The Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians (RIAFP) represents and supports family medicine across Rhode Island by connecting physicians, advancing education, and advocating for policies that strengthen patient care and clinical practice.

RIAFP membership is part of a unified membership with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), meaning members benefit from both strong national resources and meaningful local engagement. Through AAFP, members gain access to advocacy at the national level, free and discounted CME, practice management tools, career development resources, and a nationwide professional network. Through RIAFP, members build trusted relationships with peers, engage directly in state-level advocacy, participate in accessible leadership opportunities, and shape the future of family medicine locally.

As the Rhode Island state chapter of the AAFP, RIAFP is intentionally small and community-driven, creating a close-knit environment where relationships matter and members are truly known. This scale allows physicians to engage meaningfully, contribute ideas, and see their input translate into real action across education, advocacy, and organizational leadership. This active involvement also helps members build regional and national visibility that supports career advancement, academic promotion, and long-term professional reputation.

Through signature events such as the Rhode Island Primary Care Conference, year-round educational programming, advocacy initiatives, and strong peer connection, RIAFP supports physicians from training through retirement while strengthening the profession and improving care for Rhode Island communities.

While membership at the RIAFP offers the above mentioned benefits, including community, professional development, support for advocacy and access to educational programing, membership also comes with certain material perks.

RIAFP Membership

• Discounted conference attendance
• Conference perks
• Access to member events throughout the year
• Opportunity to serve in RIAFP leadership

AAFP Membership

• Discounts on everything from car rentals to loan refinancing
• Discounted conference attendance
• Opportunity to serve in AAFP leadership
• Click here to learn about more benefits

Next Election: Spring 2027 (General Election)
The next Executive Board election will be in Spring 2028

Please also note that there were changes to our Bylaws in 2025 relating to the AAFP Congress of Delegates (COD) Delegate and Alternate Delegate positions – you can review the full changes here. In short, there will be no automatic succession from Alternate Delegate to full Delegate, the term length for each of these positions will now be 2 years, and the term limit for each will be 8 years. 

*See Bylaws and the RIAFP Elections Guide for more details.

Family Physician of the Year
The Family Physician of the Year is one of the RIAFP’s highest honors. This award recognizes a physician that serves as a role model to their colleagues, residents, students, and other health professionals; they are directly and effectively involved in community activities and provide the community with compassionate and thoughtful medical care. They stand out among their peers as a leader and a mentor. Applications are now closed. Please check back in 2027.
Dr. Maria R. Hansel, 2026 Family Physician of the Year

Early Career Physician
The RIAFP Early Career Achievement Award honors a Family Physician practicing in Rhode Island who is in the early stages of their independent career (not including residents or fellows) and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the profession and a meaningful impact on the community. Awardees exhibit leadership in areas such as patient care, education, research, and advocacy. This recognition celebrates their contributions to Rhode Island and acknowledges their potential for continued excellence. Candidates must be within 7 years of graduation from residency or fellowship to qualify for this award. Applications are now closed. Please check back in 2027.
Dr. Angela Jacavone, 2026 Early Career Physician of the Year