Resident leadership opportunities beyond the AAFP
Expand your leadership presence and elevate your role in the family medicine community.
Explore external leadership roles in family medicine
Leadership doesn’t stop within the AAFP. Serving as a resident representative to another national organization allows you to bring the voice of family medicine into broader conversations on health, education and policy. These roles open doors to collaboration with peers in other specialties and help you gain experience in advocacy and governance that strengthens your confidence as a future leader.
Represent family medicine in national organizations
These roles connect you with established leaders and interprofessional teams, giving you insight into the systems that guide medical education and practice. You’ll represent the family medicine perspective and strengthen the presence of residents in key decision-making spaces.
Liaison opportunities
Represent AAFP resident interests at American Medical Association (AMA) meetings, interact with AMA delegates from the AAFP and collaborate with peers from other specialties.
Eligibility: Must be a resident or fellow member of the AAFP and the AMA at the time of appointment, and throughout the two-year appointment term
Time commitment away from residency: Approximately 12 days of the academic year
Funding: Travel expenses are reimbursed according to AAFP policies
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules
Serve as a critical communications, policy and membership link between the AMA and grassroots physicians.
Eligibility: Must be a member of the AAFP at the time of application and appointment and for the duration of the two-year term; be a postgraduate year 1 or 2 and will be a resident or fellow for the complete two-year term; have AMA experience as a medical student or resident prior to applying to this position
Time commitment away from residency: Approximately 16–18 days
Funding: Travel expenses are reimbursed according to AAFP policies
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility application requirements and meeting schedules
Be involved with high-level decision-making on a nonprofit board of trustees.
Eligibility: May be in any year of residency and must be nominated during a congress business session at FUTURE by an eligible member of the congress.
Time commitment away from residency: Approximately 15–18 days, including weekends, for travel and attendance at meetings
Funding: Provided for meeting attendance according to AAFP Foundation guidelines
Note: Candidates should familiarize themselves with AAFP Foundation programs
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules
Serve on a political action committee that helps elect candidates to the U.S. Congress who support the AAFP’s legislative goals and objectives.
Eligibility: Must be a member in good standing of the AAFP and must be entering your fourth year of medical school, or beginning postgraduate year 1 or 2 of a family medicine residency program; must have contributed to FamMedPAC within the year prior to applying for the PAC Board seat
Time commitment away from residency: Light to moderate, approximately 3–7 days
Travel: Yes
Funding: All travel expenses are covered and board members receive a per diem to cover lodging and meals.
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules
Help define the role of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) in resident education. Develop your leadership skills with the help of leaders in family medicine education.
Eligibility: Must have demonstrated interest or involvement in family medicine interest groups, medical school or state organizations, and be an STFM member or willing to join upon election
Time commitment away from residency: Moderate to substantial (meetings, communication), approximately 10–15 days, including weekends, for travel and attendance at meetings
Travel: Yes
Funding: Provided by STFM for attendance at STFM meetings
Note: Requires your residency director’s endorsement
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules
Gain non-profit board leadership experience and mentoring from established leaders in family medicine as a resident member to the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors (AFMRD).
Eligibility: Postgraduate year 2 or above at the beginning of the term in September.
Time commitment away from residency: Approximately 15–17 days
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules
Be involved with residency education and accreditation at a national level and take advantage of mentoring opportunities with national leaders in family medicine residency education.
Eligibility: Applicants must not be from the same institution or geographic area as a current member of the review committee for family medicine and may not serve on more than one review committee simultaneously
Time commitment away from residency: Substantial (meetings, communication), approximately 15–17 days
Travel: Yes
Funding: Travel expenses covered according to ACGME travel policies
Notes: Requires your residency director’s endorsement
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a member to apply?
Yes. You must be an AAFP resident member in good standing for nearly all roles. Most positions require you to be a member at the time of application, but there’s no minimum membership length unless noted in the eligibility criteria. Some also require AMA or STFM membership.
How much experience do I need?
Some positions require prior leadership experience within the AAFP, while others focus on your readiness to contribute to a national discussion or organization.
What support will I receive?
The AAFP provides mentorship, onboarding and staff support for residents serving in these external leadership roles. You’ll also connect with a network of experienced leaders who can help guide your work.
Are expenses covered?
Yes. Most positions include travel funding and a per diem to cover meals and lodging, but you should review the specific job description for clarity on what is and isn’t covered.
What kind of time commitment is expected?
Time commitments vary depending on the role. Some advisory groups meet a few times per year, while others may involve travel and more frequent meetings. Most positions are designed to be manageable alongside residency training.
Does my program have to approve?
Yes. Most roles require a letter of endorsement from your residency director confirming time off for required meetings.
How do I get started?
Yes. Leadership roles help you build confidence, improve communication and expand your network. Many residents say these experiences shape their future career paths, strengthen their resumes and deepen their commitment to family medicine.
Can I serve in more than one role?
In most cases, you can only hold one national leadership role at a time to ensure broad participation. However, you may serve at the state level while holding a national advisory or liaison position, depending on the timing and structures of the roles.
What if I’m not sure which opportunity is right for me?
That’s okay. Start by exploring a few different roles and talking with current or former resident leaders. You can also reach out to AAFP staff or your chapter leadership for guidance.