Family Medicine has been recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association as a medical specialty since 1969. Family physicians are specialty trained in formal three-year residency programs to evaluate total health needs, provide care within multiple fields of medicine and maintain continuity of care to individuals and families. Family practice integrates all phases of medicine, serving people of all ages and both genders.
In order to maintain state licensure, board certification, and MAFP/AAFP membership, family physicians must complete at least 150 hours of approved Continuing Medical Education (CME) every three years and pass a comprehensive board examination every seven years. (Many family physicians elect to take the board examination every six years.) Family Medicine was the first medical specialty to require board recertification. Likewise, Family Medicine took the initiative when it instituted the CME requirement which is now the standard for many other medical specialties.
