PAFP Student Assembly
Medical students are represented by officers on the PAFP Student Assembly, which holds a yearly meeting.
2025 Student Assembly
The next Assembly meeting will be scheduled for March 2025
Stay tuned!
Student Positions within the PAFP
A student representative serves on the PAFP Board of Directors and residents serve on committees. Student Delegate & Alternate Delegate work with the Chair and Vice Chair to represent Pa at the National Congress of Medical Students at AAFPNC. The PAFP supports students’ participation in leadership positions by reimbursing travel expenses for business meetings.
If you'd like to run for a position, simply join in for the Assembly Zoom and volunteer your interest. We'll take nominations, then allow each candidate a few minutes to tell the Assembly about themselves - any experience or interests relevant to the position, why you're interested and what you hope to accomplish. The students assembled then vote on the candidates to fill each position. You can read descriptions of the committees here.
Student Representative to the Board of Directors (1)
The Assembly elects the Board Rep from nominees. There may be experienced candidates who served in another position, as Vice-Chair, Delegate, or Commission Representative, though this is not a prerequisite. The Board Rep represents the Student Assembly on the PA Academy Board of Directors, Governance & Leadership Committee, and as a member of the PAFPPAC Board. The Board Rep attends the National Conference and collaborates with the Delegates in the National Congress of Medical Students business sessions.
Student Assembly Chair (1)
The Chair runs Student Assembly meetings and attends the Board of Directors' meetings, Governance & Leadership Committee and the PAFPPAC Board, and serves as the Board Rep in their absence. The Chair becomes familiar with resolution writing and attends the National Conference as a member of the delegation to the National Congress of Medical Students. The Chair leads initiatives related to student engagement, networking and exploring family medicine, including FMIG initiatives. The Chair is a member of the Resident & Student Affairs Committee.
Delegates (1 Delegate, 1 Alternate)
The Delegate and Alternate Delegate voice the concerns of students at the PAFP Annual Meeting, within the Resident & Student Affairs Committee and at the AAFP National Conference in the National Congress of Medical Students. They compose resolutions to address those concerns. They assist the Chair in planning the Assembly meeting and serve on the Research Day planning committee.
Government and Practice Advocacy Committee (2 Student Representatives)
This committee governs all public policy activities of the PAFP. This includes analysis of pending legislation and regulations affecting family physicians and their patients. Student members not only contribute to the GPAC meetings, but also share information with other student members.
Resident and Student Affairs Committee (2 RSAC student reps, Delegate & Alternate Delegate)
RSAC works on development of initiatives & events designed to support student interest in FM and support residents in training in Pennsylvania. Other commission functions: (1) Maintain active liaison with FMIGs in the medical schools in Pennsylvania; (2) Maintain liaison with the family medicine residency programs in Pennsylvania; (3) Maintain liaison with the Pennsylvania Assembly of Family Physicians Student members; (4) Maintain liaison with the Pennsylvania Assembly of Medical Student members.
Committee on Continuing Professional Development (2 Student Representatives)
Provides oversight and directs development of all continuing medical education programs. The Committee meets twice a year in person and via teleconference or other means as needed. Expectations include education program planning with a focus on board review and physician personal and professional wellness, input into learner objectives, peer review of slides to absolve potential conflicts, possible review of other conference development material, teleconferencing, and attendance at meetings.
PAFP PAC (Political Action Committee)
Student Board Representative serves on this committee.
Resolution Writing
At the annual meeting of the Student Assembly, students debate issues and develop resolutions with input of student members of the PAFP. Any member can propose or submit a resolution for consideration of the Assembly or of the PAFP House of Delegates. This mirrors the resolution process that occurs at the National Conference. If passed by a majority vote of the Student Assembly, a resolution proceeds to (1) the PAFP Board of Directors, (2) a PAFP Commission, and/or (3) the AAFP National Congress of Student Members. What's involved in writing a resolution? Check out this great AAFP guide to learn more.
