About the OAFP - Oregon Academy of Family Physicians
The Oregon Academy of Family Physicians is the medical specialty society for family physicians in Oregon. It is the largest medical specialty society in the state, with over 1300 members consisting of practicing family physicians, residents in training and medical students with an interest in family medicine, as well as retired family doctors. It is affiliated with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), which has 98,000 members throughout the United States.
The Oregon Academy was established as an Oregon corporation in 1947.
Our Mission
The mission of the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians is to advocate for family physicians and assist them in providing for the health of their patients and communities.
What is a Family Physician?
A family physician is a medical doctor who specializes in Family Medicine. The specialty of Family Medicine provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family. It is the specialty in breadth which integrates the biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences. The scope of Family Practice Medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system and every disease entity.
Chapter Staff
Kerry Gonzales is the Executive Director of the OAFP. She grew up in Colorado and moved to Oregon to attend college. She graduated from Lewis and Clark College in 1976. Before joining us at the OAFP in 1991, she was the Administrator for a law firm in Portland. She and her husband Marc have two children.
Gail Meyer, JD joined the OAFP in 2007. She was a criminal defense attorney for 28 years until she decided to pursue a life closer to home. Gail has a 12 year old daughter, a dog and a cat.
OAFP Governance Structure
The OAFP is governed by a Board of Directors which takes its directions from a Congress made up of the members. There are three Commissions which work with the Board of Directors: The Commission on External Affairs, the Commission on Internal Affairs and the Commission on Education.
The Commission on External Affairs:
This commission consists of 3 or more members, including the Chair.
According to by OAFP's bylaws, the function of this commission shall be to oversee the Academy's interaction with external entities which may have an impact on family practice or family physicians in the state, including but not limited to the US Congress; the Oregon Legislature; agencies of the State of Oregon; the general public; OHSU; OMA and other specialty societies.
Originally, this Commission was charged with developing a legislative agenda and being a watch-dog for issues related to areas such as hospitalists, risk management, public health and privileging. They were also asked to develop policies related to professional relationships with mid-level providers, other specialists and family physicians in managed care.
The major responsibilities of this Commission are:
- Public Policy Committee for OAFP when Oregon legislature is in session
- Serve on the OMA's legislative committee
- Develop key contact system
The Commission on Internal Affairs:
This commission consists of 3 or more members, including the Chair.
According to by OAFP's bylaws, the function of this commission shall be to oversee the internal operations of the Academy with the advice of the Treasurer, including but not limited to personnel matters, operation of the Academy office, acquisition of equipment and communication with members.
Originally, this Commission was charged with investigating membership issues including ways to involve the membership more in the Academy and building systems for member support. This commission is involved in enhancing Academy communication with members through publications and our web site.
The major responsibilities of this Commission are:
- Budget every June/July
- Long Range Planning Meetings
- Website enhancements
The Commission on Education:
This commission consists of 3 or more members, including the Chair.
According to by OAFP's bylaws, the function of this commission is to conduct, develop or assist in programs, lectures, courses or other means of postgraduate medical education, for the benefit of the members and of the profession at large and to assess the educational needs of the membership and address the needs thus determined.
Originally, this Commission was charged with facilitating practice-based research and looking at alternative educational methods in addition to our successful traditional programs.
The major responsibilities of this Commission are:
- Annual Scientific Assembly
- FP OB/Ski and Women's Health Conference
- ALSO Course
- Periodic assessment of educational needs
Oregon Academy of Family Physicians4225 NE Tillamook Street
Portland, Oregon 97213
Telephone: (503) 528-0961 Fax: (503) 528-0996
E-mail: kg@oafp.org
Contact Us
Telephone: (503) 528-0961
Fax: (503) 528-0996
E-mail: kg@oafp.org
Street Address
225 NE Tillamook Street
Portland, Oregon 97213
Directions to OAFP office
From I-5 North:
Take exit to Rose Quarter. At the top of the exit, turn right onto Weidler. Continue on Weidler to 33rd Ave. (There is a jog at 24th). Turn left at the light. Turn right onto U.S. Grant Place. This becomes Tillamook. The office is on the left, between 42nd and 43rd on Tillamook.
From 1-5 South:
Take exit to Rose Quarter. Turn left onto Weidler at the top of the exit. Continue on Weidler to 33rd Ave. (There is a jog at 24th). Turn left at the light. Turn right onto U.S. Grant Place. This becomes Tillamook. The office is on the left, between 42nd and 43rd on Tillamook.
From I-84 East:
Take the 33rd Ave. exit. Turn left. Continue through the Broadway intersection and turn right onto US Grant Place. This becomes Tillamook. The office is on the left, between 42nd and 43rd on Tillamook.
From 1-84 West:
Take the 43rd St. Exit. Turn left at the light. Turn right onto 39th. Stay in the right lane. Cross Sandy and Broadway and turn right onto Tillamook. The office is on the left, between 42nd and 43rd on Tillamook.