Connection, advocacy and leadership: An inspiring day at COD and FMX

6:30 a.m. — It’s Election Day!

We started bright and early, caucusing before the final session of the Congress of Delegates, which is the Academy’s policy-making body. Family physicians representing every state (as well as U.S. territories, students, residents, new physicians and the uniformed services) spent the previous three days in Anaheim, California, debating resolutions that will shape the AAFP’s efforts on issues related to advocacy, education, clinical practice and more.

Today delegates voted on nine AAFP Board Member positions and installed President Sarah Nosal, MD, FAAFP, of New York, who was chosen as president-elect a year ago in Phoenix.

My first experience with FMX and COD was nearly a decade ago, when I was a resident. Sitting in the audience today, I was amazed by the brilliance, passion and leadership in the room. Coming back as a member constituency alternate delegate has me thinking about family medicine as both a scientific and democratic process.

9 a.m. — The results are in

The room was filled with optimism and hope. Kisha Davis, MD, MPH, FAAFP, of Maryland was named our new president-elect! In addition, eight other Board members also were announced.

These elections come at a crucial time for family physicians to offer their experiences and vision for family medicine and their commitment to advocating for both our specialty and public health.

10:30 a.m. — A great group

At the conclusion of Congress, I said goodbye to my friends from around the country. My fellow delegates in the member constituency, elected earlier this year during the National Conference of Constituency Leaders in Kansas City, Missouri, represent women; international medical graduates; Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC); and LGBTQ+ physicians or physicians who support LGBTQ+ issues.

They’re some of AAFP’s best and brightest young leaders. 

Noon — On to FMX

After a quick lunch and spending time with my family, it’s off to the Family Medicine Experience!

Did you know that FMX is a family-friendly event with child care? Though there is child care available, my partner, who is also a family medicine and addiction medicine physician, decided we should take turns parenting and participating in CME.

After attending “A Whole Person Care Approach to People Experiencing Homelessness: A Clinic Perspective,” it was family nap time.

3:30 p.m. — The main event

What a profoundly insightful talk from Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, one our nation’s greatest physicians. Murthy, who served two terms as U.S. surgeon general, discussed the importance of community, kindness and how family physicians can change the world by connecting with others.

5:30 p.m. — Meet and greet

Murthy was kind enough to spend extra time talking with us and dozens of other attendees who lined up to meet him after his talk during an impromptu gathering in the Expo Hall. He was kind and attentive. This was truly an experience I will never forget.

Who are your heroes? Who are the people who inspire you beyond your boundaries? For me, it’s many of the people I met today: other family physicians, leaders and people who serve our country and seek to improve the health of the American public. 

6:30 p.m. — Good night

It’s time to get my son ready for bed and get ready for the next day. Today was a full day of advocacy, leadership and, most importantly, connection with other family medicine physicians who inspire me. There’s a lot to take in and reflect on. As I write this, I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of AAFP and its mission. The Congress of Delegates and FMX is family medicine at its best.