The American Academy of Family Physicians partners with HOSA Future Health Professionals to help pre-health students explore careers in family medicine. HOSA is a nationally recognized, student-led organization that empowers secondary and post-secondary students to pursue healthcare careers through education, experience, and leadership development.
Through this collaboration, AAFP chapters have a unique opportunity to:
Explore this resource hub to discover tools, guides, and engagement ideas to help your chapter make a lasting impact—and inspire the next generation of family physicians.
HOSA Future Health Professionals, commonly referred to as HOSA, is a student-led career and technical student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services and several federal and state agencies. HOSA promotes career opportunities in health care to secondary, post-secondary and middle school students through education, collaboration, and experiences. HOSA has more than 260,000 student and advisor members nationwide and across the globe.
Since 2021, the AAFP has collaborated with HOSA to provide student members with the opportunity to engage with family physicians and learn more about family medicine careers through two educational programs: a Family Medicine Career Test and a Family Medicine Physician Competitive Event.
Throughout the year, state HOSA chapters organize events designed to help students explore health professions by participating in various competitions, including family medicine. State-level winners advance to the HOSA International Leadership Conference to compete for scholarships. The AAFP represents family medicine at the HOSA International Leadership Conference through presentations, exhibits, and by judging final rounds of the Family Medicine Physician Competitive Event. AAFP staff also serve on HOSA’s national advisory board.
HOSA is making a difference in shaping the future of healthcare, and the AAFP is currently the only physician specialty organization to partner with the organization. This partnership allows AAFP to uniquely contribute to HOSA's mission by providing resources and opportunities specifically related to family medicine.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) partners with HOSA Future Health Professionals to help AAFP chapters engage with pre-health students across the country. Through this partnership, chapter members can:
These chapter-led activities inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders while promoting family medicine as a fulfilling and in-demand career path.
Here are just a few examples of how AAFP chapters are engaging with HOSA:
Several AAFP chapters regularly set up informational booths at HOSA events to engage with students and provide information about careers in family medicine. Some facilitate workshops, panels and educational events to provide insight into what being a family physician is like in the real world. You can even judge a competitive event or help launch the family medicine events in your state! The AAFP has slide decks, videos, handouts and other presentation tools to support your work with students.
Interested in learning more about how your chapter can get involved? Connect with your state’s HOSA advisor to learn more about how HOSA is operated in your state and explore opportunities for collaboration. Find your state HOSA advisor.
Looking to make a greater impact? Join the Family Medicine Champions program—a free, certificate-granting initiative from the AAFP that empowers physicians and medical professionals to mentor and inspire pre-health students exploring careers in family medicine.
As a Champion, you’ll gain:
More than 90% of participants recommend the program, including HOSA advisors and chapter leaders. Help shape the future of healthcare—become a Family Medicine Champion today.
By actively engaging with HOSA, AAFP state chapters have a unique opportunity to inspire and educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. Your involvement can make an impact in the future of family medicine by fostering a deeper understanding and encouraging students to pursue rewarding careers as family physicians. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare by connecting with HOSA students through mentorship, educational events, and collaborative initiatives. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of family medicine continues to thrive and evolve, benefiting communities nationwide and beyond.
HOSA Future Health Professionals offers exciting ways for students to learn about healthcare careers through national competitions. As part of the AAFP-HOSA partnership, students can explore family medicine by participating in two exclusive events:
Access competition guidelines and resources below to help students prepare and succeed.
Learn about what AAFP is doing to support students interested in family medicine.
Become a preceptor. U.S. medical schools face a drastic shortage of community preceptors in family medicine. Find a precepting opportunity and mentor the next generation of physicians. Learn how to get started.
Contact your local AAFP Chapter and find out how you can help engage medical students, advocate for policy change, and develop the workforce. Find your chapter.
Get involved in your community. Ask young patients what they want to be, volunteer to speak at a local school or youth club, and search for opportunities to encourage STEM education. The AAFP has slide decks, videos, and other presentation tools to help you talk about family medicine. Find AAFP resources.