What information does STFM collect and how is it used?

STFM collects data to serve our members. We collect and store only personal information that our members and visitors knowingly provide. 

STFM does not collect any personal information from users browsing our website; users browse anonymously. Only aggregate data (hits, visits, page views, etc.) are collected. Aggregate data are used for internal and marketing purposes and do not provide any personally identifying information. STFM uses Google Analytics to collect and store the aggregate data. To find out more about Google Analytics and to read their privacy policy you can visit: http://www.google.com/analytics/

If a user creates an account on the STFM website, the user's name and ID number are recorded. STFM maintains an account-holder database. The information in the database comes from both online and offline membership applications, conference registrations, and other correspondence between STFM and its account holders. STFM account holders can edit and/or delete the contact and demographic information in their online profiles.

STFM makes member contact information available in its online Membership Directory only to other members of STFM. 

All information—other than credit card information—provided by users when completing paper forms and forms on the STFM website is stored in our databases. We may use this information to market STFM products and to track participation and member demographics. 

We collaborate with other non-profit organizations that have an impact on health policy issues in general, and in particular on regulatory, legislative and health policy issues that impact family medicine. We may share the personal information and other information that you provide to us with our collaborators for use consistent with the mission and strategic plan of STFM, provided that such collaborators agree to limit the use of such information for such purposes, and provided further that collaborators agree secure the information.

Occasionally, STFM provides limited data to third parties. This data includes names and addresses, but does not include phone numbers, fax numbers, or e-mail addresses.

STFM may release personal information to third parties in order to comply with valid legal requirements such as a law, regulation, search warrant, subpoena, or court order. In the event that STFM is legally required to disclose your personal information to a third party, STFM will notify you unless doing so would violate the law or court order.

Security of your personal information

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine secures your personal information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. Society of Teachers of Family Medicine secures the personally identifiable information you provide on computer servers in a controlled, secure environment, protected from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. 

Credit card information

STFM does not disclose credit card account information or activity provided by its customers. When members and customers choose to pay using credit cards, STFM submits this information encrypted to obtain payment from the appropriate clearing house. STFM DOES NOT store credit card numbers in any of its databases.

How does STFM use cookies?

Cookies are a technology used by STFM to identify a user as the user moves through the STFM website. The user's browser allows STFM to place information on the user's hard drive that identifies the computer utilized. Two types of cookies are commonly used. A session cookie is a temporary file stored in memory on the user's computer drive whenever a website is accessed and is terminated by closing the browser. A persistent cookie is a file stored on the user's hard drive that may be deleted manually by the user or expired by the Web server.

STFM may use session cookies on some public areas of its websites to provide greater functionality. STFM may use persistent cookies in the password protected areas of STFM website. These persistent cookies may be used to personalize a member's visit, to offer greater functionality, and to track visitor practices. The information generated from these cookies is used to help determine which services are most important and guide editorial decisions.

You have the ability to accept or decline cookies. Most Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. If you choose to decline cookies, you may not be able to fully experience the interactive features of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine services or website.

Right to be forgotten

You have the right to have your data erased from the STFM databases. If you'd like to have your data history removed, contact STFM. Please keep in mind that asking to be forgotten will remove all your membership, purchases, and leadership history from the STFM database. You will also no longer receive any communications from STFM including the Family Medicine journal and the STFM Messenger. You will not be able to access any of the members-only benefits on the website or create a conference submission or register for a conference.

Terms of use

Your use of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website constitutes your agreement to our privacy policy and terms of use.

You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available or provided for through the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website.

The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine makes no guarantees about the suitability, reliability, timeliness, and accuracy of the information on the website. All information is provided "as is" without warranty or condition of any kind. If you are dissatisfied with any portion of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website or with any of these terms of use, your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue using the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine website. 

All contents of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Web Site are: Copyright 2024 by Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved.