Alanna Meadows, DO, is a resident at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is a 2025 recipient of a STFM Foundation Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship.

Alanna's Family Medicine Story

Why are you interested in teaching family medicine?

Alanna: Teaching has always felt like a natural extension of my clinical practice in family medicine. Early in my training, I discovered how critical mentorship and education were in shaping my own development as a physician, and I quickly realized that I wanted to contribute to this same journey for others. From observing my mentors and faculty, I learned that family medicine is a lifelong commitment to patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teamwork, and constant learning. As a third-year chief resident at Emory University, I have been fortunate to carry out this commitment by teaching my fellow residents and guiding medical students. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching has been helping others from underrepresented minority backgrounds pursue their aspirations in medicine. I recognize the importance of diversity in healthcare, and I am committed to supporting and encouraging individuals from these communities, serving as a mentor and advocate as they navigate their own paths. This dedication stems from my belief that representation is essential for fostering equity and empathy within family medicine. By being a source of support for those who may face additional challenges in their journey, I aim to pay forward the mentorship I’ve received, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and diverse workforce. 

My interest in academic medicine will continue as I pursue Obesity Medicine fellowship. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity not only to develop specialized clinical skills but also to engage in teaching and mentorship around obesity care, which is often complex and multifaceted. My ultimate goal is to combine this expertise with family medicine to equip others with evidence-based, compassionate approaches to obesity management. By building a strong foundation in this area, I hope to empower family physicians to address obesity and its associated chronic conditions in a way that promotes long-term health and holistic care for their patients and have an approach with greater confidence and empathy. 

I am also committed to paying it forward through mentorship, which I view as a core component of teaching. I currently serve as a resident mentor to a medical student at Emory University, helping them navigate the challenges of medical training, set career goals, and find their own path within family medicine. By building these supportive relationships, I hope to create a culture of encouragement and growth within the specialty that extends beyond any one residency program. 

Ultimately, I envision a career in academic medicine where I can build on my teaching experiences to make a broader impact on family medicine education. Attending the Faculty for Tomorrow Workshop and the 2025 STFM Annual Spring Conference will provide me with the resources, tools, and mentorship necessary to continue my journey as a teacher, mentor, and leader. I look forward to gaining insights from fellow educators, learning new approaches to curriculum design and educational leadership, and further developing my ability to train family medicine physicians who will deliver compassionate, high-quality care to their communities.

How do you think you can make a difference in the future of family medicine? 

Alanna: I believe that family medicine is the foundation of a strong healthcare system, uniquely positioned to provide patient-centered, continuous care that emphasizes wellness, prevention, and health equity. As a chief resident, I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful contribution to the future of our specialty by training the next generation of family medicine physicians. Through my experiences as a resident leader, mentor, and global health advocate, I am developing a skill set that will allow me to inspire and support others on their journeys in family medicine. 

Throughout my residency, my efforts to foster a collaborative and supportive environment have been recognized by my peers, who honored me with the PGY 1 and PGY 2 of the Year awards. These acknowledgments highlight my dedication to teamwork, clinical excellence, and the values of family medicine, as well as my ongoing commitment to creating a nurturing learning environment. As a mentor to medical students at Emory University and beyond, I attempt to carry forward the importance of resilience, empathy, and adaptability, qualities I believe are essential in family medicine. By offering guidance and encouragement, I hope to instill confidence and a sense of purpose in those entering the field. 

My vision for the future of family medicine also includes expanding the reach of our specialty globally. As a member of Emory University’s Global Health Residency Scholars Program, I have the privilege of participating in a global health elective in Ethiopia this upcoming February. At Addis Ababa University, I will work alongside local family medicine residents, learning from their practices and sharing knowledge in a spirit of intercultural exchange. This elective includes a teaching component, and I look forward to forming lasting professional relationships that may foster future collaborations in global family medicine. I believe that these experiences will not only deepen my own clinical and cultural understanding but also enable me to bring a broader perspective to the residents and students I teach in the future. 

In addition to these efforts, I am committed to supporting other underrepresented minorities in medicine, recognizing the importance of representation and mentorship. By paying forward the guidance I have received, I aim to offer support to those who face additional challenges in their medical journeys. Creating an inclusive environment in family medicine, where diverse voices are valued, is a priority that I will carry with me throughout my career. 

By building expertise in both domestic and global contexts, I believe I can contribute to a more inclusive, informed, and patient-centered approach to family medicine. As I continue to grow as a physician-educator, I am committed to advancing a healthcare system where Family Medicine serves as the cornerstone of holistic and equitable care.

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.