Established in 1948, the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) is the state chapter of the 134,600-member American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The WAFP has nearly 3,000 members, making the WAFP the single largest physician specialty group in Wisconsin. The WAFP is governed by a 20-member board of directors.
Our Mission: To promote excellence and equity in health for all people in Wisconsin through the advancement of the art and science of Family Medicine.
Our Vision: Competent, compassionate, thriving Family Physicians advancing the health of our communities.
Family Medicine is the medical specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive primary health care for the individual and family. Family Medicine integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences and its scope encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system, and every disease entity.
More patients are seen by family physicians than any other specialty. Family physicians devote their careers to advocating for their patients' needs, taking responsibility for their long-term care, and developing long lasting relationships. Family physicians...
The AAFP and WAFP require Active members to complete 150 hours of approved continuing medical education every three years to maintain their membership status. Family physicians are also required by the American Board of Family Medicine to pass a comprehensive certification exam every ten years.
| Active: | 1894 | Membership Practice Data: |
| Student: | 423 | 26% practice in a rural setting |
| Resident: | 341 | 22% practice in an urban setting |
| Life Members: | 301 | 76% are employed |
| Inactive: | 33 | 10% are self employed |
| Supporting: | 4 | 79% would encourage medical students to choose Family Medicine |
52% under the age of 50
Members are 44% men and 45% men
Developing and supporting new family physicians is central to the mission and purpose of the WAFP. The WAFP supports Family Medicine student groups, offers student and resident board and committee positions and resident leadership development, in addition to ongoing involvement with medical schools and residency programs.
Wisconsin offers four top-ranked medical schools to pursue the Family Medicine specialty: University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Medical College of Wisconsin - Central Wisconsin, and the Medical College of Wisconsin - Green Bay.
Upon completion of their three or four-year medical degree, medical students interested in Family Medicine can choose from 19 residency programs in Wisconsin.
Family Medicine residents come from across the country and abroad to participate in these three-year programs:
Family physicians often choose Wisconsin as their home. 52% of residents stay in Wisconsin to practice, with nearly half choosing rural settings.
