The AMA's Council on Medical Education and the independent American Board of Medical Specialties granted approval to a certifying board in family medicine on February 8, 1969.

[2] The mission of the AAFP is to improve the health of patients, families and communities by serving the needs of members with professionalism and creativity.

[4] The AAFP is governed by a Congress of Delegates composed of two delegates from each of its 55 constituent chapters, as well as from resident and student groups, new physicians, and the special constituencies (women, minorities, international medical graduates, and LGBTQs).

The Congress meets annually immediately prior to the Academy's Family Medicine Experience (FMX) event (formerly known as Scientific Assembly) and has sole power to establish policies and define principles.

These policies are carried out between annual meetings by the Board of Directors and a number of standing and special commissions and committees.