Question
Why is there such an organization as the Association of Family Medicine Administration (AFMA)?
Answer
AFMA attempts to focus on issues unique to Family Medicine residency programs.  At a time when the specialty of Family Medicine is one of the fastest growing in the nation, there are many problems and opportunities that present themselves.  Issues from program accreditation to financial viability are addressed by our members.

AFMA provides a forum by which its members can make contact with individuals of like organizations and discuss these issues to their mutual benefit.  Only through the sharing of information can we hope to be effective administrators, managers, and coordinators of change that affects our programs.

Question
What are some of the activities of the Association?
Answer
The major educational function of AFMA is participating in the annual Residency Program Solutions (RPS) workshop in Kansas City, usually in March or April of each year.  AFMA plays an important role in arranging and sponsoring many workshop sessions concerning administration and management of Family Practice residency programs.  AFMA also promotes regional meetings organized by its members.

A survey of members experiences and qualifications is published annually in an effort to facilitate networking and interaction on a one-on-one basis.

The Association conducts annual surveys of programs examining issues such as staffing, productivity, funding, compensation of staff and professionals, managed care trends and other issues of concern.  Findings are published for all programs to use and are distributed to its members free of charge.

Question
Who runs the Association?
Answer
AFMA is an organization of volunteers.  The president is elected to office by the members.  He/She serves a one-year term normally after having served on the AFMA Board of Directors.

The Board is also elected by the membership and terms run for four years. Two or three members of the ten-member Board rotate off each year.  This provides vacancies for general members to fill, and at the same time, provides continuity in leadership, allowing the Board to address long-term issues.  Each Board member also chairs or co-chairs a standing committee.

Committees are made up of members who volunteer to serve. Every member has the opportunity to serve on any committee he/she chooses.  As a committee member, you can influence in a very real way the direction of the organization.  Active committee participation is a responsibility of membership and appreciated by both members and the Board of Directors of AFMA.