Scholarships for Medical Students

Selection Criteria and Nomination Requirements
Candidates for the Award will be those graduates of medical schools in Georgia who have been selected for Georgia Family Residency Programs.

Candidates will be evaluated on the following:

1. Member of the GAFP in good standing, holding membership at least one year prior to the year of selection;

2. Demonstrated abilities (i.e., Leadership);

3. Participation in school and community activities;

4. Academic Standing;

5. Participation in the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and Family Medicine activities on local, state, and national levels; and

6. Enrolled in a Georgia Family Medicine Residency Program

Schools Where Awards Are to be Given:

1. Emory School of Medicine

2. Augusta University

3. Mercer University School of Medicine

4. Morehouse School of Medicine

5. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Mechanisms of Selection
The Chairman of each Department of Family Medicine, with the involvement of his/her faculty, nominations up to three (3) candidates in order of preference, who meet the criteria as stated here. Nominations must be made by Friday, April 18th. 

The three (3) nominees from each school are present to the GAFP Membership Committee & Board of Directors, at which time a selection for each school will be made. Only ONE award will be presented at each school. If no student is eligible in a respective school, no award will be given. 

Presentation
This Award is to be presented at each medical school's graduation ceremony. The Program Chair is requested to present this award. 

How to Apply
Fill out the application form here

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.