How to start an FMIG in medical school

Image of FMIG members at 2025 AAFP FUTURE.

Bring future family physicians together by starting or revitalizing a family medicine interest group.

1. Find others to join you

Gather a few other medical students who share your interest in family medicine. A family medicine faculty member can help you meet other students and offer guidance on getting a group started. Together with your peers, sketch out a plan for your FMIG. Consider the following questions:

  • What are the goals of our group?

  • Who are the leaders, and what kind of leadership structure works for our group?

  • How will we attract students to the group?

  • Who will be the faculty advisor(s) for our group?

  • How will we fund the activities we want to do?

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2. Recruit and establish leaders

Identifying student leaders for your FMIG will build a strong foundation for your group. The number of leaders and the responsibilities of each position can be decided by the FMIG. Each group should have at least a president and a treasurer.

Leadership recruitment tips

  • Talk about the benefits of holding an FMIG leadership position as a medical student:
    • Having a personal opportunity to explore the family medicine specialty
    • Meeting family physicians
    • Forming a relationship with the dean and department of family medicine
    • Enjoying free dinners and fun activities
    • Building a resume/curriculum vitae for residency
  • Publicize the officer election several weeks in advance to give students the chance to consider running for office and do some research about what is involved.
  • Delegate responsibilities. Find volunteers to coordinate special events. For example, interested third- and fourth-year students can plan activities such as dinners where students can network with local residency programs or residency interviewing workshops. Students with busy clerkship schedules may only want to be in charge of one event. Try to accommodate all interested students' schedules and needs—it's the best way to capitalize on good leadership and expand your programming.
  • Once you have officers, encourage them to recruit volunteers to run for their positions in the upcoming year.

Leadership structure options

There are many possible leadership positions. Determine which positions your group needs, and set clear roles and expectations for each position.

Some positions you might consider for your FMIG are:

  • President

  • Vice president

  • Treasurer

  • Secretary

  • Community service chair

  • Public relations chair

  • Representative for each year's class of medical students

  • Faculty advisor

FMIG group meeting around a table

3. Write a mission statement

A mission statement is a brief summary of why your group exists and what you hope to accomplish. A well-written mission statement can help focus your group’s activities.

Sample FMIG mission statements

  • "The family medicine interest group strives to aid in professional development, cultivate interest in family medicine, provide an outlet for serving our community and promote social activities for our members.”

  • “The mission of the family medicine interest group is to foster interest and learning among students about the area of family medicine, with the intention of recruiting aspiring physicians to become family medicine physicians.”

4. Set goals for your FMIG

Know what you want to accomplish. Aim to set both short- and long-term goals.

Sample FMIG goals

  • Education: Increase awareness and educate medical students about family medicine. Assist in residency searches and understanding the Match.

  • Professional development: Provide opportunities for mentorship, networking and leadership development for medical students and family medicine residents.

  • Outreach: Conduct community service projects on behalf of patients in the city and the surrounding areas.

  • Advocacy: Shape health care policy through interactions with government, the public and physician organizations at local, state and national levels.

  • Pathway to family medicine: Organize a sequence of programs that will identify and cultivate future family physicians from middle school to residency.

Stay flexible

As your new FMIG grows, your goals and leadership structure may need to evolve. That’s a good thing. Stay true to your mission statement and the unique strengths and needs of your group.

5. Register your club at your medical school

The AAFP doesn’t have specific requirements that FMIGs must meet to be considered an official group. However, your school might require certain paperwork. Contact the department that’s responsible for student clubs (e.g., student government association, the dean’s office, student services) to make sure that your group is registered with your school.

6. Get funding support from the AAFP

Register your FMIG today to get funding support from the AAFP.

For questions about the registration, FMIG funding or recruitment materials, please email studentorgfunding@aafp.org.
Register now

7. Reach out to your FMIG Network leader for support

Your FMIG is part of a larger network that includes groups across the country. The AAFP offers grants, awards and community for FMIGs. Your FMIG Network regional coordinator can make sure you receive regular communications about opportunities.

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