American Academy of Family Physicians

AAFP Headquarters

American Academy of Family Physicians

Abbreviation	AAFP
Formation	1947
Type	Professional association
Headquarters	Leawood, Kansas, United States
Region served	United States
Membership	136,700
Official language	English

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is a national association of family physicians in the United States. Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents over 136,700 physicians and medical students nationwide. The organization is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.

History

The AAFP was established in 1947 to promote the interests of family physicians and to improve the quality of healthcare for patients. It was originally known as the American Academy of General Practice (AAGP) before changing its name to the American Academy of Family Physicians in 1971 to reflect the evolving role of family medicine.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the AAFP is to improve the health of patients, families, and communities by serving the needs of members with professionalism and creativity. The organization focuses on advocacy, education, and practice enhancement for family physicians.

Membership

Membership in the AAFP is open to family physicians, residents, and medical students. The organization provides various benefits to its members, including continuing medical education (CME) opportunities, practice management resources, and advocacy on behalf of family medicine.

Education and Training

The AAFP offers a wide range of educational resources and training programs for family physicians. These include CME courses, clinical guidelines, and practice management tools. The organization also accredits family medicine residency programs and supports medical students interested in pursuing a career in family medicine.

Advocacy

The AAFP actively advocates for policies that support family medicine and primary care. This includes lobbying for healthcare reform, increased funding for primary care services, and improved access to healthcare for underserved populations.

Publications

The AAFP publishes several journals and newsletters, including the American Family Physician and Family Practice Management. These publications provide up-to-date information on clinical practice, research, and healthcare policy.

Annual Events

The AAFP hosts several annual events, including the Family Medicine Experience (FMX) conference, which provides educational sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibits for family physicians.

See Also

• Family medicine
• Primary care
• American Medical Association
• American Board of Family Medicine