How to become a presenter at next year’s AAFP events
Every year, the AAFP hosts world-class events and develops CME courses that support the day-to-day mission of family medicine. But each and every event and course wouldn’t get off the ground without the incredible contributions from our faculty and advisors.
Until the end of August, the call for proposals is open for submissions. It’s an opportunity for family physicians to contribute to a long history of medical education.
Why present at a conference or a CME course?
Presenting at a conference or being a CME course faculty or course director is a great opportunity to help train the next generation of physicians in what you’re passionate about. Many faculty point to their experience as a highlight of their work and say the process of becoming a faculty presenter has even helped them better themselves as a physician.
“Being an AAFP faculty member has been one of the most challenging, and rewarding, parts of my career,” said Peter Ziemkowski, MD, FAAFP. “Following the steps in the call for proposals has expanded my understanding and changed my perspective on topics I was already passionate about.
“I would say that anyone with a passion for a topic, or even a goal to advance their knowledge on a subject, consider developing a proposal. After all, you never understand a topic better than when you seek to teach it to others.”
How the call for proposals works
“I often get asked, ‘How do I become a presenter at an AAFP course or conference,’” said AAFP Chief Medical Officer Margot Savoy, MD, CPE, MPH, FAAFP. “The answer is to respond when you hear the call for faculty proposals is open.”
Until Aug. 31, the CME faculty team is accepting proposals. The process is simple:
Navigate to the call for proposals page. There, you’ll find the full list of submission information.
Explore the proposal submission requirements. Every proposal needs information such as learning objectives, disclosure forms, contact information and more.
Assemble your proposal and submit an application.
“I have presented at AAFP events for years,” said Mary Krebs, MD, FAAFP, “The call for proposals process has improved to be more efficient, and the staff is fantastic.”
Tips for the submission process
Every application is appreciated, but not every application will be approved. There are a few things you can do to maximize your chances of success. The first one: follow the process.
“We only review the proposals sent through the portal,” Savoy said. “Every year, we get direct submissions to AAFP staff members, but sending documents to us this way doesn’t get them submitted or considered.”
The second tip for a successful submission is to focus on quality, not on speed. “You don't get special points for being first,” Savoy said. “We have a strong team of experienced faculty educators who review the submissions and choose. An incomplete or poorly written proposal will not be considered.”
Finally, remember that the AAFP accepts proposals every year, and that a rejected proposal is an opportunity to try again. “If this isn’t your year, no worries,” Savoy said. “Set a reminder in your calendar for a year from now.
“And if you saw an awesome presenter at your department's grand rounds or state AAFP conference, or you have a friend who can't help but leave breadcrumbs of knowledge everywhere she goes, share this opportunity with them and encourage them to apply.”