Conclave of Fellows

The designation, Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (FACOFP), signifies the recognition of the member's experience, dedication, and contributions of the highest order to the advancement of family medicine by their peers. The award of Fellow in the ACOFP may be conferred on an active ACOFP member in good standing who meet the following qualifications:

• Have at least six (6) consecutive full years of active physician membership after the year of residency completion (It is not permissible to retroactively pay overdue membership fees from past years). In the event the nominee has not served a one-year AOA-approved internship or its equivalent, the nominee must have at least eight (8) consecutive full years of active physician membership after the year of residency completion.
• Must be currently certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS). 
• Must have no current restrictions on any medical licenses at the time of application.
•  Must demonstrate active participation and support for local organizations and state or regional professional family medicine organizations.
• Must demonstrate national contributions in family medicine and engagement in teaching, authorship, research, professional leadership, or as a presenter at an ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars.

Must have attended and registered as a family physician for a minimum of at least six (6) ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars or OMED Conferences in the immediate past ten (10) years. Additionally, at least three (3) of these meetings must be ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars.

• Only one (1) ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars registration occurring during residency may be utilized for meeting the required three (3) ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars.
• No more than fifty percent of meetings may be attended virtually. At least two (2) ACOFP meetings must be in person.
• Attendance in person is required for the convention that you receive your award. This can count toward your Annual Convention minimum requirement.
• A nominee who is currently serving in the military and who is unable to attend the required conventions may substitute up to three (3) Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS) conventions for OMED. Documentation must be submitted.

Nominee Requirements include:

• Must submit one letter of recommendation from the sponsor.
• Must submit one letter of recommendation from the nominee’s ACOFP state or regional society. If there is not an active ACOFP state or regional society, a letter of recommendation from another ACOFP Fellow who is an active ACOFP member in good standing is acceptable.
• Submission of unpublished research pertaining to family medicine, suitable for publication, is mandatory. Qualifying research includes case reports, original scientific research papers, textbook chapters, or grand rounds cases presented in written format. All research must be consistent with the ACOFP publication guidelines for authors. The nominee must attest that they are the primary author of the submitted research. All submitted research shall be under the ownership of ACOFP until the award is officially accepted at the ceremony. The research must be submitted to the sponsor one month in advance for initial review, editing and approval. The sponsor must submit the completed Critical Appraisal Report for the submitted research, which must be included with the completed application.
• Upon approval, the successful nominee must submit a $375 fee for ceremony expenses including the cap and gown rental. The fee must be received prior to the nominee receiving the award. 

• The sponsor must contact the ACOFP to submit the name of the nominee by email at fellowsinfo@acofp.org prior to beginning the application process.
  

• Must submit a letter of recommendation.
• Complete and sign the Critical Appraisal of Research Report.
• An application fee of $275 must be submitted by the sponsor prior to consideration for all administrative and Awards Committee expenses. A suitable portion of the fee, as determined by the ACOFP Board of Governors, may be refunded to the sponsor of an unsuccessful candidate.

Each active Fellow is allowed to nominate only one (1) Fellow per year, with exceptions subject to submission and approval by the Awards Committee. This award shall only be granted to osteopathic or allopathic physicians engaged in the practice of family medicine who meet all the established criteria.

Access the 2025 Fellow Award Application Here. Application deadline is September 15, 2024. Please contact fellowsinfo@acofp.org with questions or if you need assistance finding a sponsor.

DISTINGUISHED FELLOW AWARD

The Pathway to Fellowship and Leadership

Looking for more insight into the path to Fellowship as a physician? Jan Zieren, DO, MPH, FACOFP dist., shares words of encouragement and outlines how to be recognized with this esteemed award, as part of the Women's Leadership Committee presentation.