The mission of the Commission on Education (COE) is to provide a venue for the development of recommended policy and the dissemination of expertise and new information related to the education and professional development of family physicians until completion of the residency training period. Its priority areas of attention include:
Workforce
- Support the "pathway" of family physician development, from generating early interest in family medicine careers to spreading effective policy that builds a diverse and robust family medicine workforce.
- Inform and monitor the development, implementation and evaluation of targeted AAFP strategies that lead to student choice of family medicine and sufficient output of family physicians at a rate and distribution that is consistent with the organizational aims and informed by data of public needs.
Student Interest/Student Choice
- Support an understanding of the factors that contribute to student pursuit of family medicine careers.
- Facilitate the portfolio of interventions used to promote family medicine careers including communications, admissions/pathway, role models/mentors, educational opportunities, Family Medicine Interest Groups, and medical education policy and financing.
Student and Resident Issues
- Protect the interests and well-being of all students and residents, including fellows in training, as learners and developing professionals.
- Cultivate the leadership development of students and residents.
- Increase AAFP student and resident member engagement and competency in addressing health disparities, building health equity, and improving population health.
- Monitor and advise the Board on the impact of changes in the resident and student clinical learning environment and provide recommendations regarding pertinent AAFP policy.
- Facilitate the screening process for appointing resident and student members to AAFP and other leadership positions.
Curriculum
- Promote innovation in residency training to meet the needs of the communities family physicians serve.
- Collaborate with the academic community to develop and maintain updated curriculum tools and resources that support quality family medicine education.
- Maintain updated Recommended Curriculum Guidelines for Family Medicine Residencies.
National Conference
- Assist with the planning and evaluation of the National Conference, paying particular attention to the nature and range of education sessions.
- Cultivate leadership competencies and provide experiences for aspiring and developing family physicians.
- Provide a supportive environment to nurture networking.
Educational Awards
- Recognize the exemplary contributions to the discipline of family medicine through its educators by collecting nominees and making recommendations for national awards.
COE provides oversight of several member interest groups (MIGs) listed below. The MIGs can bring forward recommendations for consideration by COE. As of this date, the groups include:
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound MIG
- Emergency Medicine /Urgent Care MIG
Commission Service Overview
Members serve a two-year term with an option for one two-year extension. Members of the COE meet twice each year, January or February in-person along with other commissions in Kansas City, and June virtually.
Reimbursement
The Commission on Finance and Insurance establishes reimbursement policies for commission members. Members are reimbursed:
- A per diem payment when traveling or attending meetings or other events on behalf of the commission.
- Actual travel expenses up to the cost of the lowest refundable coach airfare as well as parking for personal autos and/or transportation between home and airport and airport and meeting sites.
Interested?
If you are interested in nominating yourself for this commission:
- Contact your chapter prior to starting your application.
- Complete the online Commission Nomination Form (available July 15-October 15 each year).
If you are interested in nominating yourself for commission chair (in your final year of service on the commission):
- Contact your chapter prior to starting your application.
- Complete the online Commission Chair Nomination Form (available May 15-August 15 each year).
You can access the Commission Resource Manual for more information here.