American Family Physician Journal

The American Family Physician (AFP) is a peer-reviewed medical journal that has been a trusted source of clinical information for family physicians and other primary care clinicians for over 50 years. Published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the journal's mission is to provide high-quality, evidence-based content that helps physicians deliver the best possible patient care. With a circulation of over 180,000, AFP is one of the most widely read and respected medical journals in the world.

History and Evolution of the Journal

First published in 1970, AFP was created to provide family physicians with a reliable source of clinical information and practical advice on patient care. Over the years, the journal has undergone significant changes, adapting to the evolving needs of primary care clinicians and the healthcare landscape. In the 1980s, AFP began to incorporate more evidence-based content, and in the 1990s, the journal introduced a peer-review process to ensure the highest standards of quality and accuracy. Today, AFP is published twice a month, with a print and online edition, and features a wide range of content, including clinical review articles, case studies, and practice guidelines.

Content and Features

American Family Physician features a diverse range of content, including clinical review articles, case studies, and practice guidelines. The journal’s editorial board, comprised of experienced family physicians and medical experts, ensures that all content is relevant, accurate, and up-to-date. Some of the regular features in AFP include:

• Clinical review articles: in-depth reviews of common medical conditions and their management
• Case studies: real-life examples of patient care and management
• Practice guidelines: evidence-based recommendations for patient care and management
• AFP Journal Club: a monthly feature that summarizes and critiques recent research studies
• Letters to the Editor: a forum for readers to share their thoughts and opinions on published content

Clinical Relevance and Impact

American Family Physician has a significant impact on clinical practice and patient care. The journal’s content is widely read and respected, and its practice guidelines and clinical review articles are often cited in other medical journals and publications. According to a survey of family physicians, 75% of respondents reported that AFP has a significant impact on their clinical practice, and 90% reported that they use the journal as a primary source of clinical information.

Access and Distribution

American Family Physician is available in print and online, and is distributed to over 180,000 subscribers worldwide. The journal is also available online through the AAFP website, and individual articles can be accessed through the journal’s website or through online databases such as PubMed. In addition, AFP is available on mobile devices through the AAFP app, making it easy for clinicians to access the journal’s content on-the-go.