AAFP-HOSA partnership: Shaping future health care leaders
Discover how AAFP and HOSA inspire future family physicians through mentorship and education.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) proudly partners with HOSA Future Health Professionals (HOSA) to help students explore careers in family medicine through mentorship, education, and real-world experiences. Together, we're building a stronger primary care workforce by connecting future healthcare professionals with family physicians and family medicine career opportunities.
About the AAFP-HOSA partnership
Since 2021, the AAFP has partnered with HOSA Future Health Professionals to introduce students to family medicine and the essential role family physicians play in improving community health.
As the only physician specialty organization partnered with HOSA, AAFP provides unique educational experiences that help students better understand family medicine career pathways, physician training, and the growing need for primary care physicians across the United States.
Through this partnership, students gain opportunities to engage directly with family physicians, medical students, and residents while learning about one of healthcare's most versatile and impactful specialties.
What is HOSA Future Health Professionals?
HOSA Future Health Professionals is a globally recognized student-led organization dedicated to preparing middle school, secondary and post-secondary students for careers in healthcare.
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HOSA serves more than 260,000 students and advisors through leadership development, healthcare education, community service and competitive events.
HOSA helps students develop the knowledge, skills and professional connections needed to succeed in healthcare careers while fostering a passion for serving patients and communities.
How students explore family medicine through HOSA
The AAFP-HOSA partnership offers two signature educational programs designed to help students learn about family medicine and connect with physician mentors.
AAFP Family Medicine Career Test
The AAFP Family Medicine Career Test is a 50-item multiple choice written exam (plus a tie-breaker essay question) that tests knowledge in a variety of areas including:
- Family physician scope of practice
- Family medicine career opportunities
- Healthcare workforce needs
- Educational pathways to becoming a physician
- Practice settings and lifestyle considerations
Family Medicine Physician Competitive Event
This hands-on experience helps students gain firsthand insight into family medicine while developing communication, research and leadership skills.
State winners advance to the HOSA International Leadership Conference, where they compete nationally and become ambassadors for health care career exploration.
How AAFP chapters can support future health care professionals
AAFP chapters play a critical role in helping students discover family medicine careers and connect with physician mentors.
Opportunities to engage with HOSA include:
Hosting family medicine career interviews
Participating in student mentorship activities
Presenting at HOSA conferences and workshops
Staffing educational exhibits and career fairs
Supporting family medicine competitions
Serving as event judges and advisors
These interactions help students better understand the role of family physicians while strengthening the future healthcare workforce.
Get involved in family medicine workforce development
The future of healthcare depends on inspiring and supporting the next generation of family physicians.
Whether you're mentoring students, volunteering at HOSA events, serving as a preceptor, or participating in chapter outreach activities, your involvement can help shape future healthcare leaders and strengthen access to primary care.
Join AAFP and HOSA in creating meaningful pathways for students to discover careers in family medicine and make a lasting impact on communities nationwide.