Student member of the American Family Physician Editorial Team

Medical students can help shape AFP and gain editorial experience through this unique leadership role.

The student member of the AFP Editorial Team serves as a vital link between American Family Physician (AFP) and the medical student community. Appointed by the AAFP Board of Directors following review by the AFP editor-in-chief, the selected student helps expand AFP’s reach and relevance among medical students.

As the AAFP’s peer-reviewed, evidence-based clinical journal, AFP supports students throughout their preclinical and clinical years and serves as a key resource for residency and board exam preparation. The student representative plays a critical role in enhancing AFP’s visibility, accessibility and impact for future family physicians.

Benefits of this role

  • Gain leadership experience and networking — Collaborate with AAFP board members and connect with established family medicine leaders.
  • Enhance your writing, editing and peer-review skills — Contribute to a top-tier, evidence‑based clinical journal and support the development of student-focused content.
  • Boost your academic profile — Opportunities to co-author articles, develop student features and strengthen your CV for scholarly pursuits.
  • Represent and amplify student interests — Serve as a voice bridging AFP and the medical student community to increase journal engagement and visibility.

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Important details

  • Application deadline: Sept. 4, 2026

  • Term: Jan. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027

  • Prerequisites required: None

  • Funding: AFP will cover travel expenses for FUTURE; AFP will cover any additional expenses related to the AFP Editor’s Meeting.

Position responsibilities

  • Communicate with students nationally to share essential resources from AFP.

  • Obtain medical student feedback to improve AFP.

  • Network with students interested in family medicine at FUTURE (formerly National Conference).

  • Contribute to social media presence by regular social media posting on behalf of the journal.

  • Participate in AFP projects, such as the photo contest.

  • Attend the AFP Editors Meeting, held just prior to the AAFP FUTURE conference.

Candidates for this position are appointed by the editor-in-chief of the American Family Physician journal.

Required elements of the application include:

  • Completed application form (online)
  • Letter of support from faculty at your medical school
  • Participation form signed by medical school dean’s office
  • Support form completed by your AAFP chapter (state or constituent chapter)
  • Completed conflict of interest disclosure
  • Photo

Letters and forms can be uploaded or requested through the online application system. For detailed information on application materials, visit the How to apply page. It is important to connect with your local AAFP chapter as soon as possible to express your interest in this position, as some chapters have required processes before applying.

Questions? Contact AAFP leadership staff at getinvolved@aafp.org.