Scouting and Family Medicine: A Journey of Service and Leadership

Matthew A. Davis, DO, MBA, CPE, FACHE, FAAFP, FACOFP

Members of the West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians (WVAFP) have just finished attending the annual AAFP Congress of Delegates. In addition to what one might expect, something very different transpired during the meeting. The AAFP Congress of Delegates Speaker Dr. Russell Kohl led me in reciting the Eagle Scout Charge during a recess of the meeting. This was certainly a first for the Congress of Delegates.

As the President of the WVAFP, I have always found deep fulfillment in serving others. My career in family medicine has revolved around patient care, community engagement, and leadership, which are values that have long guided my professional and personal life. However, an unexpected journey this year reminded me that my commitment to service didn’t start with medicine but with my involvement in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This story of earning my Eagle Scout rank, 22 years after my initial pursuit, highlights the deep connection between the values instilled in scouting and family medicine - both of which are fundamentally about serving others.

A Conversation That Reignited a Passion

Earlier this year, during the WVAFP Annual Spring Conference, I had a conversation with Gerry Stover, the Executive Vice President for the WVAFP. In addition to our work in family medicine, Gerry and I share a love for the scouting program. This shared passion sparked a discussion about my past experiences with the Boy Scouts and how I had come close to earning my Eagle Scout rank but never completed the final steps due to circumstances beyond my control.

Like many scouts, I began my journey at a young age, eager to learn and grow within the program. Scouting taught me about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of community service - values that would later guide me in my medical career. However, as I approached the rank of Eagle Scout, my troop began to decline. Leadership waned, participation dwindled, and before I knew it, my involvement faded as I transitioned into college and pursued my medical education. At the time, completing the Eagle Scout process felt like an opportunity missed, but life moved on.

The Belated Eagle Scout Process

What I didn’t realize was that my story was far from over. Gerry, with his investigative enthusiasm and passion for scouting, decided to look into the possibility of me completing the Eagle Scout process - despite the two decades that had passed. He researched the belated Eagle Scout application process, which allows individuals who were unable to complete the requirements as youth due to extenuating circumstances to petition for the rank later in life. Gerry gathered the necessary information, evidence, and documentation, working diligently to ensure that my past achievements in scouting were properly recognized.

It was an emotional and humbling experience to realize that after 22 years, I could still earn my Eagle Scout rank. With Gerry’s support, we submitted the application, outlining the work I had done as a youth and the reasons I was unable to finish the process at the time. As someone who has dedicated my life to service through family medicine, receiving the Eagle Scout rank now felt like a powerful reminder of the values that have guided me throughout my journey.

In many ways, the process mirrored the path of family medicine. Just as family physicians often help patients navigate complex healthcare systems, Gerry helped me navigate the intricate process of the belated Eagle Scout application. Both scouting and family medicine are about perseverance, dedication, and working toward the greater good—even when challenges arise.

Receiving My Eagle Scout After 22 Years

Finally, after all the necessary steps were completed, I was awarded my Eagle Scout rank. To say it was a moment of pride would be an understatement. Standing there as a physician, receiving the rank of Eagle Scout after all these years brought my journey full circle. Scouting had laid the foundation for the values I hold dear, and family medicine allowed me to put those values into practice on a daily basis.

The Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in scouting, represents a commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. These are the same principles that guide my work in family medicine. Just as an Eagle Scout pledges to help others at all times, family physicians are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to their patients and communities. Both paths require a dedication to lifelong learning, self-improvement, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place.

Scouting and Family Medicine: Service to the Greater Community

One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience has been the realization of how deeply intertwined the values of scouting and family medicine truly are. Both are about service - whether it’s to your fellow scouts, your patients, or your community. The skills I learned as a scout, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, have been invaluable throughout my medical career. Scouting teaches young people to be resourceful, resilient, and compassionate—all qualities that are essential in family medicine.

As family physicians, we are often the first point of contact for patients, providing holistic care that addresses not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. Similarly, scouting helps young people develop into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to serve their communities in various capacities. Whether it’s leading a troop or leading a medical team, the principles are the same: serve others, lead with integrity, and strive to make a positive impact.

Giving Back to Scouting: A New Chapter

This journey has not only reconnected me with my scouting roots but also inspired me to give back to the program that helped shape me. After receiving my Eagle Scout rank, Gerry encouraged me to consider volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America. His suggestion resonated with me, and I realized that I had an opportunity to contribute to the next generation of scouts, just as I continue to mentor and guide the next generation of family physicians.

Shortly after submitting my Adult Leader Application, I was offered the position of District Chair for the Seneca District of the Buckskin Council, BSA. This role allows me to combine my passion for leadership and service with my love for scouting. As District Chair, I have the privilege of helping shape the scouting experience for young people in our community, ensuring that they have the same opportunities to grow, learn, and serve that I did.

Looking Forward: A Commitment to Service

As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded of the profound impact that both scouting and family medicine have had on my life. Both have taught me the importance of service to others, leadership, and the value of community. Whether I am serving as President of the WVAFP or leading scouts as District Chair, my goal is the same: to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me.

I look forward to continuing my work in family medicine, advocating for the health and well-being of my patients and communities, while also embracing this new role in scouting. The opportunity to mentor young scouts, just as I mentor young physicians, is a responsibility I take seriously. Together, we can inspire the next generation to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to service - whether in the exam room or around the campfire.