Sawyer Sparks, DO, is a resident at UAMS Northeast Family Medicine Regional Program in Jonesboro, AR. He is a 2025 recipient of a STFM Foundation Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship.

Dr Sparks' Family Medicine Story

Why are you interested in teaching family medicine?

Dr Sparks: I have always had a deep passion for learning, applying new knowledge, and sharing it with others through teaching. This natural inclination toward education, combined with my experiences in residency, has solidified my desire to pursue a career in academic medicine, specifically in teaching family medicine. 

Throughout my residency, two mentors have played a pivotal role in shaping my decision to focus on academic family medicine: Dr Stephen Foster and Dr Scott Dickson. Both have guided me not only in becoming a strong physician but also in developing my leadership abilities. 

Dr Foster encouraged me to strive for excellence in patient care by constantly staying up to date with medical advancements and evidence-based practices. His mentorship instilled in me the importance of always doing what is best for my patients. However, Dr Foster also showed me that the best way to serve patients is not only by being knowledgeable but also by sharing that knowledge with others. Through teaching, I found that I could help my peers and colleagues provide better care for their patients, which in turn improved outcomes for the community as a whole. This realization sparked my passion for teaching, as it allows me to impact both the patients I treat directly and those I indirectly reach through the education of others. 

Dr Dickson has been equally instrumental in my growth, particularly by encouraging me to embrace leadership within family medicine. Through his guidance, I participated in both national and state family medicine academy events, where I gained insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the field. These experiences made me realize the critical need for well-prepared leaders in family medicine. I now feel a strong responsibility to contribute to the development of future physicians, ensuring they are equipped to handle the evolving landscape of health care. 

I am deeply committed to not only helping residents grow into competent and compassionate physicians but also preparing them to navigate the complexities and challenges unique to family medicine. By teaching, I can instill the values of lifelong learning, adaptability, and patient-centered care, which are crucial in this field. My mentors have shown me that teaching is an extension of patient care, and I look forward to carrying that legacy forward in my own career. 

In conclusion, my passion for education, combined with the guidance of my mentors and my experiences in family medicine, has led me to pursue a career in academic medicine. I am excited about the opportunity to shape the next generation of family physicians, helping them become not only skilled clinicians but also leaders and advocates for their patients and the profession.

How do you think you can make a difference in the future of family medicine? 

Dr Sparks: In addition to serving as an attending physician who teaches and guides residents toward success, I see multiple opportunities to advocate for and advance the field of family medicine. My passion for innovation, particularly in the areas of automation and health care improvement, drives me to seek out ways to better the practice of family medicine for both present and future generations. 

One area where I believe I can make a significant impact is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and quality improvement (QI) into the family medicine curriculum. As medicine evolves, the use of AI in diagnostics, patient management, and workflow efficiency will become even more prevalent. It is crucial that future family physicians are not only aware of these advancements but are also capable of leveraging them in their practices. I have had the privilege of participating in several QI projects during my residency, which have given me insight into how systematic changes can improve both patient care and the efficiency of medical practice. I am grateful to have been part of a program that is open to new ideas and innovations, and I aim to instill this mindset in residents—teaching them how to apply these tools during residency and throughout their careers. 

In addition to embracing technological advancements, I am deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges of rural family medicine, particularly in my home state of Arkansas. Like many rural areas, Arkansas faces a significant shortage of family physicians. I have been actively involved in recruiting medical students to the field, whether through presenting at my medical school alma mater or assisting with osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) labs at local medical schools. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire future physicians to see the diversity, uniqueness, and critical need for family medicine, especially in underserved areas. Bridging this gap is vital to ensuring that all communities receive the comprehensive care they deserve. 

Finally, I aspire to take on leadership roles within the field of family medicine, whether through the Arkansas Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, or the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. Through leadership, I want to contribute to the innovation and development of family medicine as a whole, advocating for policies and practices that will improve patient care and the profession itself. By being involved at these levels, I hope to help shape a better future for residents, attending physicians, and the communities we serve. 

In summary, my passion for innovation, commitment to rural health care, and desire to lead within the family medicine community position me to make a meaningful difference in the future of the field. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute not only as a teacher and physician but also as an advocate for progress and positive change.

Contribute to the Creation of the Next STFM Story

Transforming the future of family medicine would not be possible without the generosity of countless STFM members and supporters. Through both member and departmental donations, the STFM Foundation is able to support the pipeline for academic family medicine. 

Help transform the future of academic family medicine by donating to the STFM Foundation. If you have questions about the STFM Foundation, contact Mindy Householder at (800) 274-7928 or mhouseholder@stfm.org.