Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expectation for participation?
While you are not required to attend the welcome reception hosted the evening before the Fall and Spring Sessions, it is the expectation that you will fully participate in all required activities, including the Dine-Around Group Dinner at the Fall Session, the Residency Program Solutions (RPS) Workshop in conjunction with the Spring Session, and the Workshop for Directors of Family Medicine Residencies (PDW) in conjunction with the Summer Session. Please make your travel plans to arrive before the beginning of the opening plenaries and to depart following the conclusion of the scheduled events (refer to the program schedule for dates and locations). Early departures are not permitted and will be addressed by the Academic Council. You are also asked to adhere to the schedule of due dates included with this information. In order to graduate from the fellowship, all fees must be paid, and you must complete the academic and financial projects.
What happens if I miss a session?
You will defer to the following year’s NIPDD class. Each session must be completed in order. For example, if you miss the Spring Session, you must defer to the following year’s NIPDD class for the Spring Session and Summer Session.
What happens if I don’t complete my projects prior to the deadline?
You will defer to the following year’s NIPDD class. You may still participate in the Summer Session, but you will not receive a graduation certificate until the projects are completed.
How long are deferrals valid?
Deferrals are valid for two years. If you do not complete your required elements within the next two NIPDD I: Fundamentals fellowship cycles, your tuition and/or previously completed course elements will become invalid. Tuition is non-refundable.
How do I report my CME hours?
All CME hours are reported online using the American Academy of Family Physicians’ website (www.aafp.org). You will need to report your hours for the Residency Program Solutions (RPS) Workshop and the Workshop for Directors of Family Medicine Residencies (PDW) separately.
What does my NIPDD tuition cover?
NIPDD tuition will cover registration and meeting materials for all three sessions, including the registration fee for the concurrent Residency Program Solutions (RPS) Workshop and the Workshop for Directors of Family Medicine Residencies (PDW). Required elements with associated costs (i.e. NIPDD Graduation Reception) are also included. Breakfast and most lunches are provided, but travel and lodging costs are not included in tuition.
Since registration fees for RPS and PDW are included in my tuition, do I still need to register for these workshops?
NIPDD fellows are not to register separately for RPS and PDW. We will send you an email prior to both the Spring Session and Summer Session containing a hotel reservation form. You should complete the form and return it to AFMRD; subsequently, we will forward them to the appropriate AAFP registration coordinator. Please instruct your support staff not to register you for RPS and/or PDW using the forms sent to you as part of a general mailing from the AAFP. You will receive confirmation of your registration in advance of your arrival for RPS and PDW.
Who makes my travel arrangements?
Fellows are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. You do not need to share this information with the AFMRD.
Who makes my hotel reservations?
The AFMRD is responsible for booking hotel accommodations for each session. We will provide a form to you prior to each session. Complete this form and send it to us before the deadline listed at the bottom of the reservation request form. Please instruct your support staff to not make a reservation for you directly with the hotel if you would like to be considered as part of our “group.” By being part of our “group,” you will not need a room deposit, and we contract with the hotel for negotiated rates and other special considerations including protection from being “walked” to another hotel, guaranteeing you for late arrival, etc... To take advantage of these considerations, it is important that we make your reservations for you. Should you choose to make your own reservations, please notify AFMRD staff by marking “no reservations necessary” on the reservation form. Otherwise, there is a possibility for duplicate or no-show charges being assessed by the hotel.
How do I receive my hotel confirmation number?
The hotels will be instructed to mail/email these to you at the address you have provided us approximately one month prior to the meeting. About one week before the meeting, AFMRD will have a list of these confirmation numbers. You may email us if you did not receive yours via mail/email, and it’s best not to call the hotel directly. Depending on when you call, the hotel may not have a record of individual names in the system; often times they will hold the group’s reservation in one large room block or under AFMRD’s account for an unspecified time. They change this prior to your arrival when they assign you to a specific guest room.
What is the suggested attire for all sessions?
Business casual is the perfect choice for most NIPDD activities. Also, please bring one change of business attire (we recommend suit jackets for men and dress skirts/slacks/sweaters and suits for women) to each session for the following activities: the Dine-Around Group Dinner at the Fall Session, the group photo at the Spring Session, and the graduation reception and ceremony at the Summer Session. Please also note that the temperature in many hotel meeting rooms is difficult to control – it is a good idea to bring a sweater. Shorts at any time are discouraged.
What is the Dine-Around Group Dinner at the Fall Session?
This social dinner is a great opportunity to network with the other fellows and the Academic Council. Sign up sheets will be located at the registration desk on Thursday and Friday of the Fall Session. Simply sign up for the restaurant you would like to attend. A description of the restaurant and the price range will be listed to help you make your selection. We ask that you do not bring a guest to the dine-around, as this is considered part of the curriculum. Please note that you will be responsible for your portion of the bill. Most restaurants will not provide separate checks; please be sure to have cash on hand. Your guest is certainly welcome at the opening receptions and at graduation.