The Evolution of AAMC Affinity Groups
Last updated Feb. 24, 2026
Beginning July 1, 2026, the AAMC will transition the structure of our affinity groups to be even more collaborative, easier to navigate, and better aligned with the priorities of our constituents and the association. This evolution represents an important step forward for the AAMC and the academic medicine community we serve. Our existing affinity group names and structure will continue through this transitional period until July 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs will continue to be regularly updated to address feedback we receive from constituents following the Oct. 3, 2025, announcement of the evolution of our affinity groups.
Overview and Timeline of Changes
- What are affinity groups?
- What is changing and why?
- What is not changing?
- What is the timeline for these changes?
- How will this change benefit AAMC constituents?
- What will the new affinity groups be?
Providing Feedback
- Did constituents have an opportunity to provide input on these changes?
- How can group leaders and steering committees support this transition?
Governance
- Will there be an impact to affinity group steering committee elections?
- How will the significant contributions of affinity groups and constituent leaders be recognized?
- What does this mean for how affinity groups will be convened and governed?
- Will groups support opportunities for regional activities?
Current Activities and Work in Progress
- Should I plan to attend the spring 2026 professional development conference or other meetings for my current affinity group?
- What will happen to the legacy and past work of the current affinity groups after July 1, 2026?
- What will happen to current projects underway within the current affinity groups?
- Is the AAMC deprioritizing certain areas of work?
Future Engagement
- How does this impact the AAMC Virtual Communities for affinity groups?
- Will the new broader groups affinity groups have subgroups or committees that will allow participants to network and convene around more specific issues?
- Will the AAMC continue to provide opportunities for constituents to convene around tough issues facing professionals working in academic medicine?
- Can constituents join more than one group?
- I’m excited about these changes. When can I join one of these new groups?
What are affinity groups?
The AAMC’s professional development groups—known as affinity groups—are a valuable source of professional growth, leadership development, networking, and collaboration for the individuals at our member institutions. Affinity group members are people at the heart of America’s medical schools and academic health systems who power the various leadership, administrative, clinical, education, community, and research functions needed to advance the missions of academic medicine.
AAMC affinity groups provide these purpose-driven professionals with the opportunity to convene around shared skills, interest areas, and challenges, and to network with others who understand the unique complexities of academic medicine. These groups are central to the AAMC’s engagement with its constituents, providing vital pathways to seek constituent feedback and insights on critical issues affecting academic medicine. Volunteer group steering committee members, in particular, are an essential link between the AAMC and its member institutions.
What is changing and why?
AAMC affinity groups have been a cornerstone of connection, learning, and professional growth for more than 50 years. The first professional development group, the Group on Student Affairs, was established in 1958. The current approach has provided value to both constituents and the AAMC, and the world and our community have evolved greatly since they were first established.
As we have experienced significant changes in academic medicine—particularly within the last several decades—it is time for our affinity group structure to evolve as well. The AAMC is now modernizing our affinity group structure to better reflect the professional needs of the people who work in academic medicine. This evolution will allow constituents and staff to be more effective for both our benefits and in support of the AAMC mission.
On July 1, 2026, the AAMC will transition to a new set of 11 affinity groups that will provide a fresh approach and bring together broader groups to address challenges and opportunities facing academic medicine.
Changes you can expect to see in our new, evolved group structure, which will feature 11 strategic, purpose-driven groups designed for impact and sustainability:
- Affinity groups with shared areas of interest and similar professional focus have been combined to promote even greater collaboration and to amplify their collective voice.
- Most groups now have an expanded and more flexible vision/purpose and will appeal to a broader range of participants.
- New group names that will make it easier for current and future participants to navigate and find their professional fit.
We recognize these changes represent a shift in the way we will work together, which has long been rooted in shared experiences and support. The relationships and sense of community we have built together are truly valued – and will continue. We are committed to thoughtfully navigating this transition with you.
What is not changing?
The AAMC’s mission and vision are not changing. We remain deeply committed to convening our community and supporting the professional development of our constituents through these affinity groups.
All affinity groups will continue to be led and supported by the AAMC’s Constituent Engagement team staff. These refinements are intended to strengthen internal processes and provide more consistent, high-quality support.
These changes do not impact the structure of our governance councils and organizations, and other communities not considered part of the current affinity group model. These include the Council of Deans (COD), Council of Academic Health System Executives (CAHSE), Council of Faculty and Academic Societies (CFAS), Organization of Resident Representatives (ORR), Organization of Student Representatives (OSR), and Government Relations Representatives (GRR).
What is the timeline for these changes?
The new group structure was announced in October 2025 and will go into effect July 1, 2026.
We are communicating with each one of our constituents directly to explain what this change means for them: how their current affinity group is evolving or expanding, and—where relevant—what additional affinity groups they may want to consider joining.
AAMC affinity groups (as organized under the current model) will convene as planned in spring 2026 for their annual professional development conferences.
How will this change benefit AAMC constituents?
This modernized affinity group structure better reflects the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the people who work in academic medicine. It also enables the AAMC to improve the way we support these groups.
Groups will have an expanded and more flexible vision and purpose and will appeal to a broader range of participants. New group names will make it easier for current and future participants to navigate and find their professional fit. And the evolution of affinity groups with shared areas of interest and similar professional focus will facilitate collaboration and amplify their collective voice.
In addition, we know that some members of our community have been challenged to join affinity groups and/or accept roles on steering committees due to a number of factors, including the pressures of the external environment. It is our sincere hope that this new affinity group structure will make group participation and leadership opportunities more accessible for everyone.
This evolved group structure will also facilitate broader and more meaningful participation from constituents outside of our member medical schools, who work for academic health systems and in clinical care locations, as well as constituents who support the graduate medical education and training missions.
What will the new affinity groups be?
Effective July 1, 2026, there will be 11 AAMC affinity groups as outlined below, along with how they map to existing groups. The new groups have been finalized by the AAMC’s Leadership Team, and the following names and descriptions may evolve as each new affinity group develops its own mission statement.
| Future Group | Potential Participants | Legacy Group | Group Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Relations Group | This community brings together professionals engaged in philanthropy, alumni relations, strategic communications, marketing, community relations, and other roles focused on engagement. It serves as a forum for sharing best practices, building skills, fostering connections, and exploring innovative approaches to fundraising, constituent engagement, relationship-building, brand management, and storytelling. | Group on Institutional Advancement | externalrelationsgroup@aamc.org |
| Learner Access, Support, Opportunity, and Retention Group | This community of institutional leaders, administrators, faculty, and professional staff is dedicated to fostering achievements, inclusive excellence, well-being, and readiness among applicants and learners for transitions across the continuum of medical education. It serves as a forum for exchange of ideas and scholarship in mission-critical areas - admissions, student affairs, financial aid, student records, academic support, learner progression, advising, wellness, and equitable access to opportunities - from pre-matriculation through graduation and transition to residency. | Group on Student Affairs | learnersupport@aamc.org |
| Faculty and Staff Vitality Group | This community supports medical school faculty and staff professionals and is committed to advancing faculty development, engagement, inclusive excellence, and well-being across medical schools. It focuses on fostering meaningful career pathways, promotion and tenure, enhancing teaching and leadership skills, supporting work-life integration, and promoting a culture of recognition and inclusion. | Group on Faculty Affairs; Group on Collaboration, Engagement, and Community; and Group on Women in Medicine and Science; Group on Business Affairs – Human Resources Interest Group | facultystaffvitality@aamc.org |
| Biomedical Research Advancement, Training, and Oversight Group | This community focuses on the biomedical research enterprise and connects faculty, staff, and administrative leaders who advance biomedical discovery, education and training, workforce development, oversight, and innovation within academic medicine. It focuses on fostering research excellence; supporting education and career and professional development for biomedical PhD students, MD-PhD students, and postdoctoral scholars; and addressing federal funding and oversight of research, including interactions between academia, industry, and government. | Group on Research, Education, and Training; Group on Research Advancement and Development; Forum on Conflict of Interest | biomedicalresearch@aamc.org |
| Curriculum, Assessment, Instruction, and Research Group | This community brings together faculty, learners, and staff professionals, engaged in the design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of medical education across the continuum (undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education, and continuing professional development). Focus areas include curriculum innovation, evidence-based instructional methods, educational research and scholarship, and meaningful assessment of learner outcomes. | Group on Educational Affairs | mededinnovation@aamc.org |
| Med Ed Leadership and Administration Group | This community unites faculty leaders and staff professionals who manage and support the operational and strategic functions of the medical education mission. It focuses on areas such as accreditation, program management, regional campus leadership, policy development, transitions, and learner services across the continuum of undergraduate and graduate medical education (specifically related to educational programming), as well as continuing medical education. | Medical Education Senior Leaders; Group on Regional Medical Campuses; Chief Academic Officers | mededleadership@aamc.org |
| Finance and Business Affairs Group | This community brings together staff professionals responsible for the financial and administrative health of academic health campuses, including medical schools and academic health systems. It focuses on strategic budgeting, resource allocation, financial planning, and departmental leadership across all missions. | Group on Business Affairs/Principal Business Officers; Senior Administrative/Fiscal Officers; Group on Faculty Practice | financebusiness@aamc.org |
| Planning and Operations Group | This community connects faculty and staff professionals involved in the strategic and operational planning efforts that support the mission of medical schools and academic health systems. Focus areas include facilities management, organizational strategy, process improvement, institutional effectiveness, emergency preparedness, strategic planning, and change management. | Group on Institutional Planning; Chief Operations Officers; Chiefs of Staff | planningops@aamc.org |
| Technology and Data Group | This community brings together faculty and staff professionals who leverage technology and data to advance the missions of medical schools and academic health systems. Focus areas include IT support across all missions, data analytics, information systems, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. | Group on Information Resources | techdata@aamc.org |
| Clinical Leadership and Physician Enterprise Group | This community will convene professionals leading the delivery, management, and continuous improvement of inpatient and ambulatory clinical services within academic health systems whose professional interests include clinical operations, quality and safety, patient experience, interprofessional collaboration, strategic and operational oversight of the faculty practice plan and/or other components of the clinical enterprise, and the alignment of clinical and academic missions. | Chief Medical Officers' Group; Group on Faculty Practice | clinicalleadership@aamc.org |
| Graduate Medical Education Group | This community brings together faculty and staff professionals responsible for the administration and oversight of graduate medical education programs. Focus areas include accreditation compliance, program management, resident and fellow support, data reporting, and policy development. | Group on Resident Affairs; Group on Educational Affairs; Program Directors | GMEgroup@aamc.org |
Did constituents have an opportunity to provide input on these changes?
Yes, we encourage all constituents to engage and help shape the work through regular communication with their group leadership and AAMC group staff. We have provided multiple ways for constituents to share feedback, including listening sessions with steering commitment members in late November and early December, and by requesting feedback from all constituents through an open feedback form.
How can group leaders and steering committees support this transition?
AAMC staff will continue to partner with group steering committees and other volunteer leaders in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and to ensure the groups continue to provide engaging, relevant, meaningful opportunities for their members.
AAMC affinity groups (as organized under the current model) will convene as planned in spring 2026 for their annual professional development conferences. We invite affinity group leaders to continue to support the planning and execution of these important meetings.
Will there be an impact to affinity group steering committee elections?
Elections for group steering committee roles will be paused during this transition period and will resume when the new group structure takes effect on July 1, 2026. We invite current steering committee members to consider extending their current term until June 30 to provide leadership and continuity through this evolution.
How will the significant contributions of affinity groups and constituent leaders be recognized?
We recognize the tremendous contributions of AAMC affinity groups and constituent leaders, and we are addressing the best ways to recognize these contributions through awards and other forms of acknowledgement. More information will be available in Spring 2026.
What does this mean for how affinity groups will be convened and governed?
In February 2026, the AAMC finalized governance and administration documents for each new group, including:
- Rules and regulations, approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with AAMC bylaws.
- An administrative manual that codifies a group’s name, purpose, membership, roles, programs, and other operations.
- Steering Committee transition plans, including guidance for the first transitional year.
- Recommendations on how groups may more effectively engage with each other and with the AAMC to seek and share feedback.
Additionally, we are evaluating how and when Professional Development Conferences (PDCs) and networking will occur, the right mix of in-person and virtual learning opportunities, and how to best convene across groups around topics of interest.
Will groups support opportunities for regional activities?
Over the years, for two of our affinity groups, activity in groups based on geographic regions has provided access, scholarship opportunities, and mentorship, especially to individuals earlier in their careers. The AAMC remains committed to providing research and scholarship opportunities and professional development across the continuum of medical education and academic medicine. Information about the AAMC’s plans for a more flexible, year‑round ecosystem of scholar support and engagement and the future of regional-level opportunities will be shared with steering committees in February 2026 along with governance and administrative materials for each new affinity group.
Should I plan to attend the spring 2026 professional development conference or other meetings for my current affinity group?
Yes, constituents should continue to participate in planned affinity group activities between now and July 1, 2026. You can learn more about upcoming AAMC meetings and learning offerings.
What will happen to the legacy and past work of the current affinity groups after July 1, 2026?
The AAMC has a robust archive which will continue to maintain the historical contributions of all existing affinity groups and provide access to such resources so they are available to future groups. Additionally, planning is underway to determine a repository for AAMC resources developed by affinity group members along with other resources. We intend to acknowledge and honor the history and contributions of all of our existing affinity groups and will seek input from groups to develop ideas for doing so.
What will happen to current projects underway within the current affinity groups?
Work in progress will continue at this time, as the new affinity group structure will not go into effect until July 1, 2026. The transition process for existing activities will vary for each group and will be determined in the coming months.
Is the AAMC deprioritizing certain areas of work?
Like many organizations, the AAMC regularly considers how it allocates its resources to support its programs. That said, the evolution of affinity groups does not impact work that happens in other parts of the AAMC or is prioritized under our mission areas of medical education, clinical care, biomedical research, and community collaborations. This evolution does not signal a shift in other important work for the AAMC, such as equity.
How does this impact the AAMC Virtual Communities for affinity groups?
AAMC Virtual Communities are not going away. The virtual communities for current affinity groups will remain in place until July 1, 2026, and the transition process will be determined for each group in the coming months. We realize the importance of this platform and appreciate its value to the community, and we are committed to evolving it in alignment with the new groups. We also recognize the importance of our topic-based communities and are exploring these as part of this transition.
Will the new broader groups affinity groups have subgroups or committees that will allow participants to network and convene around more specific issues?
In creating broader affinity groups, we appreciate the continued need for constituents to come together around more specific issues and network with others in similar roles. This work is underway and will be identified as part of the new governance structure for each group.
We recognize how significant your role-based identity and community is to your professional growth, and we are committed to providing a pathway for peer-to-peer engagement to occur within the new group structure.
Will the AAMC continue to provide opportunities for constituents to convene around tough issues facing professionals working in academic medicine?
Yes. The AAMC remains committed to being the premier source of convening, leadership development, and learning for the academic medicine community. During this transitional period, we will continue developing our new model to understand the different ways (e.g., in-person meetings, virtual convenings, topic-based conversations) that constituents will be able to engage with different groups.
Can constituents join more than one group?
Yes! Our intent is for new group structures to be broader, more flexible, and to permit constituents to join more than one group or to move easily between groups if they choose. For example, someone may identify with one group as their “networking home” because of shared roles but might also join another group based on professional interest in the topic area.
I’m excited about these changes. When can I join one of these new groups?
We know from your feedback that many constituents are excited for the opportunity to participate in new ways and to engage more broadly across groups and communities – especially those members of our community who may have been challenged to join affinity groups in the past due to a number of factors. We plan to provide more information about joining the new groups in Spring 2026.