American Academy of Family Physicians


The American Academy of Family Physicians was founded in 1947 to promote and maintain high quality standards for family doctors who are providing continuing comprehensive health care to the public. It is one of the largest medical organizations in the United States, with 134,600 members in 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam, as well as internationally. The AAFP was instrumental in establishing family medicine - a derivative of classical general practice - as medicine's 20th primary specialty. The AMA's Council on Medical Education and the independent American Board of Medical Specialties granted approval to a certifying board in family medicine on February 8, 1969. The AAFP is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.

Mission

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.

Strategic Objectives

To fulfill its mission, the AAFP's strategic objectives include:
The AAFP also provides patients with free educational resources on its consumer health site.

Structure

The AAFP is governed by a Congress of Delegates composed of two delegates from each of its 55 constituent chapters, as well as from resident and student groups, new physicians, and the special constituencies. The Congress meets annually immediately prior to the Academy's Family Medicine Experience event and has sole power to establish policies and define principles. These policies are carried out between annual meetings by the Board of Directors and a number of standing and special commissions and committees. Delegates to the Congress of Delegates elect the Board, which in turn appoints commission and committee members. Constituent chapters are organized similarly.

Publications