Student member of the American Family Physician Editorial Team

Medical students can help shape AFP and gain editorial experience through this unique leadership role.

The student representative of the AFP Editorial Team serves as a vital link between American Family Physician (AFP) and the medical student community while contributing to the most-read journal in primary care.. Appointed by the AAFP Board of Directors following review by the AFP editor-in-chief, the selected student helps expand AFP’s reach and relevance among medical students.

AFP is the AAFP’s peer-reviewed, evidence-based clinical journal, published by and for family physicians with full editorial independence.

AFP delivers concise clinical review articles for physicians and promotes the specialty of family medicine. Although AFP is primarily focused on practicing family physicians, the journal serves as a resource for medical students. The current AFP summaries are useful to students in their preclinical and clinical years. As the major source of content for residency and board certification exams, AFP aims to increase medical student use of the journal.

The AFP medical student representative supports the outreach of AFP to medical students to improve the visibility and rigor of the largest and most expansive medical specialty.

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Important details

  • Application deadline: Sept. 1, 2026

  • Term: Jan. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027

  • Prerequisites required: None

  • Funding: AFP will cover travel expenses for FUTURE; AFP will cover any additional expenses related to the AFP Editor’s Meeting.

Position responsibilities

  • Communicate with students nationally to share essential resources from AFP.

  • Obtain medical student feedback to improve AFP.

  • Network with students interested in family medicine at FUTURE (formerly National Conference).

  • Contribute to social media presence by regular social media posting on behalf of the journal.

  • Participate in AFP projects, such as the photo contest.

  • Attend the AFP Editors Meeting, held just prior to the AAFP FUTURE conference.

Applications for this position are reviewed by the American Family Physician (AFP) Editor-in-Chief and candidates are appointed by the AAFP Board of Directors. All applicants will be notified by October 31, 2026.

Required elements of the application include:

  • Completed online application form
  • Letter of Interest
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Letter of support from faculty at your medical school
  • Participation form signed by dean of medical school
  • Support form completed by your AAFP chapter (state or constituent chapter)
  • Completed conflict of interest disclosure
  • Photo

Letters and forms can be uploaded or requested through the online application system. For detailed information on application materials, visit the How to apply page. It is important to connect with your local AAFP chapter as soon as possible to express your interest in this position, as some chapters have required processes before applying.

Questions? Contact AAFP leadership staff at getinvolved@aafp.org.