largest national association of family physicians in the United States. It champions the family medicine specialty, highlighting the importance of personal, ongoing patient-physician relationships in delivering impactful healthcare. It supports family physicians through every stage of their careers, providing resources, advocacy, and community to empower family medicine.

As the new president, Sarah Nosal stands at the forefront of a crucial phase in family medicine, reinforcing the need for a robust connection between communities and healthcare providers, all while addressing the ongoing challenges faced in the medical field today.

To learn more about the AAFP and its initiatives, visit aafp.org. To find out more about healthcare, medical conditions, and improving wellness, check out AAFP’s patient education website at familydoctor.org.