Julie K. Wood, MD, MPH, FAAFP, serves as senior vice president of research, science, and health of the public. She joined the AAFP in 2013 as vice president for health of the public and interprofessional activities after a lengthy period of member service with the organization, including serving on its Board of Directors.
She has oversight responsibilities for the scientific research activities of the AAFP and health of the public. She also oversees the AAFP’s relationships with other medical organizations in the United States and abroad. Through these relationships, Dr. Wood facilitates the continued development of family medicine and coordinates the AAFP’s international activities.
Dr. Wood oversees AAFP efforts to involve family physicians with integration of primary care and public health, health equity, population and community health, and global health. Science staff develops clinical policies and supports, conducts, and disseminates practice-based primary care research with the aim of improving health and healthcare for patients, their families, and communities.
As Senior Vice President, Dr. Wood also helps direct organization-wide strategy and policy-development activities in addition to actively participating in the work of the AAFP Board of Directors. She is based at the AAFP's headquarters office in Leawood, Kans.
Prior to joining the AAFP staff, Dr. Wood was a practicing family physician for nearly 20 years, starting out as a solo rural family physician in her hometown of Macon, Mo. and then residency faculty at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City. She has a breadth of experience in family medicine, serving a diverse range of patient populations.
Dr. Wood earned her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She then completed her residency at Via Christi-St. Francis Family Medicine Residency Program in Wichita, Kans. She earned her master's degree in public health from the University of West Florida. She 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.
