Symons Elected President of State Family Medicine Group

“I am honored to have been trusted with the presidency this year. I hope to advance our mission by engaging students, residents and community family physicians in the organization,” said Symons, who also serves as vice chair for medical student education in the Department of Family Medicine.

“It is a great honor and privilege for me to pass the torch to my dear friend and colleague Andrew Symons, who assumes the presidency of our esteemed organization today,” said James Mumford, immediate past president of NYSAFP, during the organization’s awards luncheon May 21 in Albany.

Symons’ term lasts for one year.

“Dr. Symons is renowned and admired for the impact he’s had on his students at UB and for his lifesaving work in addiction medicine and other patient care,” Mumford said. “NYSAFP is very lucky to have Dr. Symons as our new president and we are eager to see the mark he leaves in this critical role.”

Symons is board certified in family medicine, preventive medicine and addiction medicine. Symons also provides primary care and addiction medicine services to patients at UBMD Family Medicine in Tonawanda.

His research is focused on medical education, particularly as it relates to determinants of student choice to pursue careers in primary care.

“Dr. Symons’ selection is truly well-deserved,” said Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School. “NYSAFP has selected the right physician to advocate for the practice of family medicine.”

Symons earned his medical degree and also completed his family medicine residency from UB.