The CMA Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council kicked off the school year this week with a team building activity! Local educators Derek and Glennon with Erase the Space  facilitated an impactful workshop on how public policy can affect different communities. 

Students were assigned random descriptions of family characteristics, such as race, occupation, religion, etc. They used these assumed identities to figure out how their household would be affected by housing policy and redlining in Columbus. Many of the students were enlightened on how their own neighborhoods were impacted in one way or another. 
 
The workshop expanded their toolkit to enhance funding decisions as they provide grant support for local nonprofits in the months to come. 

At the Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates (CMAA), we believe learning is more than just a stage in life — it’s a mindset. It doesn’t end when you graduate or put on your white coat. The drive to continue learning lays the foundation for strong leadership, sparks innovation, and bridges generations of healthcare professionals. That’s why this summer, we’ve embraced continuous learning not only as something we provide — but as something we live, grow through, and celebrate together.

In my May message, I shared that our organization had begun a journey to evolve — to remain a vital, trusted partner to our physicians and the broader community. We started by engaging a new public policy partner, who has already provided invaluable insights during these turbulent times. We also partnered with Dr. Mrunal Shah to learn directly from our physician members and ensure your voice is heard. He has held a number of one-on-one and group meetings and shared meaningful feedback. Stay tuned for more opportunities to share your perspective.

On June 30, we kicked off the next phase of this journey with our first visioning session with Just Bloom, an award-winning organization specializing in creativity and leadership development. CMAA staff, physician Board members across the affiliates, as well as community Board participants came together for a thought-provoking workshop designed to expand how we think, lead, and collaborate. These sessions will continue to guide us — using science-backed methods — to unearth a vision that both modernizes and honors our legacy.

That same spirit of lifelong learning was reflected on June 26, as we celebrated 17 physicians graduating from the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA). These individuals dedicated nine months to personal growth, reflection, and peer learning — emerging with tools to lead with intention and compassion. 

Education also drives our work with the next generation. Our Made for Medicine students took their learning on the road in June, embarking on our first-ever HBCU Medical School and College Tour. Fifteen students traveled to Nashville and Atlanta, visiting historically Black colleges, universities, and medical schools — and connecting with professionals who reflected their aspirations. It was more than a tour — it was a transformative experience rooted in representation, access, and belief in their potential.

We continue to be inspired by the CMA Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, a student-led body of 13- to 18-year-olds learning the ins and outs of philanthropy and grantmaking. These young leaders are gaining firsthand experience in how community investment can shape health and equity for years to come.

Our commitment to education and growth extends to medical school. We’re especially excited about our upcoming CMA Medical Student Specialty Fair this October. By polling medical students about their interests and inviting physician members to share their stories and insights, we’re creating a meaningful, two-way exchange that connects curiosity with experience.

Our CMA Practice Managers Group continues to convene for educational sessions that provide real-world value. These gatherings have featured several of our strategic partners in legal and communications — all collaborating to support physician practices across Central Ohio.

While COTS leaders continue to champion life-saving disaster preparedness funding, they also remain focused on what they do best: preparing our emergency responders to act swiftly and save lives. Find out more about their educational offerings here. 

As we continue the essential work of planning for the future of our organization, we never lose sight of the day-to-day value CMA provides: empowering physician, supporting practices, and nurturing growth at every stage.

Learning will remain a constant in everything we do — not just because it prepares us for tomorrow, but because it brings us together today.

The CMA Foundation would like to congratulate the graduating senior members of our Youth Advisory Council. Five members of the council, which teaches students about healthcare philanthropy with real opportunities to make a difference, are graduating from high school and are making plans for college. Several have shared their plans for the future and what the Council has meant to them.

Reeve R.

Where do you plan to go to college and what will you study?

I will be attending both the University of St. Andrews in Scotland as well as the College of William & Mary as part of the Joint Degree Program (2 years at each school). I will be majoring in International Relations with a minor in French. I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I would love to do some sort of humanitarian work or human rights law.

What has the Youth Advisory Council meant to you?

The YAC has helped me grow as a leader in more ways than I can express. It has given me insight into a world most kids aren't able to see, and allows me to stay connected to the broader central Ohio community, allowing me to step in and lead more effectively where a need presents itself. Having open and professional discussions with other youth allows everyone on the YAC to grow our leadership while working collaboratively, free of any hierarchy. Serving as the YAC liaison to the CMAF board has also allowed me to gain confidence as a public speaker and youth advocate.

I am eternally grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by the YAC and the CMAF overall. My membership in the YAC is one of my favorite things that I did during high school, and it has uniquely prepared me for my future.

Sreekari P

Where do you plan to go to college and what will you study?

I will be majoring in biology on a pre med track and will be attending Baylor University. My future aspirations are to follow the field of medicine and possibly go into family medicine.

What has the Youth Advisory Council meant to you?

YAC has offered me the amazing opportunity to dive deep into community issues and find solutions that enhance our community. I love seeing the growth we can bring and want to continue to grow along with the community.

Ria M

Where do you plan to go to college and what will you study?

I will be attending The Ohio State University and majoring in Public Policy and Leadership. I am looking into criminal defense law or constitutional law. Alternatively, I am possibly thinking of working for a non-profit.

What has the Youth Advisory Council meant to you?

Being a member of the Columbus Medical Association Foundation's Youth Advisory Council has given me a foothold in the world of philanthropy. Working alongside peers outside of my school district has opened me to different viewpoints, taught me how to work with new people, and made me aware of the varying struggles people face across central Ohio. I have made some great friends while being a part of YAC, and I am thankful for all that it has taught me.

We invite our physician members to share the opportunity to join the Youth Advisory Council with their own children and others in their network. Any greater Columbus area student in grades 8-12 can apply to become a member.

More information: https://www.cmafohio.org/yac

Application: https://www.cmafohio.org/joinyac

Questions: youthcouncil@cmafohio.org

Pictured above (from left to right): Pragalya A., Reeve R., Ria M., Julia W. Not pictured: Sreekari P and Selis T.