MSU PLS grad to receive Young Alumni Award
September 18, 2022
Dr. Farhan Bhatti graduated with Honors from MSU Political Science in 2006. Since then he has earned his medical degree and become a family physician while remaining politically active. This article was originally published by the MSU Alumni Association.
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, Young Alumni Award Recipient
July 4, 2022
B.S. Lyman Briggs College and Honors College, 2006; B.A. College of Social Science, 2006; M.D. College of Human Medicine, 2012
Young Alumni Award: Given to Spartans age 40 or younger who have distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishment early in their career. These individuals demonstrate a commitment to Michigan State University through outstanding continuous volunteer service on behalf of the university, and/or participation and leadership in meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.
He’s a family medicine physician, CEO, political activist, and a Spartan.
Dr. Farhan Bhatti is a force for good. He has long been committed to helping the underserved — through direct medical care and political advocacy. As a family physician and CEO of Care Free Medical, he provides medical care for uninsured and underinsured individuals from across Metro Lansing. The organization conducts 13,000 medical visits annually. Dr. Bhatti doesn’t stop with providing direct medical care. He is a dedicated political activist who works to support quality healthcare for all. He has appeared on television networks, such as MSNBC, and testified at Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination hearings as a public-health expert.
Dr. Bhatti’s confident leadership and commitment to implementing change was evident during his time on campus when he co-founded the Briggs Multiracial Alliance, an active student group dedicated to the recruitment and retention of minority students in Lyman Briggs. Since graduating, he has remained an engaged member of the Spartan community throughout his many professional achievements including holding leadership positions on multiple boards, authoring public policy, providing expert guidance to decision-makers, and serving on various political campaigns. He even took a one year leave of absence from medical school to serve as Deputy Campaign Manager on Virg Bernero’s campaign for governor of Michigan in 2009.
In addition to his vast professional achievements, Dr. Bhatti is proud to call the Lansing area home and is honored by the opportunity to give back to his alma mater. He often finds himself returning to campus to teach or speak on College of Human Medicine panels. His clinic has become a teaching site where CHM medical students on their family medicine rotations receive first-hand experience in providing care to the underserved and learn about the many challenges these individuals face in achieving better health outcomes. His commitment to effectively teaching and treating students with respect has led to multiple teaching awards.
“My medical service and my political service, wherever they take me, are driven by the desire to serve others.”
Who will champion the underserved? Spartans Will.
Author: Aimee Klevorn
Contributing Writer(s): Zach Komorowski