Choosing the mission: Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead

July 17, 2025

By Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP, AAFP President

As I glanced at my calendar today, it struck me that we’re already more than halfway through 2025. So much has happened in these seven months, and I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to choose the mission of family medicine and how powerfully our community has risen to meet this moment.

Despite the significant challenges facing our specialty and the country, I continue to see bright spots—clear signs that family physicians are making a real impact on patient care and public health.

As we look back on the first part of 2025, I’m proud to highlight our achievements and resilience, as well as our responsibility and potential to shape what comes next.

One of my proudest moments this year has been seeing our influence on health policy. This summer, more than 300 family physicians met with members of Congress during the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit. Our collective voice on Capitol Hill reinforced that there is no one more influential than you—family physicians—at speaking to the power and importance of primary care to lawmakers.

In addition, our Advocacy Ambassadors program has grown to more than 600 strong, bringing fresh voices and perspectives to legislative conversations that will shape the future of family medicine. These changes didn’t happen by accident. They happened because you showed up, shared your stories and made your voices heard.

In March, we celebrated one of the most meaningful moments of the year: Match Day.

To those who chose family medicine and are beginning residency: Welcome! You’re stepping into a calling rooted in compassion and community. You’re joining a profession that values relationships and whole-person care. Never forget—the AAFP believes in you, supports you and is committed to walking alongside you at every stage of your journey.

Your decision to choose family medicine matters now more than ever. And we couldn’t be more excited to see the impact you’ll make.

Family physicians are also stepping up as thought leaders in public health. Our work is not just in exam rooms; it’s in newspapers, podcasts and in the halls of Congress.

Major media outlets and federal and local policymakers have turned to our members to help make sense of shifting guidance, new laws and regulations, and to be a trusted voice in the national health care conversation. From vaccine guidance and Medicaid coverage to mental health and wellness, we remain credible sources of health information and agents of truth.

There’s much to look forward to in the coming months.

FUTURE, our signature event for medical students and residents, is just around the corner, taking place July 31–August 2 in Kansas City.

This event -- like the Match and our student campaign Be Their First -- is evidence that the next generation of family physicians is remarkable.

August is also National Immunization Month, and once again, we’ll lead efforts to educate the public about the importance of vaccines. We’ll share evidence-based tools and resources to help you engage with patients and communities—online and in person. Every conversation you have builds trust and saves lives.

And with the August Congressional Recess approaching, expect to find resources that will equip you to engage lawmakers in your own backyard. Advocacy doesn’t just happen in D.C. Some of the most powerful conversations happen at home.

We’re also launching the next phase of our Career Benchmark Dashboard on August 1. This tool was made to help you ensure your compensation reflects the value you provide your patients and community.

The updated survey includes new questions on direct primary care and areas of focus in family medicine. Once the dashboard is updated with new data, you'll be able to compare compensation trends throughout the past two years. It’s a valuable resource to help you track where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Finally, I want to emphasize that you make our work possible. With your help, we aren’t just navigating challenges; we’re shaping the future of family medicine. From advocacy to education, from vaccine confidence to career clarity, we are moving forward with purpose.

To each of you: thank you for choosing this mission every day. Thank you for showing up, for speaking up and for caring deeply for your patients. Our profession is better and stronger because of you.