Student Liaison to the Student National Medical Association

Position Overview

In 2003, the AAFP Board of Directors approved the creation of a student liaison to the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). Established in 1964 by Howard University College of Medicine students and Meharry Medical College students, the SNMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. SNMA is committed to assuring that students of color are encouraged to consider and prepare for medical and scientific careers.

SNMA programs and activities are implemented by local chapters based at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools throughout the country. These programs are designed to serve the health needs of underrepresented communities and assure that medical services are sensitive to the needs of culturally diverse populations.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Applications close: Sept. 4, 2025
Term dates: Jan. 1, 2026 -Dec. 31, 2026
Pre-requisites required? No (SNMA membership required)

Responsibilities

Term: Jan. 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2026

Disseminate information through SNMA regional directors about relevant AAFP activities
Provide quarterly reports to SNMA’s External Affairs Committee on AAFP activities of interest to students
Attend the FMIG Network Student Leader Orientation
Give an annual report during the National Congress of Student Members during FUTURE (formerly National Conference)
Participate in monthly virtual meetings with FMIG Network student leaders
After calendar year of service, remain available to finish planning and host family medicine programming at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference. A new liaison will be appointed in January to take over the regular monthly activities
Contribute to planning and leading programming at FUTURE
Serve as chair of the SNMA Specialty Interest Group for Family Medicine

Application Summary

Candidates for this position are appointed by the AAFP Board of Directors at the recommendation of the AAFP Resident and Student Leadership Screening Committee.

Required elements of the application include:

Completed application form (online)
Letter of support from your program director
Support form completed by your AAFP chapter (state or constituent chapter)
Application Questions
Completed conflict of interest disclosure
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Letters and forms can be uploaded or requested through the online application system. For detailed information on application materials, visit the How to Apply page. It is important to connect with your local AAFP Chapter as soon as possible to express your interest in this position, as some chapters have required processes that need to happen before applying,

Meet Current Student Leaders

Read Annual Reports

Questions? Contact AAFP Leadership staff at getinvolved@aafp.org

Eligibility Criteria

Medical student in good academic standing
Member of the AAFP
Member of the SNMA
Interested in promoting family medicine in medical schools through SNMA and FMIG activities
Able to attend FUTURE (National Conference) and the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference

Time commitment away from medical school: Approximately 12-14 days (includes weekends) for travel and attendance at meetings

Funding: The AAFP will provide funding to attend the annual SNMA meeting and FUTURE according to AAFP policy.

Meeting Schedule

MEETING	DATES	Location
AAFP FMIG Network Student Leader Orientation	January 2026 (exact dates TBD)	Leawood, KS
SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference	April 2026	TBD
AAFP FUTURE Conference	July 30-Aug. 1, 2026 (travel days July 29 and Aug 2)	Kansas City, MO