Advisory and program board leadership opportunities
You don't have to wait to make your voice heard. Start shaping the future of family medicine now.
Why join an advisory board?
The AAFP is all about the future of our specialty, and that means actively encouraging input and leadership from medical students like you. You can help shape the direction of family medicine in a rapidly changing world, and there’s no time like now to get started. A position on one of the AAFP’s advisory or program boards is an ideal way to elevate your ideas while meeting colleagues and mentors who can help guide your family medicine career.
Benefits of serving
Network with family physicians from across the country
Connect with other student and resident leaders who share common interests and concerns
Attend FUTURE, the AAFP’s national conference for medical students
Grow your communication and organizational skills
Explore AAFP advisory and program board roles
Join an advisory group or program board to shape education and outreach efforts. These groups guide the direction of major initiatives and provide short-term leadership experience with meaningful impact.
Advisory and program board opportunities
Work on the most-read journal in primary care. AFP is peer reviewed, editorially independent clinical content published for and by family physicians.
Eligibility: In good academic standing after at least one year of medical school with participation in family medicine interest group (FMIG) or state organization.
Funding: FUTURE travel covered by the AAFP; editorial travel covered by AFP
Time commitment away from medical school: 2-3 days
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules
Work on a peer-reviewed clinical research journal dedicated to advancing knowledge essential to understanding and improving health and primary care.
Eligibility: A demonstrated interest in family medicine research. Working knowledge of social media including Facebook and X is preferred.
Funding: $1,000 travel reimbursement for the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG)
Time commitment away from medical school: 2-4 days
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, application requirements and meeting schedules
FAQs about advisory roles
Are there special requirements?
You must be a current AAFP member to be elected or appointed to an AAFP position. (Not a member yet? Apply today!)
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. The following are considered national-level positions:
What will it cost me to participate?
You should not incur any expenses to attend required meetings. Residents and students elected or appointed to AAFP positions are reimbursed for transportation expenses and paid a per diem for meals, taxi, hotel and other travel expenses when on official, authorized Academy business. Resident and student leaders are encouraged to complete their expense vouchers at the end of a meeting and return them to staff as soon as possible.
Upon election or appointment, resident and student leaders receive detailed information about reimbursable expenses. Any amount reimbursed above actual expenses is considered taxable income. The AAFP submits a 1099 form to the IRS for the amounts paid. Those expenses for which documentation exists (hotel bill, meal receipts) can be deducted from the amount that is taxable.
How much time is involved?
You will be expected to attend all assigned meetings, including FUTURE. Whenever possible, meetings are scheduled for weekends to minimize the number of days away from residency and school obligations. Check specific position descriptions for estimated meeting days.
Work is also done through electronic communications. Members spend 2-4 hours per month on electronic work. You will receive information specific to your position after elected or appointed.
Will my institution give me time off to attend meetings?
There are several steps you can take to ensure support:
- Know your institution’s attendance policies.
- Find out if any of your classmates have served in AAFP positions.
- Share information with trusted colleagues about the position you are seeking and the general meeting schedule.
- Explain what you hope to gain from the experience (e.g., leadership development, advocacy, policy development).
- Volunteer to present relevant information from AAFP meetings during a brown bag lunch, grand rounds, etc.