#USA #Nashville #Health Equity #AAFP #Kisha Davis

Kisha Davis Installed as the New President of AAFP

On October 21, 2026, Dr. Kisha Davis, MD, MPH, FAAFP, was inaugurated as the new president of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Known for her comprehensive experience as a family physician and a public health advocate, Davis is committed to promoting health equity and improving care delivery designed to address the needs of diverse populations.

“I’ve always valued having a foot in both the policy and clinical worlds. They inform each other, and each makes the other stronger,” Dr. Davis expressed during her acceptance. Her mission at AAFP is clear: everyone should have an identifiable family physician who understands their medical history and societal context, allowing for a holistic approach to health care. This philosophy is grounded in the belief that understanding a patient's story is essential to effective treatment and health outcomes.

Having served as the Chief Health Officer for Montgomery County, Maryland, Davis has directed various public health initiatives that aim to uplift community health standards. Her previous roles include the Vice President of Health Equity at Aledade, where she made strides to reduce disparities in access to primary care. Additionally, Davis has been involved in significant advisory capacities, such as with the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), where she provided guidance on Medicaid policy to federal and state officials.

Davis’s extensive experience within the AAFP encompasses numerous leadership positions, including roles on crucial commissions, task forces, and the AAFP Board of Directors. Notably, she also facilitated the 2019 National Conference of Constituency Leaders, helping to amplify voices within the family medicine community.

“Family medicine is about showing up for people throughout their lives—not just when they’re sick,” Davis continued, emphasizing her commitment to community building around patients and fostering a collaborative environment among health professionals. She believes that each family physician has a vital role to play in advocating for systemic changes that can yield long-term improvements in healthcare delivery.

Dr. Davis’s educational background boasts a bachelor's degree from Duke University, a medical degree from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, coupled with hands-on training as a chief resident during her residency at the University of Maryland. She has also attained certification from the American Board of Family Medicine and earned the Degree of Fellow from AAFP, a recognition awarded for significant contributions to family medicine.

The AAFP represents around 124,500 family physicians and medical students nationwide. Its continuous push for an ongoing personal patient-physician relationship positions family medicine as a cornerstone of healthcare, aiming to provide impactful and personalized care across various demographics and medical conditions.

As Davis embarks on this new chapter in her career, she remains dedicated to fostering environments where future family physicians can thrive, encouraging them to find and amplify their voices within the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. The AAFP under her leadership is positioned to not only address existing challenges but also to innovate solutions that reflect the diverse needs of the communities they serve. Through dedication, advocacy, and a commitment to community-oriented care, Dr. Kisha Davis is set to guide the AAFP into a promising future, enhancing the quality of care for all.