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: Jordan Michael Lippincott, a medical student at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing.
AMA member since: 2017.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: My first venture into medicine was when I was a pediatric cardiology patient. Due to the rural nature of where I lived, it meant extensive travel time to obtain proper medical attention. Increasing access to medicine, while also working in medicine to build interpersonal relationships and explore health sciences, has fueled my passion to pursue medicine.
How I move medicine: By bringing the same spark that I received from the AMA that ignited my passion in health justice and equality into each and every conversation I have with patients. Advocacy extends beyond government and health policies and can be just as effective when advocating for our patients and our communities.
Career highlights:
- Vice chair of the AMA Medical Student Section Membership, Engagement, and Recruitment Committee, 2018–2019.
- Michigan State Medical Society AMA Alternate Delegate, 2019–2020.
- Michigan State University Council of Graduate Students—Medical Schools Liaison, 2018–2019.
- Frank H. and Eva B. Buck Foundation Scholar.
- Member, Latino Medical Student Association.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Always remember your passion and why you wanted to be involved in medicine. From premed to medical student to physician, our journeys take us on a rollercoaster of experiences, but never forget why you started that journey and always persevere.
How I give back to the community: I am a strong advocate for expanding access to health care in rural communities. Growing up in a rural area, I know the challenges that rural residents face in efficiently accessing health care. By working within the AMA and other organizations, advocates for rural health care are succeeding in driving forward access to health care for the underserved.
Aspect of my work that means the most: I chose to pursue medicine because it allows me to build and develop interpersonal connections with my patients and colleagues. I value the time that I get to talk with patients and the trust they have in me to tell me their stories.
My hope for the future of medicine: That medicine continues the momentum it is making to advance its diversity and inclusivity. By bringing in diverse ideas and perspectives, we can better tackle the challenges that our communities face in health care and we can work to expand health care to those that need it most.
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.
