AAFP leadership opportunities for medical students
Payal Morari, the medical student member of the AAFP Board of Directors, meets with AAFP Vice President of Government Relations David Tully to prepare for meetings with congressional representatives about key issues affecting primary care.
- On this page
- Positions early in medical school
- AAFP commissions
- AAFP advisory boards
- FMIG leadership opportunities
- Elected national AAFP leaders
- Chapter delegates to NCSM
- FAQs
Taking a leadership position in medical school can lead to big things in your career.
As a medical student, you’re just beginning the rewarding journey to becoming a family physician. And as you put in the time, effort and commitment to shape the physician you’ll become, you have a chance to help shape others as well.
We offer AAFP-exclusive elected and appointed leadership positions to ensure your voice—and the voice of the medical student body you represent—are heard in our association and throughout other influential organizations.
Getting started: Positions available early in medical school
A great way for first-year students to get involved in leadership activities is to serve as liaisons between the AAFP and outside organizations.
Here are six AAFP commission appointment opportunities and how to apply for each.
AAFP commissions
Student delegate, AMA Medical Student Section: Represent the AAFP at the AMA’s two annual business meetings.
Student liaison, Latino Medical Student Association: Contribute to shared goals, including workforce diversity in primary care and advocacy for patients who have been made vulnerable.
Student liaison, Student National Medical Association: Help design programs that encourage students of color to consider and prepare for medical and scientific careers.
Student member, FamMedPAC Board of Directors: Serve on a political action committee that promotes candidates for Congress who support the AAFP’s legislative goals.
Student member, AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees: Be involved with high-level decision-making and receive mentoring from AAFP Foundation leaders.
Student member, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Board of Directors: Help define the society’s role in student education.
Medical students can also help shape the AAFP’s editorial voice with leadership roles on two widely read publications.
AAFP advisory boards
Student member, American Family Physician Editorial Board: Work on the AAFP’s peer-reviewed, evidence-based clinical journal.
Student member, Annals of Family Medicine Editorial Advisory Board: Be a part of this peer-reviewed clinical research journal dedicated to improving health and primary care.
Family medicine interest group (FMIG) leadership opportunities
Joining an FMIG is a great way to promote interest in—and advocate for—family medicine as a specialty. If you’re an FMIG leader or a member ready to step up into leadership, consider applying for these high-profile elected positions.
Elected national AAFP leadership roles
Students further along in medical school and those with prior leadership experience can elevate their voices in these key AAFP positions. From having voting power on the AAFP Board of Directors to representing medical students at national events, there are great opportunities to shape a better future for students and the entire family medicine ecosystem.
Contribute your perspective to high-level decision-making discussions on the AAFP Board of Directors. You’ll get social media and public relations training, plus mentoring opportunities with established leaders in family medicine. Learn more and apply.
Help plan the AAFP’s annual conference for the future of family medicine in this high-visibility role. You’ll get to travel and serve on various committees as FUTURE (formerly National Conference) comes together with your help. Learn more and apply.
Learn the AAFP’s governance process as an elected alternate delegate to this year's AAFP Congress of Delegates. After the meeting, you’ll serve as a delegate through next year's congress. Learn more and apply.
Chapter delegates to National Congress of Student Members (NCSM)
Each year, AAFP constituent chapters elect/select student members to serve as chapter delegates to the National Congress of Student Members (NCSM). The NCSM convenes during FUTURE. The resolutions generated at these congresses influence Academy policy and activities.
Frequently asked questions
Taking on added responsibilities while juggling your student workload may seem daunting. Here are answers to some of your most-asked questions about medical student leadership.
How will I benefit?
You’ll get to network with family physicians from across the country at events like FUTURE, and you’ll grow your organizational and communication skills alongside other student leaders.
Are there special requirements?
You must be a current AAFP member to be elected or appointed to an AAFP position. Some positions require at least one year of experience in an AAFP position at the national level; refer to the position descriptions for this information.
Will it cost me anything?
You should not incur any expenses to attend required meetings. Medical students elected or appointed to AAFP positions are reimbursed for transportation expenses and paid a per diem for meals, taxis, hotels and other travel expenses when on official authorized Academy business.
How much time is involved?
You will be expected to attend assigned AAFP meetings, including FUTURE. Whenever possible, meetings are scheduled for weekends to minimize time away from school obligations. Members also spend two to four hours per month on electronic work.
Can I get time off to attend meetings?
It’s best to check in advance and know your institution’s attendance policies. Students should have the medical school dean sign an AAFP Student Leadership Participation Form.