October 30, 2023- Steven P. Furr, MD, FAAFP, a family physician in Jackson, Alabama, assumed the role of president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The AAFP represents nearly 130,000 family physicians, residents and medical students nationwide. As AAFP president, Furr will advocate on behalf of family physicians and patients across the country to inspire positive changes in the U.S. health care system.
Furr is the co-founder of the Family Medical Clinic of Jackson, which also supports a small rural hospital and a local nursing home. Furr has cared for patients for more than 39 years. A member of the AAFP since 1981, Furr served as an Alabama delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates and has chaired reference committees on advocacy and health of the public and science. He was also a member and chair of the Commission on Continuing Professional Development. At the state chapter level, Furr has held various leadership roles in the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians, including chapter president and chairman of the board.
Furr has made a thoughtful and meaningful impact on health care throughout his career. He was inducted into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2014, he received the University of South Alabama National Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition, he was given the 2018 Paul W. Burleson Award in recognition for faithful and meritorious service to the profession of medicine by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. In 2023, Furr was honored by the University of South Alabama Whiddon College of Medicine and received the 50 People of Influence Award for his positive impact on the university’s medical school. He continues to serve as a trustee of the University of South Alabama and as a member of the Health Affairs Committee and the Health Credentialing Board Committee.
Furr is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has the AAFP Degree of Fellow, an earned degree awarded to family physicians for distinguished service and continuing medical education. Furr earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of South Alabama. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and he completed his residency at the University of Alabama Huntsville Family Practice Program.