Updates to AAFP Commissions Open Leadership to More FPs
Changes in Commission Structure, Schedule Roll Out This Year
March 3, 2022, 12:07 p.m. News Staff — AAFP members will have additional access to leadership opportunities with changes to the structure and meeting schedules of Academy commissions that are rolling out this year.
The Board recently approved the changes to increase engagement among more family physicians and remove barriers to participation — part of the Academy’s ongoing efforts to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion in all its work.
These changes will take effect starting with the nomination cycle that begins July 15 for all commissions except the Commission on Finance and Insurance:
- Commissions will be standardized to 22 members each, with consistent composition that includes specific opportunities for new physicians, residents, students and Chapter executives.
- Most positions on each commission will run two years with the option for a single two-year extension.
- Term limits for service on any single commission will be four years, with a limit of eight continuous years of service on all commissions. Time served as a resident or student member will not count towards these limits.
- The chair of each commission will be selected from eligible third-year members.
- Beginning in 2023, all commissions will meet once in person as part of the AAFP Winter Cluster Meeting in February or March, and once virtually for the AAFP Summer Cluster Meeting in June. Commissions can also meet virtually once a year outside these dates.
Full details of the upcoming changes and more information about AAFP commissions are available at AAFP.org.