Creating Meaningful Spaces for Medical Collaboration in Family Medicine

The seminar was directed by Dr. John W. Ragsdale III from Duke University, joined by Dr. Jonathan Fischer, Dr. Kenneth Herring, and Dr. Nancy Weigle, with additional support from Dr. Waleem Hernandez, resident in the department of family medicine and community health at Duke. Together, the faculty guided fellows through a dynamic program designed to address both clinical and professional development.

Reflecting on the evolution of the seminar, Dr. Ragsdale noted: “For me, the most enjoyable aspect is updating and refining the curriculum based on feedback from previous years. This year, we added a session on clinical questions brought by the fellows, areas where they had encountered difficulties in their research. Cases were brought before the group for open discussion using a LEAN model to help assess or further clarify the root cause.”

The academic program covered two central areas. On one hand, fellows reviewed significant updates in chronic disease and prevention in adult medicine, particularly in diabetes and hypertension. On the other hand, the seminar emphasized professional growth through clinical case presentations and group work, including a workshop on communicating difficult news to patients. Beyond lectures, a dedicated session on medical quality improvement invited fellows to present challenges from their work environments, widening the discussion with peers and faculty alike.

For Dr. Ragsdale, one of the seminar’s most valuable outcomes was the regional diversity of perspectives: “The addition of fellows from Latin America brought a significant and diverse range of perspectives to the discussions throughout the seminar. Everything, from individual practice differences to distinct national policy initiatives that affect primary care, was debated in the classroom and over lunch. I witnessed many ‘a-ha’ moments over the seminar among fellows, often rooted in the appreciation that we share many of the same challenges.”

As in previous years, the family medicine seminar has become a staple of OMI MEX, training new family physicians who are often at the forefront of medicine in their communities. With each edition, the program strengthens cross-border collaboration and builds lasting professional connections in the region.

Dr. Fátima Pérez, OMI MEX fellow from Panama, shares: “In my region, there are approximately two hundred thousand patients served by only four family doctors. We face numerous challenges related to the social determinants of health, especially violence, unemployment, and low levels of education.” Dr. Pérez’s important observation echoes the need for training and collaborative efforts to address the numerous challenges that family medicine faces in Latin America.

The exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences during the seminar marked the importance of investing in family medicine education in Latin America. These spaces not only enhance clinical practice but also foster meaningful connections. OMI MEX continues to work towards creating fruitful spaces for collaboration and growth in the years ahead, one fellow at a time.