Applications for 2026 are now open
Building future leaders in family medicine
The Future Leaders Program is designed to strengthen your leadership skills, broaden your network, and position you for long-term success in family medicine.
All programs below are accepting applications until May 25.
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Join Us in Chicago
Attend the Future Leaders Conference in Downtown Chicago, Illinois, December 4-6, 2026.
Experience one of three unique pathways:
Future Leaders Conference:
- Part of ACOFP’s leadership development pathway.
- Introduces core leadership principles and practical leadership skills.
- For residents and new physicians-in-practice.
- Focuses on building confidence to begin leading effectively.
- Provides foundational tools to support active participation and contribution.
- Emphasizes leadership within:
- Clinical teams.
- Committees.
- Early organizational roles.
NEW Future Leaders, Next Level:
- Builds upon the foundation established in Future Leaders 1.0.
- For residents, new physicians-in-practice, and physicians ready to take the next step in leadership.
- Supports transition into advanced leadership roles.
- Focuses on leading in more complex environments.
- Strengthens ability to drive broader organizational impact.
- Shifts emphasis:
- From participation → leadership.
- From managing responsibilities → shaping outcomes.
Covered Expenses
ACOFP provides full coverage for registration, hotel, and meals. In addition, the ACOFP Foundation offers travel stipends of up to $500.
Qualifications & Requirements
Conference participant qualifications include:
- For Future Leader Conference: Must be a family medicine resident or a new physician-in-practice (in practice for less than five years).
- For Future Leaders, Next Level: Must be a family medicine resident, a new physician-in-practice (in practice for less than five years), or a physician (in practice for more than five years).
- Please note: applicants are not required to have completed the original Future Leaders Conference to qualify for the Next Level program.
- Must be interested in becoming involved and serving through ACOFP volunteer leadership.
- Must be an active ACOFP member in good standing.
- Must be currently certified or intend to become 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.
Conference participant requirements include:
- Completed application
- Current curriculum vitae
- Professional headshot (high-resolution images only)
- Optional letter of support from a nominator, program director, or ACOFP affiliate society
- Essay (500 words or less): Describe the leadership skills you want to develop, the experiences you bring, and how attending will support your personal and professional goals.
Impact of the Future Leaders Conference
Since its launch in 2009, the program has supported an estimated 279 alumni, many of whom have gone on to serve in key leadership roles within ACOFP:
- 242 (86%) have served or currently serve on an ACOFP committee
- 24 (8%) have served or currently serve on the Board of Governors
- 1 alumnus has become ACOFP President—an extraordinary achievement given the years required to ascend through Board leadership
- 7 of the 16 current Board of Governors (43%) are Future Leaders alumni
Please contact Paige Zelinsky with questions.
Osteobridge Mentorship Program:
Osteobridge, ACOFP’s mentorship program, is part of the broader Future Leaders leadership development pathway. This mentorship opportunity is available in conjunction with Future Leaders or Future Leaders, Next Level conferences, or as a standalone experience for those seeking meaningful one-on-one mentorship without conference participation. OsteoBridge offers flexible support to help physicians grow, connect, and develop as leaders at any stage.
Testimonials
What past attendees say
Learn More
Leadership Webinar Series
Future Leader Alumni present a series of webinars to help you take your professional development to the next level.
Prior Cohorts
Past Future Leader Conferences
See who attended previous conferences.
Empower the next generation
Become a sponsor
Your support makes a significant difference in empowering the next generation of family medicine leaders. Join us in fostering leadership excellence within the ACOFP community.