Resources for family medicine residents

Support, tools, and guidance for every residency year—so you’re never navigating alone.

Family medicine residency is demanding—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The AAFP provides tools, guidance, and encouragement for every stage of training. Whether you’re learning the basics, taking on more responsibility, leading a team as a chief resident or preparing for your first attending job, these resources are designed to support you when you need it most.

Use the guides below to explore the most helpful AAFP resources designed for your current year of residency.

Choose your year:

Getting grounded

PGY-1

You’re building your foundation and finding your footing. The AAFP is here to help you feel more confident and supported in your first year.

Growing your skills

PGY-2

You’re taking on more responsibility and discovering your interests. The AAFP helps you deepen skills and step into leadership.

Preparing for practice

PGY-3

You’re getting ready for your next chapter. AAFP supports your transition with career guidance, board prep and financial planning resources.

Leading your team

Chief resident

You’re supporting co-residents while completing your training. The AAFP equips you with leadership training, admin support and peer networks.

More for residents:

Awards and grants

Fellowships
Board review and certification

Leadership opportunities
Communities and forums

Webinars and exclusive content
Debt management

Well-being

PGY-1: Get grounded, build confidence

Your first year of residency is about finding your footing. The AAFP helps you build a strong clinical foundation, discover mentors and take care of your well-being as you adjust to the pace of residency.

Your most helpful AAFP resources in PGY-1:

Happy smiling student using laptop computer to fill out forms

ITE/early board prep resources

Start simple and build habits that make studying less stressful later.

Make plan for success
Doctors, mentor and student.

Mentorship & resident community

Learn how to connect with mentors and peers who understand the challenges of your first year.

Find a mentor
Image of early career family physician talking to peers in board meeting.

Clinical decision support tools

Quick, trustworthy tools for inpatient and outpatient rotations—designed for busy PGY-1 days.

Browse clinical insights
three women doing yoga

Wellness and burnout prevention

Practical guidance to manage long shifts, stress and heavy clinical loads.

Explore wellness resources
Focused student working on a laptop.

Introductory CME courses

Short, focused CME that fits into your learning curve and schedule.

Browse CME
AAFP image of a resident receiving an award.

Scholarships and grants

Funding for educational needs, research or community projects.

Explore scholarships
AAFP Inside Family Medicine podcast logo.

IFM podcast | From Med School to Residency: What We Wish We Knew

Making the jump from med school to residency is a wild ride—exciting, exhausting and full of surprises. In this episode, we explore the transition—from relocation and finances to the exciting “firsts” ahead. Hear from two family medicine residents and a program director as they share lessons learned and advice for making the transition easier.
Listen now

PGY-2: Deepen your skills and step into leadership

As responsibilities increase and your clinical interests sharpen in your second year of residency, the AAFP is here to help you strengthen your skills, explore advocacy and get involved in leadership opportunities.

Your most helpful AAFP resources in PGY-2:

Cheerful physician talking to pregnant patient.

Rotation-specific learning support

Tools for OB, pediatrics, geriatrics and behavioral health.

Browse training resources
Shot of smiling female doctor working with her laptop.

CME tailored to your interests

Explore focused learning as you discover your passions in family medicine.

Find CME by topic
AAFPs 2025 Future conference, joint congress

Resident leadership opportunities

Apply for roles at the chapter or national level to amplify your voice.

Apply for leadership roles

Hands-on advocacy training

Attend advocacy days, legislative visits and policymaking events.

Participate in advocacy events
photo of residents participating in the AAFP Residency Leadership

Specialized Medical Interest Groups

Connect with peers who share your clinical or professional interests.

Join a Medical Interest Group
Image of the GME Award Winners with Shawn Martin and Sarah Nosal at FMX 2025 in Anaheim.

Stand out as a PGY-2 leader

If you’re making an impact in your residency program, your community or patient care, the AAFP Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education could help recognize your hard work.

Apply for the GME Award

American Family Physician

Image of AFP Journal Cover, July 2025 issue.

American Family Physician journal

Access concise, easy-to-read, evidence based clinical review articles.
Read the AFP journal
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AFP podcast

Five-star clinical podcast co-hosted by family medicine residents.
Subscribe today

PGY-3: Launch your career with confidence

Your final year of residency is about preparing for practice—job searches, interviews, financial planning and board study. The AAFP offers a variety of tools to support your transition into practicing independently.

Your most helpful AAFP resources in PGY-3:

three doctors sitting on the ground in a virutal meeting or on-going education.

Board review exam prep

Access a variety of self-study materials, live courses, and more, designed to help you build confidence and mastery.

Prepare for boards
young female doctor with older male patient

Expand your training

Explore fellowships in sports medicine, geriatrics, hospice and palliative care, OB and more.

Find a fellowship
The senior adult woman shares a lighthearted moment with the mature adult female doctor and the mid adult female nurse.

Practice model education

Learn about FQHCs, private practice, direct primary care, academic medicine and more.

Explore practice settings
Image of a busy medical resident at work.

Managing finances in residency

Balancing your checkbook on a resident’s salary will make managing money easier down the road.

Understand debt management
Shaking hands during a job interview.

Job search and career guidance

Get job search pointers, featured openings, resume tools and contract support to help you land your first job in family medicine.

Start your job search

Employment contract help

Understanding contract key terms, knowing what to look for, and utilizing a yes-no checklist will help you feel informed and empowered.

Learn about reviewing contracts

Image of a serious retired man consulting with younger female physician at the checkup meeting in the hospital.

Residency wrap-up checklist

Finish residency strong with a helpful checklist to successfully guide your transition into practice as a new family physician.

Review the steps
Nurse and resident physician shaking hands for onboarding, training, and introduction.

First-Year Post-Residency Transition CME course

CME designed specifically to support the leap into independent practice.

Take the course
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Join us at FMX, the AAFP’s premier event for family medicine

Where clinical expertise, practical strategies and real connection come together to lead what’s next in primary care.
Get event details

Chief residents: Support for you and your team

As a chief resident, you’re leading, teaching and supporting your peers—all while finishing your own training. AAFP offers resources to help you lead with confidence and protect your own well-being.

Your most helpful AAFP resources as a chief resident:

African American Woman asks a question in open forum at CHIEFS

Chief Resident Leadership Development Program (CRLDP)

Tools for communication, conflict resolution and team management.

Explore CRLDP
Image of a focused hispanic man in a white lab coat reviews documents at his desk in a medical office.

Administrative and documentation workflow tips

Practical techniques to streamline visits, optimize EHR use and reduce documentation burden.

Reduce administrative burden
Teamwork in meeting with computer, presentation and idea for solution in medical residency.

Family medicine resident peer community

Connect with current and former chiefs for advice and support.

Find community
Student deep breathing with hand on chest, for meditation and wellness.

Wellness resources

Strategies to stay grounded while supporting your team.

Prioritize your well-being