Membership

FAQs

Is STFM only for full-time educators?

STFM is open to anyone involved in family medicine education. For more information, check out our member benefits.

I'm a student/resident. What does STFM have for me?

STFM has many resources for students and residents. For more information, visit our residents and students page.

Where can I find more information about the membership types and costs?

Go to the membership page to learn more about our categories and the associated costs. Can’t figure out which category best fits you? Contact us.

When should I renew my membership?

All STFM memberships are valid for one calendar year, and all accounts must be renewed by December 31. STFM accepts renewal payments starting September 1 and will issue renewal reminders starting mid-September.

Is my membership payment tax deductible?

STFM dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution. However, dues payments may be partially deductible (90% of the dues) as a business expense. Donations to the STFM Foundation are tax-deductible.

What are my payment options if I renew online?

You can renew online using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

When will I receive my member welcome packet?

Member welcome packets will arrive two to three weeks after you join STFM. However, you will have immediate access to all of our online resources the moment you join online.

What are the benefits of my membership?

STFM is an association for innovative family medicine educators who are transforming health care. STFM members have access to targeted, up-to-date information, resources, and research; the industry’s most high-energy conferences, and a community of passionate peers. To learn more, read the 2025 STFM Member Benefits Guide (desktop PDF). Here's a link to the mobile-friendly version.

How do I log in?

If you have an account with STFM, click on My Account in the upper right corner of the website to log in.

On 12/18/2018 STFM launched a new website. If you have not yet reset your account in our new system, you will need to do so before you can login. An email was sent to you on 12/18/2018 with instructions on how to activate your account. If you did not receive this email, please contact Kim Sevedge via email or phone: 800.274.7928.

If you'd like to become a member of STFM, click join in the upper right corner of the website, then click on join online in the correct member category.

If you'd like to create an account with STFM without becoming a member, click on My Account in the upper right corner of the website, then click on Create My Account and follow the instructions. 

I’ve moved. How do I update my address?

You can update your information by logging in and updating your profile page. Once you get to your profile, click on the Address tab, then click on the Edit icon next to your address.

Contact Us

 

11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway

Leawood, KS 66211

(800) 274-7928

stfmoffice@stfm.org 

 

 

Ask a Question
AI Chatbot Tips

Tips for Using STFM's AI Assistant

STFM's AI Assistant is designed to help you find information and answers about Family Medicine education. While it's a powerful tool, getting the best results depends on how you phrase your questions. Here's how to make the most of your interactions:

1. Avoid Ambiguous Language

Be Clear and Specific: Use precise terms and avoid vague words like "it" or "that" without clear references.

Example:
Instead of: "Can you help me with that?"
Try: "Can you help me update our Family Medicine clerkship curriculum?"
Why this is important: Ambiguous language can confuse the AI, leading to irrelevant or unclear responses. Clear references help the chatbot understand exactly what you're asking.

2. Use Specific Terms

Identify the Subject Clearly: Clearly state the subject or area you need information about.

Example:
Instead of: "What resources does STFM provide?"
Try: "I'm a new program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship. What STFM resources are available to help me design or update clerkship curricula?"
Why this is better: Providing details about your role ("program coordinator") and your goal ("design or update clerkship curricula") gives the chatbot enough context to offer more targeted information.

3. Don't Assume the AI Knows Everything

Provide Necessary Details:The STFM AI Assistant has been trained on STFM's business and resources. The AI can only use the information you provide or that it has been trained on.

Example:
Instead of: "How can I improve my program?"
Try: "As a program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship, what resources does STFM provide to help me improve student engagement and learning outcomes?"
Why this is important: Including relevant details helps the AI understand your specific situation, leading to more accurate and useful responses.

4. Reset if You Change Topics

Clear Chat History When Switching Topics:

If you move to a completely new topic and the chatbot doesn't recognize the change, click the Clear Chat History button and restate your question.
Note: Clearing your chat history removes all previous context from the chatbot's memory.
Why this is important: Resetting ensures the AI does not carry over irrelevant information, which could lead to confusion or inaccurate answers.

5. Provide Enough Context

Include Background Information: The more context you provide, the better the chatbot can understand and respond to your question.

Example:
Instead of: "What are the best practices?"
Try: "In the context of Family Medicine education, what are the best practices for integrating clinical simulations into the curriculum?"
Why this is important: Specific goals, constraints, or preferences allow the AI to tailor its responses to your unique needs.

6. Ask One Question at a Time

Break Down Complex Queries: If you have multiple questions, ask them separately.

Example:
Instead of: "What are the requirements for faculty development, how do I register for conferences, and what grants are available?"
Try: Start with "What are the faculty development requirements for Family Medicine educators?" Then follow up with your other questions after receiving the response.
Why this is important: This approach ensures each question gets full attention and a complete answer.

Examples of Good vs. Bad Prompts

Bad Prompt

"What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's bad: The AI Chat Assistant has no information about your background or needs.

Good Prompt

"I'm the chair of the Department of Family Medicine at a major university, and I plan to retire next year. I'd like to stay involved with Family Medicine education. What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's good: The AI Chat Assistant knows your role, your future plans, and your interest in staying involved, enabling it to provide more relevant advice.

Double Check Important Information

While the AI Chat Assistant is a helpful tool, it can still produce inaccurate or incomplete responses. Always verify critical information with reliable sources or colleagues before taking action.

Technical Limitations

The Chat Assistant:

  • Cannot access external websites or open links
  • Cannot process or view images
  • Cannot make changes to STFM systems or process transactions
  • Cannot access real-time information (like your STFM Member Profile information)

STFM AI Assistant
Disclaimer: The STFM Assistant can make mistakes. Check important information.