AAFP National Congresses of Family Medicine Residents and Student Members Delegate and Alternate Delegate Scholarships

Photo reprinted with permission, credit: James Arvantes/AAFP News Now

“My experience was unforgettable and inspiring. I not only gained knowledge about the workings of the AAFP, different types of residencies and how to interview – but, the crucial role of the family physician in public health, and the need for students and future family physicians not only to work in our communities, but advocate for them. This opportunity gave me much to think about as well as ideas and plans to put into action in my medical school and the OAFP. I was recharged to comeback and make a difference,” said scholarship recipient Margarette Shegog from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.

The resident and student congresses serve as the official voices of residents and students within the American Academy of Family Physicians. Through these forums, resident and student members elect their national officers, advocate for a wide variety of issues and causes, and receive valuable leadership training. Many initiatives launched by residents and students are now AAFP policy. Many family medicine leaders got their start in the resident and student congresses.

Not only do the official delegates have the opportunity to attend the AAFP National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Student Members in Kansas City, MO, they also have the opportunity to speak and vote on recommendations that come before the congresses for consideration and vote in the elections to select student leaders to the AAFP board, the AAFP Congress of Delegates and the American Medical Association.

OAFP Foundation offers scholarships up to $1,000 in eligible expenses, paid according to the reimbursement policy, for the selected resident and student delegates and alternate delegates to attend the congresses. The delegates and alternate delegates must submit a report to the OAFP Foundation on their conference experience along with a completed expense report and receipts within 30 days of the congress to be reimbursed by the OAFP Foundation.

Eligible candidates must:
  • Have participated in one Ohio Academy of Family Physicians activity
  • Be a resident/medical student in good standing with the OAFP and the AAFP
  • Be a resident/medical student in good standing at their residency program/medical school
  • Disclose other funding received to attend the conference (please note: other funding received by official Ohio delegates to attend the conference will be deducted from the OAFP Foundation scholarship).
Eligible candidates must submit:
  • A complete student/resident application
  • A statement of interest (no more than one typewritten page) explaining their interest in family medicine and why they wish to represent Ohio at the congress.

Preference will be given to applicants who are active in their family medicine interest group, and/or who are currently serving or have served on OAFP commissions, committees, forums, or as resident/student delegates to the OAFP Members Assembly. The delegate application deadline is Friday, May 18.