Dr. Ann Carol Vogel, M.D. of New Ulm, has been elected to active membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians,a national association of more than 34,000 family doctors. The Academy formerly was called the American Academy of General Practice.

As a member of AAFP, Dr. Vogel will be required to complete 150 hours of continuing medical study every three years. The program, unique among national medical associations, is designed to help member physicians keep abreast of the latest scientific developments in medicine.

Founded in 1947, the AAFP is the country’s second largest national medical association. It was instrumental in the establishment of a new primary specialty in family practice in 1969. The Academy’s continuing education program is the foundation of eligibility for family doctors now in practice who apply for certification in the new specialty.