The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Breyen A. Coffin, a fourth-year medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
AMA member since: 2015.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Growing up with my physician parents, I quickly learned the value and importance of service. Later, I discovered that a career in medicine would allow me to continue to cultivate my fascination with science and technology while also enabling me to use my skills and abilities to give back to society.
How I move medicine: Attending my first national AMA Medical Student Section (MSS) meeting left me inspired to be an active member of the AMA. Being active in the AMA enables me to have a voice and collaborate with others to shape the future of medicine and thus my own future.
Over the past three years, I have actively participated with the AMA and the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) in their policymaking processes, advocacy events, and numerous leadership positions in hopes of inspiring and assisting others to move medicine in their own ways.
Career highlights: I serve as the MSSNY Student Councilor and previously had the privilege to serve as chair of Region 7 of the MSS. Both positions have allowed me to work on behalf of the medical students within my region and state to advocate for and advance their issues of importance as well as provide structures and tools enabling these students to pursue their own goals both within and beyond the organizations.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine:It is a journey, not a destination. While it requires great service and sacrifice, a career in health care has the potential to reap immeasurable rewards if you devote the time, patience and dedication to cultivate it.
Aspect of my work that means the most: Throughout my life, I have been fortunate enough to have amazing mentors and colleagues that have been instrumental in shaping who and where I am today. The aspect of my work that means the most is the mentorship I have received as well as the opportunity to repay it to the budding leaders of the future as they begin their own journeys in organized medicine with the AMA.
How I advocate for physicians and patients: During my time in the AMA, I have attempted to help cultivate and mentor new leaders in medicine. Medicine is an ever-evolving field. To direct and shape this evolution to best serve our patients, we all need to be leaders and advocates.
My hope for the future of medicine: Improved access to care for both patients and physicians. To properly care for our patients, physicians need to be able to properly care for themselves.
Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
