Study Shows Family Physicians and Primary Care Are Ready for AI, But Have Some Concerns 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2025

 Media Contact: 
Julie Hirschhorn
jhirschhorn@aafp.org

Michelle Moore
Rock Health 
michelle@rockhealth.com

LEAWOOD, KS — Artificial intelligence (AI) is at a tipping point, with substantial opportunities for growth if concerns are addressed, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and Rock Health. The study explored the adoption and perceptions of AI and digital health tools among family physicians and other primary care clinicians. The findings revealed a strong interest in AI, tempered by cautious optimism and concerns about its implementation.

“Family physicians believe AI could reduce administrative burdens, allowing more focus on patient care. However, concern remains about AI's ability to replace human judgment, with many clinicians stressing that AI should serve as a support tool, not a substitute for a well-trained physician,” said Steven E. Waldren, MD, chief medical informatics officer at AAFP. “Family physicians are eager for tools that enhance care without compromising patient trust or adding undue complexity to their already complex practice environments.”

Key findings include:

Nearly 40% of family physicians and other primary care clinicians report experiencing burnout.
Seventy percent of family physicians and other primary care physicians believe AI will improve clinician wellbeing.
Clinicians are embracing AI in their personal lives—62% have experimented with generative AI outside of work, through consumer applications like virtual assistants (e.g., Alexa, ChatGPT, Google Assistant, Siri), which reinforces their growing familiarity with AI technologies.
Over 80% of family physicians and other primary care clinicians said they would like more training to use AI.

“AI and digital health tools offer exciting possibilities for transforming primary care, but their success hinges on trust, usability and clinician support,” said Katie Drasser, chief executive officer of RockHealth.org. “As adoption continues to grow, listening to physicians and partnerships like that of the AAFP and Rock Health are essential in guiding the primary care community toward a future where AI complements, rather than complicates, clinical practice.”

###

About Rock Health
Rock Health accelerates innovation in digital health through an early-stage venture fund, a digital health strategy group, and a non-profit advancing equity-centered change. As a leader in digital health since 2011, we are committed to transforming health for all humanity and bringing greater humanity to healthcare by investing in, supporting, and advising innovators and entrepreneurs across the healthcare landscape. From early-stage startups to enterprise health companies to equity-focused innovators, we provide our community with the meaningful support and insights needed to bring innovation to life and improve healthcare for all. Learn more at rockhealth.com. 

About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 128,300 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.  