In what ways does the AFMRD advocate for family medicine?

The voice of AFMRD members is a crucial part of the conversation as health policy and academic issues are discussed and debated amongst other family medicine organizations, regulatory bodies, and governmental agencies. We listen to the concerns of our members on regulatory issues, raising these issues when appropriate with those who could affect change (ACGME, ABFM, etc.). With the help of a Director of Governmental Relations advising CAFM and AFMAC, we provide AFMRD members with up-to-date information on legislative and policy issue that impact family medicine residency programs. For advocates who desire face-to-face interactions with policy makers in Washington, DC, AFMRD encourages residents and members to join the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit. Limited annual scholarships are available through AFMRD.

Council of Academic Family Medicine (CAFM)

CAFM brings together the leadership of the academic family medicine organizations to act on strategic initiatives that support academic family medicine and the discipline. It is comprised of the four academic family medicine organizations: Association of Departments of Family Medicine (ADFM), North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG), Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) and AFMRD. Liaison organizations to CAFM also include the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP).

The AFMRD is represented at the CAFM meetings by its President, President Elect, Immediate Past President, and Executive Director.

Academic Family Medicine Advocacy Committee (AFMAC)

AFMAC represents the interests of family medicine by monitoring and advocating family medicine positions to appropriate government agencies. Voices on this committee are represented by the following organizations: Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM), Association of Departments of Family Medicine (ADFM), AFMRD, North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).