Abbey Fisher-Michael is a medical student at the University of Kansas—Wichita. She is a 2025 recipient of a STFM Foundation Medical Student Scholarship.

Abbey's Family Medicine Story

I grew up in a small town in western Kansas. Being part of a rural community, I was inspired by the close-knit connections and saw firsthand how important access to health care is in underserved areas. A significant part of my upbringing involved accompanying my grandmother to appointments, helping her navigate the world of health care in a rural community where resources are often limited. This experience (as a student scholar) deepened my understanding of the need for accessible, compassionate care in these communities and further inspired my decision to pursue medicine, going straight from undergrad into medical school.

Along the way, my passion for primary care grew as I realized how much I enjoy building strong relationships with patients. In the future, I hope to practice in a rural community, likely in Kansas, where I can be a resource for people with limited health care options and make a real difference in their lives.

Contribute to the Creation of the Next STFM Story

Transforming the future of family medicine would not be possible without the generosity of countless STFM members and supporters. Through both member and departmental donations, the STFM Foundation is able to support the pipeline for academic family medicine. 

Help transform the future of academic family medicine by donating to the STFM Foundation. If you have questions about the STFM Foundation, contact Mindy Householder at (800) 274-7928 or mhouseholder@stfm.org.