Celebrating Student Advocacy in Family Medicine

Tufts University School of Medicine students Benji Cole, M26, and Emily Doucette, M27, were recognized for their leadership and commitment to patient‑focused advocacy as recipients of the 2026 Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians (MassAFP) Advocacy and Public Health Awards. The awards were presented on March 13, 2026, at the MassAFP Annual Meeting.

The awards were conferred by Wayne Altman, MD, chair and professor of family medicine at the School of Medicine and president-elect of the MassAFP. The MassAFP Advocacy Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate meaningful efforts to advance public health, champion the specialty of family medicine, and improve access to care at the local, state, or national level. The award is open to students, residents, and practicing physicians.

Dr. Altman highlighted the significant contributions each student has made:

“Benji co‑led the Welcome Alliance program during his second year. This program helps families that have recently immigrated to Massachusetts by providing free school physicals. Benji took a wonderful program and worked tirelessly to make it better by expanding the offerings for the children and their families.”

“Emily joined me at the Massachusetts State House to deliver expert testimony on primary care legislation. Then, she co‑led an effort to write a six‑page letter to Governor Healey and other state leaders about the need for primary care reform. This letter was delivered to these leaders with close to 1,000 signatures. Most recently, she put together a masterful 12‑page proposal for an emergency Primary Care fund in response to the tens of thousands of people likely to lose coverage in the coming months and years.”

Reflecting on their accomplishments, Dr. Altman added:

“During these challenging times, it gives me hope that people like Benji Cole and Emily Doucette, with their high levels of character, passion, talent, and intellect, will be future colleagues and advocates.”

Cole and Doucette’s achievements reflect the vital role that emerging physicians play in shaping the future of primary care and strengthening advocacy for equitable healthcare across Massachusetts.