ACOFP Fellows applications for 2025-2026 close soon! Visit the ACOFP Fellows page to learn more about fellowship and apply by September 15. If you are in need of a sponsor, contact ACOFP to find a sponsor connection.
What year did you become a fellow?
I became a Fellow in 2011 and a Distinguished Fellow in 2023.
Who was your sponsor? What qualities did you value the most in them?
Jeffrey Grove, DO, FACOFP dist. Dr. Grove is an excellent mentor and supporter of other physicians and the profession of osteopathic family medicine. His loyalty and dedication to making those around him better is by far his best quality.
Why were you inspired to become a fellow? Was it self-directed or did someone encourage you to do so?
I was inspired to become a fellow because of my commitment to ACOFP and my desire to exemplify the best of our profession. I am passionate about being an osteopathic family physician and feel the Fellow designation signifies that to some extent. I was generally self-directed in this path, but once again have to credit my mentor and sponsor, Jeffrey Grove, with guiding me in my early years of practice and affording me the opportunity to dedicate time to my aspirations in ACOFP.
Have you been a sponsor to incoming fellows?
Yes, I have been a sponsor to four Fellows: Amy Capoocia, David Magness, Traci-lyn Eisenberg, and Anna Hayden. I was honored to sponsor all of these physicians from my home state of Florida. I was inspired to elevate the representation of Florida physicians on the national level and highlight their dedication to our profession.
Has being a fellow changed the trajectory of your career in any way?
I think being a Fellow has helped my career from the standpoint of my involvement in ACOFP and being involved on the state and national level. The ability to connect with other Fellows and be recognized on that level affords more opportunities to serve.
What do you think is the greatest barrier to other osteopathic family physicians becoming fellows?
I think the greatest barrier to other physicians becoming Fellows is mostly their own disengagement with anything other than their direct employment. Some physicians just do not have the desire to do more than that, and that is ok. For others it may simply be the lack of not understanding what the designation means or feeling it is too onerous of a process to meet the requirements. I think ACOFP is making strides to break down that barrier.
What would you say to a young physician to "sell" them on the goal of Fellowship?
I would tell students, residents, and new physicians that being a Fellow gives you that extra distinction that you go above and beyond for your profession. It sparks conversation with your patients, when they ask what those letters mean. It also gives you an immediate family within the family of ACOFP--a smaller network of like-minded individuals.
How many years did it take from the time you considered being a fellow until you became one?
I considered being a Fellow as soon as I finished residency, and believe I became a Fellow in the first possible year that I was eligible.
What was your Fellow paper topic and how did you decide on that topic?
My paper topic was a case study on “Ciliary Body Melanoma of the Eye.” I am happy to report that the patient I did the case study on in 2010 is still my patient today! I decided on that topic because it is literally a one in a million diagnosis.
How do you see the idea of Fellowship evolving with the times? Evolving value over time?
I see the idea of Fellowship evolving over time to becoming not just a once and done achieved goal, but a commitment to the ACOFP in service. Many of our Fellows are already deeply committed to our organization, but there is always room for improvement in recognition amongst our peers and colleagues as to the service and achievements of the Fellows. I think the value could evolve by tasking Fellows with more mentorship of younger physicians and expanding the activities of the Conclave.
In one word, what does the conclave of fellows mean to you?
In one word, COMMITMENT, is what the Conclave means to me.
