Nominations Are Open: Celebrate the Family Physicians and Educators Who Inspire Us
Every year, family physicians across our state show up for their patients, their communities, and the next generation of doctors often without asking for recognition in return. This is our chance to recognize them!
UAFP is proud to announce that nominations are now open for two outstanding honors: the Family Medicine Physician of the Year and, brand new this year, the Family Medicine Educator of the Year Award. Together, these awards celebrate the full range of excellence in our specialty.
Family Medicine Physician of the Year
This award recognizes a physician who provides patients with compassionate, comprehensive, and caring family medicine on a continuing basis. It’s for the doctor who is more than a provider, they’re a trusted, ongoing presence in their patients’ lives, often caring for entire families across generations.
Beyond patient care, this physician is actively involved in their community, serving as a credible role model to colleagues, residents, and medical students alike. They represent family medicine with integrity, embodying the leadership and public-facing advocacy that helps improve health outcomes across our state.
Nominees are considered based on criteria including:
- Patient care
- Excellence in the profession of family medicine
- Practice leadership
- Community service and contributions
- Scholarly activity
- Advocacy
- Experience and career accomplishments
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
Family Medicine Educator of the Year Award (New This Year!)
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new award category in 2026: the Family Medicine Educator of the Year Award. This honor celebrates the tradition of “Physician as Teacher” recognizing family medicine educators whose dedication to learners, patients, and community has made a lasting impact on our field.
This award is for the mentors who shape the next generation of family physicians: the ones who bring innovative curricula to life, inspire growth in students and residents, and serve as compassionate role models both in the classroom and at the bedside.
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Excellence in teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, research, or educational leadership
- A sustained commitment to family medicine education
- Innovation in developing and implementing creative curricula, teaching models, or programs
- Compassion for both patients and learners
- Meaningful involvement in their community
Key Dates to Remember
- Nomination deadline: August 15, 2026
- Winners announced: UAFP Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, Thursday, September 24
Take a Moment to Recognize Excellence
Thank you!