AAFP Forms Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

To help inform our DEI work moving forward and to expand leadership opportunities for family physicians, the Board of Directors recently approved the formation of the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in Family Medicine.

This commission will apply diversity, equity, inclusiveness and antiracism lenses to inform and guide the Academy’s recommendations, policies and work addressing disparities in care, health and the workforce, and the commission will be led by Board Chair Ada Stewart, M.D., of Columbia, S.C. The commission will kick off June 4, 2022, with a meeting in Kansas City, Mo.

“Our Academy represents family physicians from all backgrounds and stages in our careers,” said Stewart. “It is important that our policies and work are reflective of our members and the communities that we proudly serve. I am excited to lead the new Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in Family Medicine. Our commission will bring together a diverse group of students, physicians and other key stakeholders to ensure that DEI is the foundation upon which our Academy and its work is built.”

The initial commission will have 10 members and will grow to a total of 22 members by 2024, and will be composed as follows:

In June 2022, the commission will launch with 10 members:

• four family physicians, each serving a four-year term (2022-2025), one being a new physician;
• four family physicians, each serving a three-year term (2022-2024), one being a new physician;
• one family medicine resident to serve for 2022 and 2023, nominated by a chapter; and
• one medical student to serve for 2022 and 2023, nominated by a chapter.

By June 2024, the commission will have a total of 22 members:

• 16 family physicians (four classes of four people of which one per year must be a new physician);
• one family medicine resident (one-year term);
• one medical student (one-year term);
• one chapter executive (two-year term);
• two liaisons from other national organizations such as the National Medical Association, the National Hispanic Medical Association, etc. (two-year term); and
• one liaison from the AAFP Board of Directors (one-year term).

AAFP members who are interested in joining the commission should submit their online application by 5 p.m. CT on Feb. 25 using either the form for physician members or for student and resident members.