USC medical students showcase leadership in family medicine advocacy

Nineteen medical students from the Keck School of Medicine recently represented the university at the California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) Annual POP Conference in San Diego.  A core group of the Keck School Primary Care Program (PCP) delivered a dynamic presentation on physicians as “agents of change”, a workshop on leadership in health and healthcare advocacy.

Their session, designed specifically for aspiring family physicians, explored practical ways medical students and residents can engage in leadership opportunities, advance equitable health policy, and strengthen community partnerships. Their presentations highlighted healthcare reform for low-income patients and funding for medical school education. By sharing personal experiences and research, the USC students emphasized that leadership in medicine extends beyond the clinic—into classrooms, community settings, and legislative halls.

Attendees at the summit praised the group’s professionalism and forward-looking perspective. “These students are not only preparing to become excellent physicians, but also trusted advocates for patients and communities,” said one faculty advisor who attended the conference.

This opportunity reflects USC’s ongoing commitment to cultivating physicians who are as dedicated to advocacy and leadership as they are to clinical excellence. By standing together on this statewide stage,  our USC student physicians demonstrated how the next generation of family doctors are ready to lead—ensuring healthier, stronger communities across California and beyond.