March 15, 2024

By Steven Furr, M.D., FAAFP
AAFP President

More than 4,595 medical students and graduates matched in family medicine today. To the class of 2027, welcome to the specialty! You made a great choice.

In family medicine, all doors remain open to you. Family physicians can treat any patient in any age group anywhere. Your practice can be as broad, or specific, as you want.

As a physician who will offer comprehensive and continuous care to multiple age groups, you will have the opportunity to make an impact in your community for decades to come. I urge you to make the most of that opportunity.

So, what will you do in family medicine? Sports medicine? Geriatrics? In-patient? Outpatient? Deliver babies? Nursing home, hospice or palliative care? Research and academic medicine?

You can tailor the specialty to fit your interests, and your broad training in family medicine will give you options as your career and life evolve. Whatever you choose, you’ll have no problem finding a job because family physicians are always in demand.

According to an AMN Healthcare (formerly Merritt Hawkins) report released in August, family medicine was the most sought-after physician specialty during the 12-month period from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Family doctors have been either the first- or second-most sought-after clinicians in that annual survey for nearly two decades.

In another recent survey of note, family physicians practicing full-time reported that they made an average of nearly $275,000 in 2022. Family docs and those pursuing family medicine should know their worth.

In addition to joining the family medicine specialty, you are joining a supportive community of thousands of incredible family physicians. The AAFP will be your partner in each stage of your family medicine journey.

During a recent meeting of the AAFP Board of Directors, I talked with the student and resident members of the Board about the Academy’s plans for the next three to four years. They were excited about the future of the specialty and their futures as family physicians.

I am, too. I can’t wait to see what you do in family medicine.