The American Academy of Family Physicians highly values the contributions made by family medicine residents and medical students and recognizes the importance of training future leaders of medicine. It is one of the few specialty organizations to actively enlist resident and student members in leadership roles.
Student Leadership Opportunities»
Resident Leadership Opportunities»
Among other things, you have the opportunity to:
You should not incur any expenses to attend required meetings. Residents and students elected or appointed to AAFP positions are reimbursed for transportation expenses and paid a per diem for meals, taxi, hotel and other travel expenses when on official authorized Academy business. Resident and student leaders are encouraged to complete their expense vouchers at the end of a meeting and return them to staff as soon as possible.
Upon election or appointment, resident and student leaders receive detailed information about reimbursable expenses. Any amount reimbursed above actual expenses is considered taxable income. The AAFP submits a 1099 form to the IRS for the amounts paid. Those expenses for which documentation exists (hotel bill, meal receipts) can be deducted from the amount that is taxable.
You will be expected to attend all portions of assigned meetings, including the National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students. Whenever possible, meetings are scheduled for weekends to minimize the number of days away from residency and school obligations. Check specific position descriptions for estimated meeting days.
Work is also done through electronic communications. Members spend 2-4 hours per month on electronic work. You will receive information specific to your position after elected or appointed.
If you plan to run for an elected position or apply for an appointment, you must be confident that you will be granted the time off to attend required meetings.
Residents should obtain a letter of recommendation from your residency program director. Students should have the medical school dean sign a special form (see AAFP Student Leadership Participation form in application section). There are also several steps that you can take to ensure support:
Chapter Deadline | Contact your chapter immediately to find out when your application materials for AAFP leadership appointments are due to the chapter. |
July 29, 2020 | Deadline for early submission of candidate materials for elected positions (ie, application, CV, and letters). |
July 30-August 1, 2020 | National Conference—If not submitted before July 29, candidate materials for resident and student elections may be submitted on site. |
August 11, 2020 | Deadline for submission of applications for the Annals of Family Medicine Editorial Board positions, American Medical Association (AMA) positions, and Center for Global Health Initiatives position. |
September 8, 2020 | Deadline for chapters to submit resident/student commission applications and support materials to AAFP. Deadline for submission of applications for FMIG Network Regional Coordinator, Student Liaison to the Student National Medical Association, Student Liaison to the Latino Medical Student Association, and National Research Network Advisory Board. |
Mid-September | AMA representatives, Annals of Family Medicine representatives, and CGHI positions are selected. |
October 2020 | COE Resident/Student Screening Committee meets to review applications and make recommendations for FMIG Network regional leaders, AAFP commission appointments, and and NRN appointments. |
Read the 2019 annual reports from elected and appointed student and resident leaders to hear accounts of what business was conducted during their term.