printer-friendly

print

The National FMIG Network

History of the FMIG Network

In 1995, the AAFP established the National FMIG Network as a way of improving communication between FMIGs around the country. The Network consists of local FMIG leaders, ten appointed regional coordinators, and one elected national coordinator.

Goals of the FMIG Network

The goals of the FMIG Network are to:

  • Encourage active learning and promotion of the specialty of family medicine.
  • Serve as a resource for FMIG faculty and student leaders in the following areas:
  • Program Development
  • Fundraising
  • Assist in the development of family medicine resources
  • Collect information/opinions from local FMIG chapters about AAFP policy affecting the specialty of family medicine, medical education and residency training.

Goals of an FMIG Leader

Every FMIG has its own set of immediate, short-term, and long-term goals reflective of its members and school environment. The National FMIG Regional Coordinators created the following list of potential goals of an FMIG. These suggestions may help you develop a list of goals for your FMIG.

  • Distribute accurate information about family medicine
  • Increase awareness of and interest in family medicine
  • Provide medical students with positive family physician role models
  • Educate all medical students about what family physicians do
  • Assist students in understanding the "match" process leading to the selection of a family practice residency
  • Develop medical students’ leadership skills
  • Provide information about educational opportunities not offered through medical school curriculum
  • Provide an organized mechanism for student input into the state and national AAFP policy making process
  • Facilitate the interaction of medical students with students at other medical schools

How to Use the FMIG Network

  • Find out the latest information from the AAFP and/or region, i.e., resources, events, important deadlines
  • Contact your FMIG Regional Coordinator to orientate new FMIG leaders
  • Call for innovative programming ideas/advice and report successful programming
  • Begin networking in your state, planning activities and information exchanges between medical schools and/or residency programs