Recognition for residents: AAFP awards, grants and scholarships
Family medicine residents, we see you. Here's how the AAFP recognizes your hard work and dedication.
As family medicine residents, your focus is on caring for your patients as you complete post-graduate work. At AAFP, our focus is on you and providing the resources to help optimize your residency experience.
That includes opportunities for recognition of your outstanding work. AAFP and the AAFP Foundation offer a number of awards and scholarships for residents who demonstrate a commitment to advancing our mission of transforming health care to achieve optimal health for everyone.
AAFP Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education
This prestigious award is open to a select number of second-year residents for their exemplary patient care; their interpersonal relationships with patients, physicians and faculty; and their demonstrated leadership and community involvement.
Just 12 residents nationwide are chosen. Each receives a $2,500 scholarship, as well as three nights of hotel accommodations, airfare and registration for the Family Medicine Experience (FMX) conference.
Award details
- Current AAFP resident member
- In the second year of training at an ACGME-approved family medicine residency
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Community involvement/social commitment
- Exemplary patient care and interpersonal relationships
The deadline to apply is May 27, 2026.
Step 1: Complete the application form.
Step 2: Request both your program director and an AAFP member complete reference forms:
AAFP Foundation opportunities
As the Academy’s philanthropic arm, the AAFP Foundation supports programs aimed at advancing the practice of family medicine. The foundation also offers residents several opportunities for awards, scholarships and grants.
Family Medicine Cares Resident Service Award
If you’re a first- or second-year family medicine resident with a drive to tackle the health needs of the underserved in your community, this is your opportunity.
The $16,500 Family Medicine Cares Resident Service Award is a year-long service project. Residents work with local organizations to design projects that enhance family medicine services, address disparities and make a lasting impact.
At the mid-point of the project, residents must present an interim report to AAFP FUTURE (formerly National Conference).
Get more information on the application process here.
Fellowships and research grants
Through the Center for the History of Family Medicine, AAFP member residents are eligible for the Sandra L. Panther Fellowship, which includes a $3,000 award to the fellow upon completion of their research.
There’s also an Oral History Grant of up to $3,000 to support the creation of interviews focused on family medicine.
More family medicine scholarship options
Make sure to get pre-approvals from your residency director where needed, line up your letters of recommendation and mark those application deadlines on your calendar.
And don’t forget, AAFP membership is an eligibility requirement for the awards and scholarships shown here.