Minority Students, Family Physicians as Role Models for

The American Academy of Family Physicians is concerned about the underrepresentation of certain minority groups in medicine. The decision to become a physician often is made early in a child's life; not uncommonly as a result of a significant contact with his or her family physician. Family physicians, therefore, have a responsibility to be positive role models in their communities and advocates for family medicine. The AAFP encourages members to take an active interest in the educational aspirations of their young patients, especially minority populations, and work personally in helping young people shape their career goals in family medicine. (1985) (2003)