Center for the History of Family Medicine

The Center for the History of Family Medicine (CHFM) was officially established in 1992 to actively collect, organize, preserve and provide access to the records of the leading Family Medicine organizations involved in all aspects of the specialty. It also solicits personal and professional papers of family physicians and Family Medicine educators before and after 1969, when family medicine officially became the 20th specialty in American medicine. It designs and exhibits materials from its collections that highlight the specialty's history. CHFM also creates online exhibits and information on its collections via the Center's Web site.

The History Center is administered by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the health of all people by advancing the philosophy and culture of Family Medicine through scientific, educational, charitable and humanitarian initiatives.

The History Center is located at the American Academy of Family Physicians headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, just outside of Kansas City, Missouri. The CHFM's collection amounts to approximately 2,000 cubic feet of materials maintained onsite in a climate and humidity-controlled storage facility, plus additional materials stored offsite.

Board of Curators -- Get to know the Board of Curators, which oversees the operations and activities of the Center.

Classics in Family Medicine -- A collection of the most classic and memorable works relating to the history and development of the specialty of Family Medicine.

Collections -- Take a look at our free, downloadable and fully searchable PDF catalog.

Donations -- Access information about how and what you may donate to the Center.

Endowment -- Help the Center by donating to our endowment.

Exhibits -- Explore the world of Family Medicine through our online and traveling historical exhibits.

Fellowship in the History of Family Medicine -- Apply for the Center's annual Fellowship award.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) -- Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Center and its holdings.

History Facts on File -- Access and download a variety of materials covering some of the most commonly requested topics in Family Medicine history.

Internship Program -- Our internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to gain experience in historical archives, library and museum work over an 8 to 10 week period.

Just for Kids -- Download the 1986 Rainbow Brite "I'm A Fit Kid" coloring book and the 1997 "Want to be a Family Doctor?" activity booklet from our historical collections.

Links -- Check these useful links on General Practice and Family Medicine history.

Oral History Program -- Find resources about the Family Medicine Oral History Project and how to conduct your own oral histories.

Organizational Members -- Find out more about the Center's organizational members who comprise the "family of Family Medicine."

Research - Using the Collections -- Find out how to conduct research into the Center's collections.

Resources- History of Family Medicine -- Check out our selected bibliography of Family Medicine, presentations by family physicians on the history of the specialty, and research checklists.

Vision & Purpose -- Learn about the Center's mission statement and vision for the future.

Volunteer Opportunities -- See how you can help the Center by volunteering your time, talents or expertise.

What's New at the Center for the History of Family Medicine -- The latest information about happenings in the CHFM.

Contacting the Center for the History of Family Medicine -- Find out how to contact us if you need more information or if you have questions.