American Academy of Family Physicians
The American Academy of Family Physicians was founded in 1947 to promote and maintain high-quality standards for family medicine, an offshoot of the classical general practitioner. It is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.
AAFP is one of the largest medical organizations in the United States, with 128,300 members in 50 U.S. states and territories, in addition to international members. The AAFP was instrumental in establishing family medicine 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.
History
The AAFP was founded in 1947 as the American Academy of General Practice. At the organization meeting, held in Atlantic City on June 10, 1947, it was moved and seconded that the organization be named The American College of Physicians and Surgeons. An amendment was quickly brought to the table that the name be change to The American Academy of General Practice. The organization's name was changed on October 3, 1971, to "more accurately reflect the changing nature of primary health care".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.To fulfill its mission, the AAFP's strategic objectives include:
- Support and sustain family medicine practices that ensure the value of your comprehensive services.
- Reduce administrative complexity that detracts from patient care.
- Equip members with clinical expertise to provide high-quality, evidence-based care and address health disparities.
- Grow a family physician workforce that fully represents our country's diversity.