The MAFP is proud to recognize members for their dedication to family medicine in Minnesota.
We honor outstanding individuals through four annual Academy awards and provide ongoing opportunities to spotlight members’ impact throughout the year—whether in their clinics, communities or beyond—through Members Making a Difference.
Annual Academy Awards
Family Medicine Educator of the Year
Recognizes a member of the MAFP who is an outstanding teacher of family medicine.
- Eligibility: Full-time, part-time or volunteer physician educator from an academic or clinical setting who is actively engaged in teaching (or was, within the past two years). Must hold an MAFP Active or Life membership.
- Who can nominate: Family medicine residents, medical students, other educators or other MAFP members.
Innovation & Research Award
Recognizes an individual who has made a major contribution to the development of family medicine research and/or innovation at the state and/or national level.
- Eligibility: Does not have to be a physician, nor hold an MAFP membership.
- Who can nominate: MAFP members.
Family Medicine Resident of the Year
Recognizes a family medicine resident member of the MAFP for contributions to family medicine, including teaching, leadership and educational activities.
- Eligibility: Must hold an MAFP Resident membership.
- Who can nominate: Family medicine residents, medical students, educators, residency
program directors or other MAFP members.
Medical Student Leadership Award
Recognizes a medical student member of the MAFP for family medicine involvement and leadership activities.
- Eligibility: Must hold an MAFP Student membership.
- Who can nominate: Medical students, family medicine residents, educators or other MAFP members.
Members Making a Difference
The MAFP created Members Making a Difference to spotlight the incredible work our members are doing every day—in clinics, communities, classrooms and beyond.
Know a Minnesota family physician, resident or medical student making a meaningful impact? Fill out a short online form to tell us about them.
We welcome submissions year-round and will follow up as needed. Stories may be shared across MAFP communications to celebrate and elevate the work of family medicine in Minnesota.
Other Awards
Merit Award
The MAFP Merit Award recognizes exceptional service to the MAFP, honoring MAFP members who have worked diligently to advance the mission and ideals of family medicine through their involvement with the organization.
Nomination Process
Nominations must be submitted in writing by MAFP members and explain why the nominee is deserving of this recognition, including specific examples of their service to the MAFP and a copy of the nominee’s CV (if available). Send nomination letters to the MAFP office.
Nominees must be current MAFP members. All nominations are reviewed by the MAFP Board of Directors, and the recipient is selected by anonymous vote.
This award is given occasionally for outstanding contributions to the MAFP.
Minnesota Family Physician of the Year
The Minnesota Family Physician of the Year award, given out from 1981 through 2021, recognized a family physician member of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) for compassionate, comprehensive patient care and involvement in the community.
President’s Award
Given out from 1992 through 2016; awarded to members of the MAFP at the discretion of the MAFP President. See past recipients of the MAFP President’s Award.
