Scholarships for Family Medicine Residents

Program Overview: 
As part of its commitment to cultivating leadership among its members, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) has launched a strategic initiative to support emerging leaders. This program will sponsor up to 18 residents, one from each member program of the Residency Collaborative, to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians’ (AAFP) Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS). The goal is to foster leadership development and strengthen Georgia’s presence in national advocacy efforts. 

Eligibility Criteria: 
Applicants must:  

• Be an active or resident member of the GAFP 

• Have applied for, and been denied, national (AAFP) level support  

Participant Expectations: 
Selected participants will be:  

• Required to attend all FMAS sessions and activities  

• Encouraged to submit a written report summarizing their experience after the event  

• Encouraged to meet with GAFP’s Policy Analyst post-conference to discuss advocacy goals and future leadership opportunities  

Scholarship Coverage: 
The scholarship will cover the following expenses:  

• Coach airfare or mileage reimbursement at the IRS-approved rate  

• Ground transportation (car, bus, taxi) to/from the airport and any GAFP-sponsored offsite events  

• Hotel accommodations at the single-room rate for up to three nights  

• Per diem for meals at IRS-approved rates (maximum of four days) 

Application Process & Timeline: 
Interested members must submit a completed application and email their CV to Brittani Harmon at bharmon@gafp.org by Friday, January 30, 2026. 

The GAFP Residency Collaborative Leadership Committee will review all submissions and will select one resident from each Residency Collaborative member program. Notification of selection will be sent by Friday, February 27, 2026. 

The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) invites medical students and residents to apply for a dynamic elective centered on advocacy, leadership, and health policy. This immersive experience connects participants with GAFP, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and other influential organizations to explore how organized medicine shapes clinical practice and medical education in Georgia. 

The GAFP Future Leaders in Family Medicine Elective is designed to cultivate the next generation of physician leaders by deepening their understanding of organized medicine’s role in shaping healthcare policy, education, and advocacy.  

Through this program, participants will discover the vital role specialty societies play in keeping physicians informed about medical innovations, educational trends, and legislative developments. It encourages participants to invest in their personal and professional development to become empowered, visionary physician leaders.

Who Can Apply 
Eligible candidates must: 

• Be enrolled in a Georgia-based medical school or Family Medicine Residency Program. 

• Hold active GAFP student or resident membership. 

• (Residents only) Be part of a Residency Collaborative member program.  

What You’ll Learn 

• Examine the intersection of Georgia’s health policy and clinical practice in family medicine.  

• Learn to champion healthcare initiatives through advocacy at the community, state, and federal levels.  

• Gain insight into the leadership and organizational framework of GAFP and AAFP and how it shapes decision-making.  

• Build a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and self-development as an emerging physician.  

Program Features 

• Policy & Advocacy Training 

  • Georgia legislative processes 

  • Advocacy strategies and clinical integration 

  • Events like Physician’s Day at the Capitol, AAFP’s Future and FMAS conferences 

• Academy Leadership & Governance  

  • Academy leadership roles 

  • Tackling administrative burdens 

• Professional & Personal Development 

  • Communication and branding 

  • Financial wellness 

  • Conflict resolution 

  • Physician resilience  

Capstone Project 
Participants will complete a capstone project that will serve as the culminating experience to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills gained during the elective. Examples of capstone projects include:  

• Presentation: Poster or oral presentation at AAFP Future or FMAS National Conference, GAFP Annual Meeting, March Conclave, or Summer Assembly. 

• Policy Brief/White Paper: Address a key health policy issue. 

• Podcast Contribution: Create a GAFP podcast episode on a relevant topic. 

• Innovation Project: Propose a new initiative to enhance family medicine or GAFP operations.  

GAFP Covered Expenses 

• Housing for 4 weeks 

• Mileage Reimbursement 

• Per Diem (Based on IRS-approved rates)  

How to Apply 
Interested students and residents must submit the completed application, a letter of support from their Family Medicine Advisor or Program Director, and their CV to Brittani Harmon at bharmon@gafp.org by Friday, January 30, 2026. 

Students and Residents must coordinate your rotation dates with GAFP and get approval from your Family Medicine Advisor or Program Director. Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to fourth-year medical students and third-year residents. 

The GAFP Residency Collaborative Leadership Committee will review all submissions and select up to two recipients. Notification of selection will be sent by Friday, February 27, 2026. 

Contact 
For questions or more information, reach out to Brittani Harmon at bharmon@gafp.org.