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    • Oct. 7, 2025

    A day in the life of FMX presenter Eddie Needham, MD, FAAFP

    By Eddie Needham, MD, FAAFP

    Follow along as we experience a day at FMX with Eddie Needham, MD, FAAFP. Needham serves as program director and academic chairman at the AdventHealth Winter Park Family Medicine Residency Program. A regular presenter at AAFP events, Needham presented two sessions at 2025 FMX.

    4:30 a.m.

    I usually get up in the 5 o'clock hour. But yesterday evening I flew from my home in Florida to the West Coast and that three-hour time difference meant 4:30 a.m. felt like sleeping in.

    I’m a runner, so I took the opportunity to take a run through the neighborhoods around the Anaheim Convention Center. I found a rosebud tree where I stopped—literally—to smell the roses.

    Man at food counter with fruit cup and orange juice

    6:10 a.m.

    After running, it was time to refuel. My breakfast choice this morning: cantaloupe and some orange juice. It was an orange-themed meal for a day in Orange County!

    6:45 a.m.

    I attended my first session of the day: “Chronic Kidney Disease.”

    I’ve been presenting sessions at FMX and events like it for a long time. I know that I only look about 37 years old, but I have, in fact, been around for a while. I regularly present about chronic kidney disease, and it’s invaluable to attend a session like this to see what other presenters emphasize, what materials they use and how they discuss a familiar topic in different ways.

    8 a.m.

    Another session to attend, this one titled “Papulosquamous Disorders (Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Pityriasis Rosea).” Say that five times fast!

    Similarly to the previous session I attended, I was on a reconnaissance mission here. I learned a few things to help me better my presentation the next time I talk about dermatological conditions.

    Two men smiling

    9:40 a.m.

    I ran into a friend of mine—Justin Bailey, MD, FAAFP! Justin is another one of our FMX presenters this year, and he wrapped up two sessions on Sunday and two on Monday. Justin and I also present on sessions together for the Emirates Family Medicine Society Annual Congress, which we travel to every year in Dubai.

    Lecturer behind table

    10 a.m.

    Time for my first session of the day: “Stroke – BE FAST, Really Fast.” It was a great session, with over 100 attendees—even with the bright spotlights making interacting with the audience an adventure in squinting. We discussed primary prevention, post-stroke care and more. While family physicians will continue to refer some patients to our colleagues in neurology, it's important to stay abreast of information that can help us better treat patients before and after any referrals.

    Food truck

    Noon

    I spied a Greek food truck on my way in this morning, which I was delighted to see. But my colleagues and I chose the shorter line for chicken teriyaki so we could spend more time eating together.

    Lecturer behind table facing right

    1:15 p.m.

    After lunch, it was time for my second session of the day: “COPD…You’re My Inspiration.” I kicked it off by singing the classic Chicago tune “You’re the Inspiration.” The attendees got a kick out of it, and some even joined me to serenade the packed room of nearly 300 people.

    There are a few reasons why I do that for this talk. The most direct reason is that inspiring patients to quit smoking is such an important part of many COPD cases, so it is a reminder to physicians that we can be that for our patients. And because I’m such a great singer, of course. But I also do it to put attendees at ease and invite them into the session. It’s important for educators not to be just a talking head at a podium: we’re here to engage those who want to learn, and it’s a privilege to be able to do so.

    Woman on stage facing right

    3:30 p.m.

    Today’s main stage session was given by Natalie Stavas, MD. Stavas is a pediatrician who had some inspiring words for us about embracing challenges and in setting our mindset to one of confidence, not fear. I also appreciated that Stavas, like myself, is a runner and a nature lover.

    Palm trees

    6 p.m.

    To end the day: dinner at Roy’s Restaurant! I’ve been looking forward to it since arriving here yesterday. I had a great day at FMX, and I’m sure I’ll be back to present in the future.


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