Formerly National Conference, FUTURE is the place to explore your medical career. Come step into your power as a future physician.
FUTURE is an unmatched on-site educational experience. Here, you’ll expand on med school, learn from industry insiders, and uncover which path is right for you.
Join your peers for three days of “aha moments” in an energetic conference.
Exclusive education. Peers who get it. Residency programs from all over.
Tips on surviving med school. Clinical skills. Peer and expert connections.
Skill-building sessions. Potential employers. Post-residency opportunities.
Austen Ott and Kate Tian, M.D., the 2025 Student and Resident Chairs for FUTURE, share their journey into family medicine and how the AAFP has been with them every step of the way.
Absolutely! Our programming is designed to not only help you discover what makes family medicine so great, but also which specialty would ultimately be the right fit for you. Our sessions are geared toward helping med students succeed in med school, no matter the specialty.
Yes! No matter where you are on your journey, FUTURE is the place to discover new opportunities in family medicine. Here’s how we address each stage:
1st Year
Explore family medicine through workshops, Main Stage sessions, discussions with your peers and specialty leaders and more.
2nd Year
Prepare for clerkship through educational programming designed to enhance your family medicine journey and get a jump-start on your residency and career.
3rd Year
Strengthen your path to family medicine. Hone procedural skills, visit residency programs and see what all you can do as a family physician.
4th Year
Learn how to seamlessly transition into residency and connect with residents who went through the same experiences.
Yes, there are resident-focused workshops. Additional activities will be announced soon.
Yes, but only if you don’t come with your residency program. Ask your program if they can help you come to FUTURE for FREE—and save your money for Family Medicine Experience (FMX), the AAFP’s premier event for primary care, Oct. 5–9, 2025, in Anaheim, CA.
Health care is about more than just prescribing medicine. That’s why FUTURE is focused on equipping you with the skills and insights you need to thrive during and after medical school.
Our skills workshops and educational sessions feature over 40 topics, providing knowledge that extends far beyond the traditional med school curriculum. In addition to clinical expertise, you’ll explore practical, hands-on learning in areas like suturing, joint injections, mental health care and chronic disease management.
Our workshops also offer invaluable tips on how to survive med school with best practices for studying, time management and balancing the demands of your education with your well-being. You’ll learn about the importance of self-care during training, ensuring you prioritize your health while pursuing your career. FUTURE also helps you navigate important decisions like choosing the right specialty. Whether you’re considering family medicine or another path, our sessions give you the tools and perspective to determine which specialty is the best fit for you.
Whether it’s through specialized skills, leadership development, certifications or unique insights into policy and advocacy, the knowledge you gain at FUTURE will set you apart. Excel in med school and make a lasting impact as a well-rounded, compassionate physician.
Build meaningful relationships with peers, experienced practitioners and mentors who can guide you through the journey of becoming a physician at FUTURE.
Whether it’s sharing study tips, exploring specialty choices or finding a balance between work and personal life, these connections are invaluable as you navigate medical school and beyond.
In addition to structured networking sessions, FUTURE offers relaxed, organic ways to connect. Participate in activities like interactive coloring walls, games and celebration events. These informal gatherings allow you to forge connections that extend beyond the conference. Expect to make lasting friendships with peers who share your passion for medicine.
FUTURE also provides opportunities to connect with residency programs, practice groups and health care organizations. Attend career fairs and expo events to meet residency directors and potential employers and gain insights into various medical fields while learning what programs look for in candidates.
With these connections, you’re not just building a professional network—you’re gaining a supportive community to help you grow and succeed throughout your medical career.
The 2025 poster submission process has closed.
FUTURE’s poster competition is a unique opportunity for medical students and residents to showcase their research, clinical case studies and innovative projects to a national audience of peers, educators and family medicine leaders.
Each year, this event highlights the diverse and impactful work being done by emerging professionals in family medicine, offering a platform to present new ideas, share evidence-based findings and engage in thought-provoking discussions.
By participating in the poster competition, you’ll not only gain valuable presentation experience, but you’ll also receive constructive feedback from experienced family physicians and academics. This is your chance to refine your communication skills, enhance your research acumen and build your professional resume.
Attendees benefit from exploring a wide array of topics, ranging from cutting-edge clinical research to community health projects. This is also an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with presenters and fellow participants, making connections with future colleagues.
This event fosters a collaborative environment where you can ask questions, exchange ideas and gain insights into the varied research areas that drive the field of family medicine forward.
At FUTURE, you’ll have the chance to become a champion for family medicine and develop essential leadership skills.
Through our Congress sessions, all attendees are welcome to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of family medicine, allowing you to use your voice to influence real change.
Additionally, we offer dedicated sessions on leadership development, where you can learn from experienced family physicians and connect with Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs). As part of an FMIG, you’ll be able to collaborate with peers who share a passion for advancing family medicine and advocating for primary care. These experiences empower you to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact on both your career and the field of family medicine.
