Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI) is an organization with a mission and vision to promote academic Family Medicine as well as clinical practice of this specialty in India.
AFPI Tamilnadu chapter was conceived in 2016 and the first state conference was held at Hotel Savera on 24&25 September 2016 by AFPI Tamilnadu State Chapter President Dr. Sunitha Sunil and her team.
Family Medicine is an upcoming specialty in India, brought back into the mainstream of postgraduate specialties recently. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has realized the importance and relevance of this specialty in improving healthcare in India. This paved the way for the introduction of DNB Family Medicine by the National Board of Examinations. In the recent years, the MCI has also recognized this specialty and the first M.D. Family Medicine course was started in Government Medical College, Calicut in 2012.
At present, Family Medicine as a specialty is facing many challenges especially due to lack of awareness among public and even among the medical fraternity. AFPI Tamilnadu is committed to create awareness about this specialty amongst doctors and the public.
In Tamilnadu & Pondicherry, there are eight institutions conducting National Board’s DNB in Family Medicine course and 8 Institution for Diploma NBE in Family Medicine Conducted by National Board of Examinations as of July 2022. It is a matter of pride that the first DNB Family Medicine programme was started way back in 1990 in Christian Fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram, and First M.D. Family Medicine Course in Tamilnadu was started in CMC Vellore in the year 2017. Currently 3 batches Has been passed out in CMC Vellore. Presently there are many tertiary and secondary care hospitals in the private sector in Tamilnadu which have consultants in Family Medicine and the discipline is now becoming a chosen specialty for PG . aspirants to join in Tamilnadu Institution’s from all over India through Common Entrance Examination.
Vision of AFPI Tamil Nadu State Chapter is to equip every district of Tamil Nadu with proficient Family Physicians to deliver comprehensive care to the community.
THE MISSION OF AFP:
Tamil Nadu State Chapter is:
- To create a network of well-trained Family Physicians in every district of Tamil Nadu to provide affordable, holistic, patient- centred and family-oriented care to the society.
- To promote Family Medicine specialty in the state of Tamil Nadu by investing in residents, medical students, medical educators and doctors, through excellence in training, services and research; and advocacy among policy makers and the public.
This website is part of AFPI Tamilnadu initiative in interacting with Medical Graduates, Post graduates, FM Graduates, the public and fraternity regarding health related policies and matters, thereby truly standing for Postgraduates, Graduates , family & community health improvement. We hope this website serves as a useful platform for FPs and public alike.'