The Evolution of AAMC Affinity Groups
Last updated Oct. 15, 2025
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.
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.
Over the next several months, 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.
Is there a list of the new affinity group names?
Effective July 1, 2026, there will be 11 AAMC affinity groups as outlined below:
Biomedical Research: This community discusses the biomedical research enterprise and connects faculty and staff professionals who advance biomedical discovery, workforce training, and innovation within academic medicine. It focuses on fostering research excellence, supporting investigator development, navigating funding landscapes, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical sciences and clinical investigation.
Clinical Affairs: This community unites faculty and staff professionals involved in the delivery, management, and continuous improvement of clinical services within academic health systems. Focus areas include clinical operations, quality and safety, patient experience, interprofessional collaboration, compliance, and the alignment of clinical and academic missions.
Curriculum, Instruction, Research and Assessment: This community brings together faculty, learners, and staff professionals, engaged in the design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of medical education across the continuum. Focus areas include curriculum innovation, evidence-based instructional methods, educational scholarship, and meaningful assessment of learner outcomes.
External Relations: 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.
Faculty and Staff Vitality: 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.
Finance and Business Affairs: 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, departmental leadership, and human resources across all missions.
Graduate Medical Education: 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.
Learner Success: This community supports medical school faculty and staff professionals dedicated to fostering student and resident achievement, inclusive excellence and well-being across the continuum of medical education. It serves as a forum for the discussion of admissions, academic support, records, advising, wellness, learner progression, financial aid, and equity in access to opportunities.
Med Ed Leadership and Administration: 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.
Operations and Planning: 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.
Technology and Data: 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.
Will constituents have an opportunity to provide input on these changes? How?
Yes. As this work evolves, we will provide multiple ways for constituents to share feedback. Steering committee members are invited to participate in listening sessions that will take place in late November and early December, and we will provide updates as the work evolves through various affinity group channels. You can provide immediate feedback now via this form. We encourage all constituents to engage and help shape the work.
Are the new affinity groups set? If so, why are you asking for our feedback now?
While the new 11 affinity groups are set, we are seeking your feedback on the operational decisions, recognition, governance, and other details that will support the new groups. This work is underway and will continue between now and when the new structure goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
How can group leaders and steering committees support this transition?
AAMC staff will 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.
What does this mean for how affinity groups will be convened and governed, as well as how the significant contributions of constituent leaders will be recognized?
We are actively exploring these areas and expect to share more information by early 2026:
- Convenings: 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.
- Governance: We are considering how constituent leadership for each group will be structured, the roles and responsibilities involved, and how subcommittees or ad hoc groups may be established.
- Recognition: We are assessing the best ways to recognize the contributions of constituent leaders through awards and other forms of acknowledgment.
Should I attend Learn Serve Lead 2025: The AAMC Annual Meeting?
Yes, constituents should continue to participate in planned affinity group activities between now and July 1, 2026. Already-scheduled programming for affinity group members attending Learn Serve Lead 2025: The Annual Meeting in San Antonio remains unchanged.
What will happen to the legacy and past work of the current affinity groups after July 1, 2026?
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. Planning is currently underway to determine a repository for AAMC resources developed by affinity group members along with other AAMC resources.
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?
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.
How does this impact the AAMC Virtual Communities for affinity groups?
Virtual Communities for current affinity groups will remain in place until July 1, 2026. The transition process for virtual communities will vary for each group and will be determined in the coming months.
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 recognize the continued need for constituents to come together around more specific issues and network with similar roles. This work is underway and will be identified as part of building the new governance structure. More information will be shared with constituents in the coming months.
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.