Mark Deyo-Svendsen, MD, FAAFP

Why did you choose to donate to the Students to FUTURE campaign, and how is that important to you?

I continue to donate to the Students to FUTURE campaign because exactly 40 years ago this summer, I was given a grant to be able to attend the National Conference for Student Members between my first and second years of medical school at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. At the time, I had been debating between Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. I truly enjoyed seeing other students from other parts of the country who were very motivated to become family physicians. I remember getting tickets to a Royals game during the season that they won the World Series. I ended up being the only student from my class who graduated Alpha Omega Alpha who went into Family Medicine. I would like other students to also have this experience. During my time as a 4th year preceptor for University of Wisconsin medical students, I found out that the conference has adapted to the times and is also in high demand by 4th year students who are given advice and networking opportunities to find their best residencies.  

Why is supporting this initiative important to Family Medicine?

Family Medicine can only be enhanced by getting more qualified medical students to pursue this specialty.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming medical students wanting to pursue Family Medicine in Wisconsin?

A career in Family Medicine is still very viable. I have truly enjoyed the breadth of the specialty as I realize that I would probably have gotten bored in most other specialties. The diversity of this field allows physicians to adapt as medicine constantly changes. During my second career, in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, I found that this flexibility is invaluable in being able to fill in different needs as the need arises. 

Call for Board Nominations

The WAFP-Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2026 Board of Directors for the following positions:

• President: Two 2-year terms
• Vice President: Two 2-year terms
• Treasurer: Unlimited 2-year terms
• Director: Three 2-year terms
• Resident Director
• Student Director



WAFP-Foundation qualifications include:

• An awareness of the specialty of Family Medicine and its important role in providing primary health care to the citizens of this state
• An awareness of the programs and objectives of WAFP
• An understanding of the goals and principles of a foundation and in particular the charitable, scientific, and philanthropic undertakings of the WAFP-Foundation
• Experience with other foundations and fundraising activities
• An appreciation for the opportunity of a foundation to expand the communication and improve the dialog with those individuals and organizations that may not be part of medicine, but that have an interest in primary care practice and the health care industry
• A willingness to attend quarterly meetings and participate in email and subcommittee activities

Interested individuals are asked to submit nominations, including a current CV and a letter of interest, to Madeline by December 31.

Thanks to your commitment to the future of family medicine and our Students to FUTURE Campaign, the WAFP-Foundation was proud to award scholarships to 28 outstanding medical students from Wisconsin, allowing them to attend this one-of-a-kind conference. Your support has provided more than just financial assistance. You have opened the door to professional growth, mentorship opportunities, and meaningful connections that will shape the careers of these future physicians. Many of these students would not have been able to attend without your generosity, and your investment in their journey is helping ensure that the family medicine workforce in Wisconsin remains strong.

We are incredibly proud of each student who attended and represented Wisconsin at FUTURE, and we are looking forward to 2026. Click on the video below to hear from our scholarship recipients!

Earlier this month, two WAFP-Foundation scholarship recipients and students from the Medical College of Wisconsin were chosen to participate in AAFP's Poster Presentation Session at FUTURE.

A special congratulations to Baila Khan, MPH, (pictured right) for her winning poster–Impact of Opt-Out Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Model in 15-25 Year Olds in a Medium-Low Socioeconomic Status Zip Code in Milwaukee, WI and Abbey Stoltenburg and Sheyenne Tung for their poster, Creating STEM Opportunities for Milwaukee Youth and Improving Community Engagement Skills for Medical Students Through Science Nights (Community Project). For a full list of poster submissions, visit AAFP's website.

Be Part of Something Bigger. Become a Family Medicine Partner.

Working together amplifies our impact! As a valued supporter, you have the power to help shape the future of Family Medicine across Wisconsin. Become a Family Medicine Partner today!

By growing our monthly giving program, the foundation will have the flexibility to be responsive to not only the foundation’s programs, but also those of the academy. This program will be able to support innovation, education, and advocacy that directly benefits our patients and communities.

If only 100 members of our academy donated just $65, we would be able to meet our monthly giving donation goal for this year.

Why should you become a Family Medicine Partner?

• When you give monthly, you are making a vital and significant impact on the WAFP-Foundation's long-term financial well-being.
• We offer the option to invest the amount that is convenient to you, with automatic monthly payments.
• Monthy giving is the most effective way to preserve the future of Family Medicine through supporting the WAFP-Foundation.

Members of the WAFP give monthly in order to preserve the future of family medicine in Wisconsin. No matter the size of your gift, know that you will instantly become a part of a dedicated group committed to advancing the art and science of family medicine.

Become a Family Medicine Champion

The WAFP-Foundation is currently recruiting Family Medicine Champions for 2026. Family Medicine Champions donate a prize package (such as the ones listed below) to the foundation which is used in a two-week drawing each quarter to raise funds in order to support the WAFP-Foundation’s mission and programs. Due to the generosity of our donors, the WAFP-Foundation has raised over $74,000 since introducing virtual drawings! 

2026 Wish List:

• Tickets to a sporting event, concert, or show
• Weekend stay at a cabin, lake house, or other vacation-style home
• Complimentary medical service
• Spa package
• Cooking class, golf lesson, or another guided instruction activity
• Other

Do you have an experience to donate? Email Iris.

Earlier this month, the WAFP-Foundation wrapped up our quarter 3 drawing to support our 2026 Students to FUTURE Campaign. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we are proud to announce that we raised $7,700 toward this program. With that amount, we will be able to provide 9 students with a full scholarship!

A special congratulations to the winner of this drawing, Brooke Passolt, MD, and the 2-night stay at the Sundara Inn & Spa!

To everyone who contributed and helped spread the word, your commitment to strengthening the future family medicine workforce in Wisconsin is deeply appreciated.  

Visit our website to learn more about our past success with our quarterly drawing program.

What's Coming Up?

Who's ready for Monday Night Football?

The winner of our next quarterly drawing will receive 4 tickets to see the Green Bay Packers vs. The Philadelphia Eagles this November at Lambeau Field! 100% of all donations will go toward our Stethoscopes for Residents Initiative.

For every $100 you donate between September 16-30, you will be entered for a chance to win these tickets!

This incredible prize was generously donated by WAFP Government Affairs Director, Tim Hoven.