AAFP Foundation honors family physician and chapter for advancing family medicine through philanthropy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 23, 2026

Contact:
AAFP Public Relations
Pr@aafp.org​

NASHVILLE, TN—The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation recognized the 2026 recipients of its Philanthropist of the Year award and Outstanding Program Award. The awards honor philanthropic leadership and work that strengthens family medicine and builds a better health care system. The recipients were honored during the Family Medicine Experience conference in Nashville, Tenn.

"The generosity and service of this year's winners will improve access to care and advance family medicine for years to come,” said Renee Markovich, MD, AAFP Foundation president. “I am pleased to recognize Dr. Rebecca Jaffe and the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance, who've lived out the Foundation's mission to invest in patients, communities and improve health for all,” said Renee Markovich, MD, AAFP Foundation president.

The 2026 award recipients are:

Philanthropist of the Year

Rebecca Jaffe, MD, MPH, FAAFP, received the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year award for her long-standing commitment to giving back to family medicine and supporting the next generation of physicians. She served on the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustee's from 2015 to 2021, including as treasurer, vice president, president-elect and president. Jaffe also served as an Emerging Leader Institute mentor for training and early-career family physicians and has established two AAFP Foundation endowment funds to support family medicine for years to come.

Her impact extends beyond the U.S. As a Family Medicine Cares International delegate to Haiti in 2017, Jaffe helped bring crucial primary care services to international communities in need.

Outstanding Program of the Year

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Women in Philanthropy (WIP) program was named the AAFP Foundation’s 2026 Outstanding Program of the Year. The program, made up of 31 female family physicians, supports nonprofit organizations addressing pressing health needs across Georgia.

In the last year, the WIP awarded $5,000 grants to six nonprofit organizations across the state. WIP members also sponsor medical students and residents through scholarships. This year, the program is on track to award $50,000 in grants to nonprofits whose missions aligns with the AAFP Foundation’s work to advance family medicine through philanthropy.

To learn more about the AAFP Foundation, please visit our website.

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The Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Its mission is to advance the values of family medicine through humanitarian, educational and scientific philanthropy dedicated to improving health. For more information, visit AAFPFoundation.org.