Joe Li, DO, MPH, MBS, is a resident at Mount Sinai Downtown Residency in Urban Family Medicine in New York, NY. He is a 2025 recipient of a STFM Foundation Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship.

Joe's Family Medicine Story

Why are you interested in teaching family medicine?

Joe: My passion for teaching family medicine is deeply rooted in my personal and professional experiences, alongside my commitment to patient-centered care and the recognition that education is essential for transformative health care. Growing up in an underserved community in Brooklyn and navigating socioeconomic and family challenges, I gained firsthand understanding of the disparities that affect our health care system. These experiences shaped my approach to medicine and ignited my desire to educate and mentor the next generation of family physicians who can address these challenges and advance health equity. 

Family medicine, with its broad scope and focus on continuity of care, aligns with my belief that health care must address all aspects of a patient's condition, including physical, social, and psychological needs. During my residency at the Mount Sinai Downtown Urban Family Medicine Residency Program, I learned from mentors who emphasized preventive care and a deep understanding of the patient’s environment. Their example showed me the profound impact thoughtful, comprehensive care can have; not only on individual patients but also on students and the communities they serve. 

As a future educator, I am excited by the opportunity to shape compassionate, skilled health care providers who value patient-centered care. I want to instill empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity in future physicians to ensure they are prepared to serve diverse populations effectively. My background in public health and experience working with underserved communities have provided me with insights into the social determinants of health, which I am eager to share to enrich the learning experience of my learners. 

Teaching also provides a powerful platform for advocacy. By educating future family physicians, I can amplify the call for better health care policies that impact underserved communities. This dual role as an educator and advocate is not only a professional goal but also a personal mission, rooted in my life experiences and my vision for universal, equitable access to quality health care. 

Additionally, I plan to engage directly with students and residents to explore the importance of social justice in medicine. These conversations are essential for developing physicians who are not only skilled clinicians but also change makers in their communities. I want to foster a learning environment that encourages clinical excellence while highlighting the economic, cultural, and environmental factors that shape health outcomes. 

Ultimately, my interest in teaching family medicine is driven by a belief in the power of education to effect change. My goal is to instill a lifelong commitment to improving health, particularly for those most in need. Through this work, I aspire to cultivate a generation of physicians who will break barriers and widen the reach of equitable health care.

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

Joe: As I reflect on my journey through medical school and residency, I am both humbled and inspired by the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to family medicine. My diverse experiences in leadership, advocacy, and clinical practice have shaped my approach to patient care and reinforced my commitment to making a lasting impact on the future of family medicine. I am dedicated to addressing health care disparities as a physician, educator, and advocate. 

One key area where I believe I can make a difference is by integrating a public health perspective into clinical practice. Prior to medical school, my work with community-based organizations and the Department of Health involved overseeing programs for underserved populations, including new immigrants and marginalized communities. These experiences taught me that health care is deeply influenced by social determinants like housing, education, and access to resources. By incorporating this understanding into family medicine, I aim to help patients manage their health while addressing broader factors affecting their well-being. Educating future physicians about these connections will empower them to provide comprehensive care that tackles the root causes of health disparities. 

Another way I can contribute to the future of family medicine is through advocacy. During my residency at the Mount Sinai Downtown Urban Family Medicine Residency Program, I played a key role in advocating against the program’s discontinuation, securing full financial support to ensure the training of future family physicians. This experience taught me the power of persistence and collective action in shaping health care systems. I plan to continue advocating for policies that promote health equity and access to care, especially for underserved communities. Family physicians are often at the forefront of health care, uniquely positioned to drive systemic change through local, state, and national advocacy. 

Education also plays a central role in how I plan to make a difference. As a future educator, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of family physicians, instilling values of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. By fostering a learning environment that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, I aim to cultivate physicians who are not only excellent clinicians but also strong advocates for their patients and communities. My leadership roles including Chair of Recruitment and Inpatient Medicine during residency, as well as serving as the Resident Representative Board Member for the New York Academy of Family Medicine and part of the Resident Council of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians; have provided me with valuable insights into the importance of mentorship and education. I look forward to continuing this work by creating opportunities for medical students and residents to engage with diverse populations and gain firsthand experience in addressing health care disparities. 

I am confident that my combination of clinical expertise, public health knowledge, advocacy experience, and commitment to education will allow me to make a lasting difference in family medicine. I look forward to contributing to a health care system that is more equitable, compassionate, and effective for all.

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.