Student Association of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Student Organizations Athens

Our Mission

The Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (SAACOFP) exists to promote family medicine as a vital and rewarding career path for future physicians. As a student branch of the national ACOFP organization, SAACOFP supports the mission to advance excellence in osteopathic family medicine through high-quality education, visionary leadership, and effective advocacy.

Officers, 2026-2027

Dues: $15 Annually

Services Provided

The Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (SAACOFP) provides substantial services to the osteopathic profession by partnering with its national parent organization (ACOFP) to promote excellence in family medicine through quality education, visionary leadership, and responsible advocacy. It actively champions the necessity of family medicine within the current U.S. healthcare landscape. At the college level, SAACOFP supports the student body by providing essential resources, mentorship, and educational services, such as Family Physician Panels and chapter activities like medical skills labs. Ultimately, these efforts serve the broader community by preparing future physicians to deliver compassionate, competent, and continuous care to their local populations. The organization is also deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement, mandating in its constitution that one volunteer event or charity fundraiser must be held each month. Specific philanthropic initiatives outlined in the organization's schedule include a dedicated community service event in October and a bake sale fundraiser in January, which helps offset travel expenses for members attending the national ACOFP convention. Additionally, the chapter's Vice-President is specifically tasked with coordinating the organization's participation in a broader National Service Project.

Tentative Schedule for 2026-2027

 Financing and Partnerships of our events and monthly activities are primarily financed through the collection of our $15 annual membership dues, as well as dedicated fundraising events like our annual Spring bake sale. For larger events, such as the Heritage Ball (Med Prom), we anticipate jointly collaborating with the Student Government Association (SGA) and other OUHCOM student organizations to share responsibilities and pool resources. We will also seek to co-sponsor our Family Physician Panels with other specialty interest groups on campus to maximize student attendance and interdisciplinary learning.

Fall: 

• Organization Fair - Introducing incoming medical students to SAACOFP and encouraging membership.
•  Welcome Meeting – Kick-off event for the year, detailing our mission, and holding the selection of our first-year liaison. 
• Community Service Event – A local volunteer initiative (with the potential to co-sponsor alongside other Athens campus service organizations). 
• Family Physician Panel – A networking and educational session featuring local practicing osteopathic family physicians. 

Spring: 

• Winter Fundraiser – A bake sale held in the Heritage Hall atrium. Proceeds are specifically earmarked to help fund travel and lodging expenses for the E-board and active members attending the national ACOFP convention. 
• Heritage Ball (Med Prom) – A campus-wide social and networking event, jointly coordinated with other student organizations.
• Family Physician Panel – Our second educational panel to provide continuing out-of-class professional development. 
• Officer Elections – New E-board members will be selected to lead SAACOFP for the following academic year. 
• ACOFP 63rd Annual Convention & Scientific Seminars – National conference offering education, networking, and professional development opportunities for students and practicing osteopathic family physicians.