Medical Students
Succeed in medical school and learn more about the family medicine specialty.
Why Choose Family Medicine?
With the broadest spectrum of practice of all the medical specialties, family medicine provides you the unique opportunity to tailor the specialty to fit your own needs and interests. For the past 10 years, family medicine has been the most recruited specialty in the United States. Rising demand has also led to rising salaries. See what makes it so appealing - and find out why family medicine might just be your perfect match!
What is Family Medicine?
9 Reasons to Choose Family Medicine
Discover Family Medicine Career Options
Explore Income & Lifestyle Expectations
Training Requirements for Family Physicians
Did you know the average full-time family physician reported a total compensation of $274,359 in 2022?
Demand for family physicians continues to grow - along with their average income. Learn more with our Career Benchmark Dashboard.
NEW NAME. NEXT CHAPTER.
National Conference is now FUTURE—a new name to capture the energy of our family medicine residents and med students.
July 31-August 2, 2025 in Kansas City
New for Medical Students
Member Exclusive Videos
Student Storytelling: A Collection of Powerful Voices
Family medicine is the most diverse, dynamic, and in-demand medical specialty. A panel of family physicians share their passions and family medicine story. Learn what makes their work so rewarding and get an idea of where you fit in!
From National Conference to the White House
Dr. Bechara Choucair shares his amazing story, from residency to serving as the national vaccinations coordinator. He also discusses what's next for family medicine and the role today's medical students will play in shaping the future.
Not a member? Medical student membership is free and applying is quick and easy. Join today.
Get Into Medical School
Start your journey toward a career in family medicine. Learn what it takes to get into medical school, and plan for attending and managing medical school debt.
Is a Career in Medicine for You
Get Into Medical School
Plan for Medical School
Manage Medical School Debt
Find a Family Medicine Program
Succeed in Medical School
Medical school isn't easy, but the AAFP's study tools and resources can help you along the way.
Deciding on a Specialty
Research Clinical Topics & Procedures
Plan Your Clerkships & Electives
Global Health Opportunities
Finding a Mentor
Attend Family Medicine Conferences
Listen to the AFP Podcast
Become a Resident
Once you approach the end of your medical school education, the next step is matching with a family medicine residency program. Find out more about the Match process, preparing for residency interviews, and finding a residency program that's right for you.
Understand the Match Process
Choosing a Residency Program
Find a Residency Program
Preparing your Residency Application
Residency Interview Guide
Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program Tips
Student Wellness Resources
Maintaining your overall wellness during medical school is critical for your success. Check out our collection of videos, articles and other tools to help you prevent burnout, care for yourself and lead change as you grow your career.
Not a member? Sign up for free.
Financial Well-being:
Managing Medical School Debt
The cost of medical school is a common source of stress. Access resources that can help you manage educational costs and minimize debt.
Managing Debt
Suicide Prevention:
Talk Saves Lives™
Talk Saves Lives, a program from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, teaches learners how to talk about and prevent suicide.
Suicide Prevention
Lead Your Family Medicine Interest Group
Make the most of your school's Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG). Discover new programming ideas, apply for funding, and create a forum for others interested in family medicine.
Discover FMIG Resources
Join the FMIG Network Online Community
Get Free Student Membership
Explore family medicine with a free student membership in the AAFP, and access benefits and resources you can use in medical school.
Ace Your Exams
Master family medicine topics and prep for your family med shelf exam with our board review questions, which are free for AAFP members.
Connect with Your Peers
Join an exclusive community just for medical student members, and explore other online communities organized by topic and interest.