STFM Privacy Policy

We respect the privacy of our members and other visitors to our website. This privacy policy is intended to help you understand what data we collect, why we collect it, and what we do with it. 

What information does STFM collect and how is it used?

STFM collects data to serve our members. We collect and store only personal information that our members and visitors knowingly provide. 

STFM does not collect any personal information from users browsing our website; users browse anonymously. Only aggregate data (hits, visits, page views, etc.) are collected. Aggregate data are used for internal and marketing purposes and do not provide any personally identifying information. STFM uses Google Analytics to collect and store the aggregate data. To find out more about Google Analytics and to read their privacy policy you can visit: http://www.google.com/analytics/

If a user creates an account on the STFM website, the user's name and ID number are recorded. STFM maintains an account-holder database. The information in the database comes from both online and offline membership applications, conference registrations, and other correspondence between STFM and its account holders. STFM account holders can edit and/or delete the contact and demographic information in their online profiles.

STFM makes member contact information available in its online Membership Directory only to other members of STFM. 

All information—other than credit card information—provided by users when completing paper forms and forms on the STFM website is stored in our databases. We may use this information to market STFM products and to track participation and member demographics. 

We collaborate with other non-profit organizations that have an impact on health policy issues in general, and in particular on regulatory, legislative and health policy issues that impact family medicine. We may share the personal information and other information that you provide to us with our collaborators for use consistent with the mission and strategic plan of STFM, provided that such collaborators agree to limit the use of such information for such purposes, and provided further that collaborators agree secure the information.

Occasionally, STFM provides limited data to third parties. This data includes names and addresses, but does not include phone numbers, fax numbers, or e-mail addresses.

STFM may release personal information to third parties in order to comply with valid legal requirements such as a law, regulation, search warrant, subpoena, or court order. In the event that STFM is legally required to disclose your personal information to a third party, STFM will notify you unless doing so would violate the law or court order.

Security of your personal information

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine secures your personal information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. Society of Teachers of Family Medicine secures the personally identifiable information you provide on computer servers in a controlled, secure environment, protected from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. 

Credit card information

STFM does not disclose credit card account information or activity provided by its customers. When members and customers choose to pay using credit cards, STFM submits this information encrypted to obtain payment from the appropriate clearing house. STFM DOES NOT store credit card numbers in any of its databases.

How does STFM use cookies?

Cookies are a technology used by STFM to identify a user as the user moves through the STFM website. The user's browser allows STFM to place information on the user's hard drive that identifies the computer utilized. Two types of cookies are commonly used. A session cookie is a temporary file stored in memory on the user's computer drive whenever a website is accessed and is terminated by closing the browser. A persistent cookie is a file stored on the user's hard drive that may be deleted manually by the user or expired by the Web server.

STFM may use session cookies on some public areas of its websites to provide greater functionality. STFM may use persistent cookies in the password protected areas of STFM website. These persistent cookies may be used to personalize a member's visit, to offer greater functionality, and to track visitor practices. The information generated from these cookies is used to help determine which services are most important and guide editorial decisions.

You have the ability to accept or decline cookies. Most Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. If you choose to decline cookies, you may not be able to fully experience the interactive features of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine services or website.

Right to be forgotten

You have the right to have your data erased from the STFM databases. If you'd like to have your data history removed, contact STFM. Please keep in mind that asking to be forgotten will remove all your membership, purchases, and leadership history from the STFM database. You will also no longer receive any communications from STFM including the Family Medicine journal and the STFM Messenger. You will not be able to access any of the members-only benefits on the website or create a conference submission or register for a conference.

Terms of use

Your use of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website constitutes your agreement to our privacy policy and terms of use.

You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available or provided for through the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website.

The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine makes no guarantees about the suitability, reliability, timeliness, and accuracy of the information on the website. All information is provided "as is" without warranty or condition of any kind. If you are dissatisfied with any portion of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website or with any of these terms of use, your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue using the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website. 

All contents of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Web Site are: Copyright 2024 by Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

 

11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway

Leawood, KS 66211

(800) 274-7928

stfmoffice@stfm.org 

 

 

Events

January 30–February 2, 2025: STFM Conference on Medical Student Education

February 11, 2025, 11:30 am CST: Webinar: Planning for the Future: Personal Finance Education with Equitable’s Stephen Dunbar

February 28, 2025, 11 am CST: Webinar: Addressing the Residency Continuity Requirement: A Panel Discussion to Share Successes and Barriers

May 3–7, 2025: STFM Annual Spring Conference

September 8–10, 2025: The 2025 STFM Conference on Practice & Quality Improvement

Due Dates

February 4, 2025: Deadline for Presentation Proposals for 2025 Conference on Practice and Quality Improvement

February 17, 2025: Submissions for the 2025 Poetry and Prose Contest Due

February 28, 2025: Family Medicine Advocacy Summit Scholarship Applications Due

March 4, 2025: Medical Student Educators Development Institute (MSEDI) Applications Due

April 1, 2025: Early Bird Deadline for STFM Annual Spring Conference Registration

Useful Links

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.