Education Programs For Physicians and Future Physicians
Continuing Medical Education Programs
A family physician's effectiveness is dependent upon sound, up-to-date continuing medical education (CME). The PAFP and Foundation has extensive experience in developing innovative educational programs for its membership through its:
• Continuing medical education (CME) conferences
• Medical Management Series
• Regional member meetings
• AAFP Scientific Assembly
• Research Day
• Online CME, webinars, and more
Family Medicine Clinical Camp
The PAFP and Foundation annually hosts its Family Medicine Clinical Camp, a program focused on educating medical students — especially first- and second-year students — about family medicine: its vital importance, its many roles, and its professional fulfillment. Through well-designed clinical workshops, special lectures, networking with family physicians and statewide residency programs, students can effectively learn the breadth and depth of family medicine, gaining an excitement and vision to pursue a career in the specialty.
Research Day
The PAFP and Foundation presents a unique forum for the entire continuum of family medicine professionals, from medical students to the experienced faculty member, to present original research to a supportive audience of their peers.
Family Practice Education Fund
The PAFP and Foundation's Family Practice Education Fund is an important funding source for Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs), student-run groups at the local medical schools. FMIGs sponsor programs and projects that prepare studetns for careers in family medicine. They sponsor clinical skills workshops (like suturing), host talks by family doctors on different aspects and opportunities in family medicine, plus participate in community outreach projects (for example, wellness clinics for at-risk youth). With a strong Pennsylvania community, our FMIGs are considered national leaders.
Student Memberships
Student memberships are an important way for medical students to become more involved in family medicine. As as student member of the PAFP, they can participate in student leadership positions, network with family physicians, learn more about family medicine, and gain a stronger vision for a future in family medicine. For a small donation ($15), supporters can underwrite the cost of a student membership and impact a student's decision towards family medicine.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
The future of family medicine depends on dedicated students entering the field of family medicine and, in turn, practicing in Pennsylvania. Medical students need a clear picture of this specialty and to be given opportunities to excel, enabling them to become leaders of today and physician leaders of tomorrow.
The PAFP and Foundation proudly offers the following scholarship opportunities:
• The Lila Stein Kroser, MD Leadership Scholarship Fund supporting future leaders in family medicine (in memory of Lila Stein Kroser, MD).
• The Nikitas J. Zervanos, MD Medical Student Interest in Family Medicine Funds supporting basic student interest programs in family medicine.
• The AAFP National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Student Scholarship Fund: The PAFP and Foundation provides annual travel scholarships to enable Pennsylvania medical residents and students to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The annual conference exposes students to family practice residency programs, residency directors and residents serving in programs throughout the United States. As the future of family medicine, students learn first-hand about the rewarding specialty and participate in debates on current health care issues.
In 2007, the PAFP and Foundation supported the largest state-constituent group at the conference, which was specially recognized at the opening ceremony. This group of 42 students from Pennsylvania participated in the conference workshops, procedures workshops, leadership sessions, and congress of delegates.
