About the AAFP

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is the voice of more than 128,300 family physicians and medical students across the United States. Our mission is simple: Strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for. Founded in 1947, the AAFP advances family medicine through advocacy, education and support, so you can focus on what matters most—caring for your patients.

With colleagues across the country, we work to solidify family medicine as the cornerstone of a functioning health care system. We lobby government, negotiate with payers, partner with employers, educate patients and champion family medicine on the national stage.

Together, we ensure you and every other family physician are represented, respected and rewarded.

The AAFP is a membership organization in the purest sense. It is built by and for family physicians. Together, we work to strengthen family medicine’s role in a functioning, equitable health care system.

AAFP members span every stage of the family medicine journey, from practicing physicians, resident members and student members to international members and life members.

At the heart of family medicine is an ongoing, personal relationship between physician and patient focused on integrated, whole-person care.

The AAFP exists to support you so you can focus on delivering high-quality, cost-effective care.

The AAFP works to ensure you and the communities you serve have the support, resources and policies needed to thrive. Through advocacy, education and leadership, the Academy champions initiatives that strengthen the health care system and advance equitable, patient-centered care.

Ongoing efforts include reducing administrative burden so you can spend more time with patients, advocating for payment models that value whole-person care and investing in the future of the workforce through training, wellness and pipeline programs. The AAFP also fights for policies that protect patient access, expand health coverage and promote high-quality care in rural and underserved communities.

Family physicians are uniquely positioned to lead in this work. As trusted, comprehensive care providers, you address the full range of patient needs while understanding the broader social and community context. The AAFP supports this mission with programs like Family Medicine Champions and its national efforts on rural health and payment reform.

Together, these initiatives uphold the vital role of family medicine and help move health care and the people in it forward.

The AAFP continues to uphold high standards of professionalism and service across all aspects of our governance and member engagement. Explore how our chapter network, affiliated organizations and policy development efforts support a unified voice for family physicians across the country.

The AAFP is governed by the Congress of Delegates, with representatives from each of the 55 chapters, as well as designated constituencies (residents, students, new physicians, women, minorities, international medical graduates, LGBTQ+).

The Congress meets annually before the AAFP Family Medicine Experience (FMX) and sets policy for the organization. These policies are implemented by the Board of Directors and volunteer commissions and committees throughout the year.

AAFP leaders work to elevate family medicine across a variety of platforms, needs and audiences.

The AAFP offers meaningful ways for members to lead at every stage of their career. Whether you’re shaping policy, mentoring peers or representing the specialty in national conversations, leadership within the Academy is a chance to make an impact and grow professionally. Opportunities are available for students, residents and practicing physicians alike.