Student Benefits
Map Out Your Future
National Conference is for you. With workshops designed to prepare you for what’s ahead, you’ll have no problem getting a clearer picture of your future. Attend sessions focused on clinical skills, leadership development, career planning, and more.
Use the template to talk to your professor to request time off.
Allison Smith Zamora
2024 National Conference Student Chair
“If you want to do something, you’ll meet people at National Conference who are already doing it. If not, there are people there who will help you make it happen. Anything is possible!”
“There’s something for everyone at National Conference. I only wish I had a Time-Turner like Hermione in Harry Potter so I could attend even more sessions!
Beyond sessions, National Conference connected me with friends and mentors who’ve helped me navigate my journey over the years. In fact, most of my residency interviews were through connections I made at National Conference. The connections I’ve made also inspired me to get more involved with the AAFP as FMIG Regional Coordinator and now student chair.
If you’re unsure where to begin, I recommend the Expo Hall. No matter your year in school, there are people there to help guide you. I’ve learned everything from training options to which residencies best suit me. And who doesn’t love snacks, coffee, and merch?
I’m excited for you to explore family medicine through National Conference. Family medicine is the best “Choose Your Own Adventure.” You can see patients of all walks of life while providing treatment and procedures in a variety of settings. The best part? If you want to change the focus of your practice, there’s always the opportunity to pivot and learn something new. No day ever has to look the same.
Fam med is kind of like National Conference itself. Every year brings a new experiences and new people—all sharing their passion for family medicine. The energy is contagious. You’ll take it back home with you.”
Allison Smith Zamora, 2024 National Conference Student Chair
Get on Track
No matter where you are on your journey, National Conference is the place to discover new opportunities in family medicine.
1st Year
Explore family medicine through workshops, Main Stage sessions, discussions with your peers and specialty leaders, and more.
2nd Year
Prepare for clerkship through programming designed to enhance your family medicine journey and get a jump-start on your residency and career.
3rd Year
Strengthen your path to family medicine. Hone procedural skills, visit residency programs, and see what all you can do as a family physician.
4th Year
Learn how to seamlessly transition into residency and connect with residents who went through the same experiences.
You understand that missing a few days of school to attend National Conference will benefit your career in the long run, but how do you explain this to your advisor or professors? We’ve got you! Simply update this template and send it on! We think they’ll be impressed by your initiative.
[Advisor or Professor],
I plan on attending the AAFP’s National Conference for Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students.
National Conference is the premier event for medical students interested in learning about family medicine. I’m looking forward to the positive impact these three days of exclusive education will have on future.
I’ll be at National Conference August 1–3. Thank you for considering this crucial next step in my journey.
[Your Name]