College of Family Physicians of India (CFPI)

About Us

The College of Family Medicine of India (CFMI) is an academic wing of the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI). The College of Family Medicine of India (CFMI) dedicates itself to advancing the field of family medicine in India through education, training, and research. The CFMI plays a vital role in improving the quality of family medicine education and practice in India. By offering fellowship programmes, promoting research, and advocating for better primary healthcare policies, CFMI supports family physicians by providing accessible, effective, and compassionate care to individuals and families across the country. This commitment not only enhances the skills of healthcare professionals but also ensures that patients receive holistic and patient-centred care. As a result, the CFMI contributes significantly to the overall health and wellbeing of communities throughout India.

Vision, Mission and Values

The vision of the College of Family Medicine of India is to encourage, promote, and maintain the highest possible standards in family medical practice and to foster a high-quality primary care system that serves as the foundation of health and wellbeing for the broad masses of Indians.

CFMI strives to promote the exchange of views and experiences among family physicians. It will bring out position statements, monographs, textbooks, clinical practice guidelines, and learning resource materials in various domains of family medicine. It confers fellowships, honorary professorships and other awards from the college based on principles laid down by it. It will establish institutes, research centres, and training centres in the field of family medicine, and it will hold national and regional scientific conferences to further the aims and objectives of the College of Family Medicine. In due course, it will form its faculty council and publish its periodicals and newsletters.

Key Objectives of the College of Family Medicine of India (CFMI)

1. Educational Advancement:

CFMI plays a crucial role in enhancing the education and training of family physicians in India by organizing workshops, courses, and certification programs.
It focuses on improving the standards of medical practice in family medicine through continuous professional development and lifelong learning opportunities.

2. Fellowships and Diplomas:

CFMI offers fellowships, diplomas, and other academic certifications to physicians who are actively involved in family medicine practice. These programs are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers, enabling them to deliver holistic and patient - centered care.
These programs are aligned with global standards of family medicine practice and are supported by rigorous academic curricula.

3. Professional Recognition:

The CFMI is a platform for recognizing the contributions of family physicians through honors, and fellowships.
It works to raise the professional standing of family physicians, advocating for the essential role they play in India's healthcare system.

Governance

CFMI Chairperson: Dr. Mohan Kubendra, AFPI National President

CFMI Dean: Prof. Dr. V. Sreenivas, Former Head, Dept. Of FM, Apollo Hospitals

1. Governing Body:

Prof. Dr. V. Sreenivas, Dean, CFMI -Chairman
Dr. Raman Kumar - Founder, AFPI, Member
Dr. Resmi S. Kaimal - General Secretary, AFPI, Member
Prof. Dr. Jachin Velavan - Former National EC of AFPI, Member
Dr. R. Nikhil Kumar Patnaik - Convener

2. Academic Council:

Dean, Chairman Academic Council, CFMI (ex-officio)
Dr. Manoranjan M, Coordinator, Fellowship of Family Medicine
Dr. Srividhya Raghavendran, Coordinator, Faculty Development Programme
Prof. Dr. K. Manjunath, Coordinator, Clinical Practice Guidelines Programme
Dr. Shalini Garg, Coordinator, National Clinical Meet Webinar Series Programme
Prof. Dr. Venkatesan S
Dr. Bijayraj R.
Dr. Hemant Saluja
Dr. G. Venkata Ramana
Dr. Anuna Vinod
Dr. Resmi S. Kaimal
Dr. Mohan Kubendra

Programmes

A. FELLOWSHIP IN FAMILY MEDICINE PROGRAMME:

About the Course
Course Objectives
Benefits of the FFM Course
Curriculum: Modules
Study methods
Duration
Eligibility Criteria
Completion and Certification

B. FACULTY DEVELOPMENT IN FAMILY MEDICINE PROGRAMME:

The College of Family Medicine of India (CFMI) is pivotal in developing and enhancing the faculty for family medicine across India. Through its faculty development programs, CFPI equips educators with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities required to train future family physicians who will be instrumental in improving primary healthcare delivery. This focus on education and professional growth ensures that family medicine continues to be a dynamic and evolving field, contributing to better health outcomes for individuals and communities nationwide.

Importance of Faculty Development in Family Medicine:

Raising Educational Standards: Through continuous training and professional development, CFMI ensures that family medicine educators are capable of delivering high-quality education that is relevant to the healthcare needs of India.
Strengthening Primary Care: By training family medicine faculty in community-based care, preventive health, and chronic disease management, CFMI helps to develop a workforce that can effectively respond to India's healthcare challenges.
Building Future Leaders: CFMI's focus on leadership development prepares family medicine faculty to take on key roles in medical institutions, healthcare policy, and community health programs, driving positive changes in the healthcare system.

Core components of Faculty Development Programs:

1. Training and Certification:

CFMI provides structured programs aimed at improving teaching skills, clinical mentorship, and educational leadership among faculty members.
Faculty development programs are designed to meet international standards, helping educators stay up-to-date with the latest advances in family medicine.
Faculty members can earn certifications or fellowships through these programs, enhancing their professional credentials.

2. Curriculum Design and Innovation:

CFMI plays an active role in developing and updating family medicine curricula to ensure that it meets current healthcare needs.
The faculty development programs train educators to design curricula that emphasize patient-centered care, community health, and chronic disease management.
Faculty are encouraged to adopt innovative teaching methods, including simulation-based learning, case-based discussions, and e-learning platforms to enhance medical education.

3. Workshops and Continuing Medical Education (CME):

Regular workshops and CME programs are organized by CFMI to enhance the teaching and clinical skills of family medicine faculty.
These workshops focus on various aspects of medical education, including assessment methods, student engagement, and clinical supervision.
Faculty are trained to integrate new technologies and digital tools into their teaching, keeping medical education dynamic and interactive.

4. Mentorship and Leadership Development:

CFMI emphasizes the importance of faculty members as mentors to the next generation of family physicians.
Through mentorship programs, senior faculty are trained to guide junior educators and medical trainees, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Leadership development courses are also offered to help faculty take on administrative and leadership roles within medical institutions, enabling them to shape policy and practice in family medicine.

5. International Collaborations:

CFMI collaborates with international organizations, such as WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors), to ensure that its faculty development programs are aligned with global best practices.
Faculty members have opportunities to participate in international exchange programs, workshops, and conferences, where they can learn. from family medicine educators across the world.
These collaborations help faculty stay informed about emerging global trends and challenges in family medicine.

C. NATIONAL CLINICAL MEET WEBINAR SERIES PROGRAMME:

The National Academic Calendar

The National Academic Calendar by the College of Family Medicine of India (CFMI), as part of its academic and educational initiatives under the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI), serves as a structured guide for professional development, training programs, and academic activities throughout the year. This calendar provides family physicians and healthcare professionals with key dates and schedules for various educational events, workshops, conferences, and certification programs aimed at enhancing the practice of family medicine across India.

Key Components of the National Academic Calendar:

1. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Programs:

The calendar includes scheduled CME workshops, online CME sessions, and webinars aimed at updating family physicians on the latest advancements in clinical practice, chronic disease management, and community healthcare.
These CME programs are accredited and contribute to the ongoing professional development of doctors, with options for both in- person and online participation.
The calendar highlights key events focusing on curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and educational leadership to ensure that educators remain updated on the latest methodologies in medical education.

2. Fellowship Programs:

The calendar outlines the dates for the Fellowship in Family Medicine and other advanced certification programs offered by CFMI. These fellowships are designed to provide in-depth training and hands-on experience in areas such as preventive medicine, geriatric care, maternal and child health, and emergency care.
Key examination dates, submission deadlines, and fellowship workshops are detailed in the calendar to help candidates prepare and manage their schedules.

3. Workshops and Skill Development Programs:

CFMI conducts a series of clinical skills workshops, such as emergency response training, mental health in primary care, and non-communicable diseases (NCD) management, which are scheduled.
These workshops are aimed at improving the practical skills of family physicians and preparing them to address various clinical challenges in their day-to-day practice.

4. Special Initiatives and Public Health Campaigns:

The calendar includes specific health awareness campaigns and public health programs that focus on preventive care, such as World Family Doctor Day, World Health Day, and other global health observances.
Family physicians are encouraged to participate in these initiatives, promoting public health education and preventive strategies within their communities.

5. Certification and Examination Dates:

The calendar provides a clear schedule for the FFM and other certification exams organized by CFPI and affiliated institutions.
Examination dates, application deadlines, and result announcements are listed to help candidates stay informed and prepared.

Importance of the National Academic Calendar:

Organized Learning: The calendar helps physicians and educators stay informed about upcoming academic and professional development opportunities, ensuring they can plan their participation well in advance.
Comprehensive Overview: It offers a detailed and systematic view of all academic activities, fellowships, research opportunities, and CME programs that support lifelong learning and career advancement in family medicine.
Timely Participation: By following the academic calendar, family physicians can prioritize events relevant to their practice and align their professional development goals with national and global healthcare trends.

The National Academic Calendar by the College of Family Medicine plays significant role in guiding the academic and professional growth of family physicians across India. By offering a structured schedule of key conferences, CME programs, workshops, and certification courses, the calendar ensures that family physicians have access to continuous learning opportunities that will enhance their clinical skills, research capabilities, and contributions to primary healthcare.