The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) has named McLaren-Flint Family Medicine resident Julie Thai, MD, MPH “Resident of the Year.” Each year, the MAFP selects one Family Medicine resident in Michigan, “who exhibits qualities of exemplary patient care, demonstrates leadership, displays a commitment to the community, contributes to scholarly activity and is dedicated to the specialty of family medicine,” to receive this prestigious award.
When asked about being selected, the humble Thai was quick to credit others for helping her succeed.
“The award is reflective of the people I am serving and those who are training me, like Drs. Prabhat Pohkrel and Paul Lazar. It is a true team effort,” said Thai.
She also recently received the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors (AFMRD) Family Medicine Resident Award for Advocacy, which is a national distinction that highlights her ongoing advocacy efforts in Michigan.
“This is a huge honor and I am glad it helps to put the spotlight on McLaren Flint’s Family Medicine Residency Program and the Flint community,” added Thai. “For me it solidifies the advocacy work I have been doing on behalf of my profession and for patients’ rights and access to healthcare.”
She accepted the Award for Advocacy on June 13, 2020 and will be accepting the Resident of the Year Award in August 2020 during a virtual ceremony.
Currently, Thai is transitioning into her final year of residency at the hospital. Upon graduation she intends to complete a geriatric medicine fellowship and is currently applying to programs. Upon the completion of her fellowship, she looks forward to the day she is a practicing geriatrician who continues to actively advocate on behalf of her patients and the community she will be serving.
Pictured above l-r: Prabhat Pokhrel, MS, MD, PhD, FAAFP, Program Directory Family Medicine Residency; Julie Thai, MD, Family Medicine Resident and award recipient and Erin Reis, EdD, MBA, FACHE, C-TAGME, Director of Medical Education.