In Defense of Reproductive Health Care
Starting Jan. 1, employers can refuse to provide insurance coverage for contraception. Natalie Hinchcliffe, D.O., points out that partisan arguments about birth control overlook the fact that women use these medications for many other conditions.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171117fp-contraception.html
I Had to 'Unlearn' Medicine to Treat Vulnerable Patients
New physician Anita Ravi, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.H.P., relates in words and spare drawings why some of the advice she was taught to give doesn't apply to the patients she is expected to help.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170814fp-unlearning.html
Up in Smoke: Western Fires Pose Public Health Hazard
Melissa Hemphill, M.D., writes that the wildfires scorching the Pacific Northwest are a public health hazard, and the threat is getting worse each year.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170929fp-fires.html
In Wake of Disaster, Family Physicians Can Help
Our nation has been hit by a recent flurry of terrifying events. Marie-Elizabeth Ramas, M.D., ponders how family physicians can help patients cope in the aftermath.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171107fp-trauma.html
Rural or Urban FP, We Both Handle Gamut of Patient Issues
A rural family physician and her inner-city counterpart find that their scope of practice and the issues their patients face are more similar than they expected.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171205fp-urbanrural.html
AAFP's eHealth Initiative Aims to Make Health IT Work for FPs
Innovations in health technology aren't likely to succeed without physician input. In the latest In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin explains how the Academy's Alliance for eHealth Innovation is working to ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20170718ehealthalliance.html
Racial Differences in Outcomes Demand Greater Vigilance
Black men are twice as likely as their white peers to die from a first heart attack. Ada Stewart, M.D., writes that enhanced education and prevention could change that.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170717lv-heartattack.html
Drop in Number of FPs Who Deliver Babies May Create Rural Crisis
A projected shortage of obstetricians and a declining percentage of family physicians who provide maternity care could create a crisis for women in underserved areas.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170815lv-ruralob.html
Protecting Yourself From Threat of Malpractice Suits
Now that the Senate appears unlikely to take up a tort reform bill passed by the House, Javette Orgain, M.D., M.P.H., highlights information physicians should know to reduce their risks.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170818lv-liability.html
Planning Ahead: Let's Talk About Death
Dying in America has changed with medical technology, but our comfort level in talking about it has not. Leonard Reeves, M.D, discusses helping patients plan ahead.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171013lv-end-of-life.html
Primary Care Benefit Could Improve Outcomes, Lower Costs
The U.S. health care system focuses too much attention on caring for the sick rather than on preventing illness in the first place. Leonard Reeves, M.D., makes that case in this Leader Voices Blog post.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171204lv-sickcare.html
At Home or Abroad, ALSO Training Improves Maternal Outcomes
The Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics program has helped improve maternal outcomes in other countries around the globe. Carl Olden, M.D., writes that now it's time to improve U.S. outcomes.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171218lv-also.html
Preserving National Health Service Corps Is a Must
The National Health Service Corps puts physicians in areas where they are needed most and helps physicians erase student debt. But unless Congress acts, the program will end in September.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170828lv-nhsc.html
Hospital Shooting Raises Questions About Safety, Mental Health
Are physicians safe at work? Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center residency graduate Kurt Bravata, M.D., reflects on the recent shooting at his training program site.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170714fp-shooting.html
How a Bill Becomes a Wall
Through words and drawings, Anita Ravi, M.D., illustrates how the Graham-Cassidy bill currently under consideration in the Senate could make health care worse.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170925fp-grahamcassidy.html
Start by Viewing Transgender Patients as People -- Not 'Burdens'
Discrimination against transgender people is precipitated by viewing patients with dollar signs over their heads, rather than simply seeing them as people.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170803fp-transgendercare.html
How Do I Deal With a Racist Patient?
With racism a frequent topic in the news recently, we asked our new physician bloggers how racism has affected them in health care settings.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170821fp-race.html
But I Already DID Refer You to an 'American' Doctor
More than one-fourth of U.S. physicians were born in other countries. Kimberly Becher, M.D., examines the difficulty of getting some white patients to accept referrals to minority subspecialists.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171009fp-race.html
Do 'Disease of the Month' Campaigns Lead to Overscreening?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., questions whether disease of the month campaigns might contribute to overscreening and overdiagnosis.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171016fp-diseasemonth.html
Could Better Coping Skills Curb Rampant Drug Use?
A record number of Americans died of drug overdoses in 2015. Venis Wilder, M.D., ponders how family physicians can help.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171030fp-coping.html
We're Thankful for …
With the holidays approaching, we asked some of our new physician bloggers what they are thankful for in their practices. Here is what they shared.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171114fp-thankful.html
Crafting a Life That's Right for Me, My Family and Patients
After the birth of twins, Beth Oller, M.D., restructured her life so she could offer the best of herself to both her family and her practice.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171127fp-selfcare.html
Make Fertility Awareness Part of Family Planning Toolbox
Fertility awareness-based methods can help couples avoid or achieve pregnancy, but a misleading statistic may be impeding their use.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171212fp-familyplanning.html
Words Matter: Support Science, Evidence
Debate continues about seven words CDC officials have reportedly been told to avoid. Regardless of the list's origin, the controversy points to a need to defend science.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171219lv-cdcwords.html
AAFP Member Survey Provides Valuable Perspective
The AAFP's annual Practice Profile Survey provides tremendous insight that drives improvements in the Academy's advocacy, education and member services.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20170801ITT_Survey.html
Health Care Is a Right That Must Extend to Everyone
Gary LeRoy, M.D., writes that health care must be seen as a basic human right that is necessary for the preservation of dignity, social worth, health and even life.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170808lv-healthcareright.html
Bipartisan Teaching Health Center Bill Is Vital to Workforce
Without congressional action, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program will expire Sept. 30. A newly introduced bill to extend funding has support from both sides of the aisle.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170725thcgmebill.html
A New Intern's Reflections From the ICU
New resident Lauren Abdul-Majeed, M.D., M.P.H., is applying family medicine's holistic approach to patients during her ICU rotation and suggests that others should do likewise, regardless of practice setting.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170901lv-reflect.html
AAFP's NCCL Set Me on Leadership Path
Benjamin Frankie Simmons III, M.D., the new physician member of the AAFP Board of Directors, writes that his leadership path began at the National Conference of Constituency Leaders, and he encourages others to follow.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171002lv-leadership.html
A Conversation About Violence as a Public Health Crisis
Violence has become a public health crisis. Ending the ban on federal funding for research on violence involving firearms would be a good first step in addressing the problem.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171005lv-violence.html
Let Us Focus on Patients, Not Paperwork
The AAFP has been advocating hard for a reduction in the administrative burden that gets in the way of patient care. A new CMS initiative may be a step in the right direction.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171031lv-administrivia.html
Know Yourself, Do Your Homework to Make Perfect Match
With less than three months left before the National Resident Matching Program's rank order list deadline, Alexa Mieses, M.D., M.P.H., offers students advice on the interview process in this Leader Voices Blog post.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171128lv-matchadvice.html
I Bounced Back From Burnout by Setting Boundaries, Priorities
Late last year, Kimberly Becher, M.D., reached a point where she thought the only thing in life she was doing well was patient care. She had to make changes at work and home to fight off burnout.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170724fpbounceback.html
FPs Can Influence Rape Culture by Talking About Consent
Natalie Hinchcliffe, D.O., writes that as doctors for both victims and perpetrators of rape, family physicians are uniquely positioned to influence rape culture.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170731fp-consent.html
Health Care Debates Don't Have to Be Heated
Politicians discussing health care policy could take a lesson from a couple of family physicians who recently debated the merits of the direct primary care model without resorting to insults.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170829fp-debate.html
Telemedicine Advances Outpace Common Sense Regulations
Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., writes that her clinic has implemented a novel way to use telemedicine. But for many physicians, barriers remain.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170919fp-telemedicine.html
Viral Response to #MeToo Shines Light on Need for Change
In light of the #MeToo phenomenon, we asked our new physician bloggers to share their perspectives on the pervasive nature of sexual harassment and assault in our society.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20171019fp-metoo.html
The ACA Survived. Now What?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act recently survived four Senate votes regarding repeal and replacement of the health care law. In the latest In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin reflects on how we ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20170815itt-aca.html
Inaction by Congress Jeopardizes Kids' Health
Inaction by Congress has put the Children's Health Insurance Program and a handful of other vital health care programs in jeopardy. In the latest In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin offers an update on ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20171107itt-chip.html
Family Physicians Can Make Their Mark in Many Ways
As her time on the AAFP Board ends, Board Chair Wanda Filer, M.D., M.B.A., reflects on leadership, the loss of her father and new challenges and opportunities.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170906lv-filerfarewell.html
Rural Practice Stretches Our Skills, Supports Our Families
Only 3 percent of final-year residents are interested in practicing in small towns. AAFP President-elect John Cullen, M.D., of Valdez, Alaska, makes the case for why they should.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170925lv-ruralmedicine.html
FPs Are at Center of Birth, Death and Everything in Between
Moments after delivering one new patient into the world, Robert Raspa, M.D., delivered a cancer diagnosis to another. He reflects on the cradle-to-grave nature of family medicine.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170801lv-circleoflife.html
Get a Clue: Pandemic Board Game Runs Risk of Snubbing FPs
Board game enthusiast and medical student John Heafner, M.P.H., writes that subspecialists shouldn't have a monopoly on the limelight in popular culture.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171106lv-fpmedia.html
Just the Facts: Can Patient Education Help in Obesity Crisis?
Physicians may feel like they're losing the battle against obesity. Can patient education reduce the problem?
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171120lv-patiented.html
Halting Health Studies Harms Patients, Hinders Physicians
The Trump administration recently halted a study on the health consequences of mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia. It wasn't because the process had been deemed safe.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170905fp-minestudy.html
What Should We Tell Parents About Concussions, Contact Sports?
Despite an abundance of research regarding head injuries, counseling parents and young athletes about the risks of contact sports is complicated.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170913fp-concussions.html
Congress Faces Tight Deadlines on Critical Issues
A handful of critical health care programs will run out of funding if Congress fails to act by the end of September.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20170829itt-deadlines.html
Tax Bills Could Add to Health Care's Ills
Provisions in both the House and Senate tax bills could hold negative consequences for physicians and patients. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin has the details in the latest In the Trenches blog post.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20171121ITT_taxes.html
Eight Questions for 2018: Yes, Single Payer Is One of Them
Despite opposition to socialized, single-payer health care, nearly 120 million Americans have health care coverage through government-supported programs. With that growing number in mind, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin poses eight ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20171219ITT_singlepayer.html
Everyone Should Realize FPs Are the Quarterbacks of Medicine
Family physicians are the quarterbacks of the health care team, so why do they get treated like kickers? Too many payers and policymakers still fail to appreciate the vital role FPs play in the health care system.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170911lv-meigs.html
Tell Congress Not to Compound Student, Resident Debt Burden
The AAFP is pushing back on a provision of the House tax reform bill that would eliminate a tax deduction for interest paid on student loans.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20171113lv-taxes.html
Dire Situations Can Bring Out the Best in People
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Robert Raspa, M.D., reflects on the willingness of people to help others in need.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170921lv-irma.html
Value-based Payment? Survey Says …
The AAFP partnered with Humana to survey family physicians regarding their engagement with, and attitudes toward, value-based payment models. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin has the details in the latest In the Trenches blog post.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20171205ITT_VBP.html
One Good Look at Vast Scope of Family Medicine, and I Was Hooked
New AAFP President Michael Munger, M.D., was working as a hospital orderly when exposure to family medicine residents changed his path.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20170913lv-munger.html
AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog
Blog updates on the issues affecting family medicine from the perspective of the AAFP's elected leaders
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices.html
FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog
Blog updates on the issues affecting family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines.html
Pandemic Is Shining a Light on Health Disparities
Marie-Elizabeth Ramas, M.D., writes in the FPs on the Front Lines blog that the pandemic is amplifying the health inequities minorities face in the United States.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200610fl-disparities.html
Care for Special Populations in Pandemic Adds Challenges
From masks and social distancing to closing group homes, Kyle Jones, M.D., writes in the FPs on the Front Lines blog that physicians caring for patients with intellectual or other developmental disabilities face added challenges with COVID-19.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200624fl-specialpopulations.html
Palliative Care Is More Important Than Ever in Pandemic
Paul Tatum, M.D., M.S.P.H., writes in the FPs on the Front Lines blog that the pandemic has made palliative care even more challenging, but it also presents an important opportunity to serve others.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200817fl-palliativecare.html
Worth a Shot: Home Visits Keep Kids Up to Date in Pandemic
Beth Oller, M.D., writes in the FPs on the Front Lines blog that she's making home visits to pediatric patients to ensure that kids stay up to date on immunizations during the pandemic.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200630fpimmunization.html
During COVID-19 Pandemic, Public Health Is Personal
In this FPs on the Front Lines blog post, Jennifer Bacani McKenney, M.D., relates the challenges of trying to protect the community she grew up in during a pandemic as a family physician and county health officer.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200730fl-publichealthpersonal.html
Is Returning to Sports Irresponsible?
Family and sports medicine physician Kristina DeMatas, D.O., questions the safety of returning to sports before a safe return to school has been executed, in the FPs on the Front Lines blog.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200827fl-sports.html
Lessons in Negotiation: Saving OB Training During Pandemic
When COVID-19 threatened to disrupt maternity care training at a Seattle hospital, leaders from three family medicine residency programs rallied to find a solution. Read more in this FPs on the Front Lines blog post.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200616fl-covidob.html
Art of the Pivot: Redeployment as a Family Physician
Michael Hanak, M.D., writes in the FPs on the Front Lines blog that family medicine played a key role in handling a COVID-19 surge at a Chicago hospital.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200723fl-covidsurge.html
Rallying My Community to Fight COVID-19, Inequity
When faculty at the Duke University School of Medicine recognized the disproportionate toll COVID-19 was taking on North Carolina’s Hispanic population, they mobilized stakeholders to address the inequity.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20201111fl-latin19.html
Treating Older Patients in the Pandemic Age
Tina Shenouda, M.D., M.B.A., explains how a senior-focused primary care practice faces the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in the FPs on the Front Lines blog.
AAFP News : FPs on the Front Lines: Meeting the Challenge | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/fpsonfrontlines/entry/20200918fl-geriatrics.html
Telemedicine Filling Gap for Rural Community
Tate Hinkle, M.D., explains in this Fresh Perspectives blog post how a telemedicine program allowed his rural community to provide comprehensive care and made it easier to recruit a new subspecialist.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190910fp-telemedicine.html
Let's Fix Rural Americans' Inadequate Access to Care
It's no surprise that rural communities are suffering from health disparities, Kyle Leggott, M.D., writes in this Fresh Perspectives blog post. Although 20% of Americans live in rural areas, only 12% of primary care physicians practice there.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20191030fp-ruraltraining.html
COVID-19 and the Burden of Secondary Grief
After months of caring for people affected by COVID-19, Lalita Abhyankar, M.D., M.H.S., writes in the Fresh Perspectives blog about the burden of secondary grief.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/202001001fp-grief.html
How Gardening Made Me A Better Doctor
Luis Garcia, M.D., writes that the skills he learned while gardening -- including patience -- have made him a better physician.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20200824fp-gardening.html
How Can I NOT Be Rural Enough?
Kimberly Becher, M.D., writes in this Fresh Perspectives blog post that a program designed to recruit doctors to rural areas needs to do more to help address physician shortages.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20190924fp-notrural.html
Decision 2020: Where Do the Candidates Stand on Health Care?
Kyle Leggott, M.D., examines where the presidential candidates stand on health care issues and how their visions align with AAFP policy.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20201021fp-candidates.html
Pregnancy Taught Me How to ‘Lean Out’
In the midst of a difficult pregnancy, MaryAnn Dakkak, M.D., M.S.P.H., writes that female physicians don’t always address their own needs, and she shares her personal story.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20201029fp-leanout.html
Preparing for Flu Season During Pandemic
Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., examines the coming challenges of a flu season overlapping a pandemic in this Fresh Perspectives blog post.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20200910fp-flu.html
Do No (Financial) Harm
In this Fresh Perspectives blog post, Anita Ravi, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.H.P., examines why understanding and addressing patients' financial health is as important as caring for their physical and mental health.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20200911fp-financialhealth.html
Sorry, Boss, I Can't Guarantee Your Worker Is COVID-free
With asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 and the potential for false-negative tests, Allison Edwards, M.D., questions the utility of providing doctor’s notes for patients returning to work in this Fresh Perspectives blog post.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20201007fp-covidnote.html
Why We Fight for Patients of Color
In this Fresh Perspectives blog post, MaryAnn Dakkak, M.D., M.S.P.H., ponders how physicians can help people of color, who bear a disproportionate share of the effects of racism, violence and COVID-19.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20200903fp-breathe.html
A Model for Connecting Primary Care in COVID-19 Era
Kyle Leggott, M.D., and colleagues from the University of Colorado explain in the Fresh Perspectives blog how their state is using Project ECHO to share information primary care practices need to navigate the pandemic.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20201118fp-echo.html
AAFP Survey Reveals DPC Trends
As we prepare for the annual Direct Primary Care Summit, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin shares the results of the AAFP's recent survey related to DPC.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180619ITT_DPC.html
2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: What You Need to Know
The proposed 2020 Medicare physician fee schedule is 1,704 pages long. In a much shorter In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin highlights the key points family physicians should know.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20190820itt-2020mpfs.html
You Earned That Raise; Here's How to Keep It
Subspecialists are fighting a CMS final rule that would boost Medicare primary care payment by 12%. In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin asks family physicians to join the Academy in protecting the win.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20191126itt-payincrease.html
Here's How We're Battling Administrative Burden for You
According to surveys, administrative burden is the top concern of family physicians. In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin offers an update on the Academy's work to reduce prior authorization and ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200204itt-adminburden.html
How to Improve Pandemic Response? Fortify Family Medicine
In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn offers an overview of recent AAFP guidance on improving the nation's response to public health emergencies. It starts with making sure primary care is geared up and...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200721itt-fmpandemic.html
Let's Amplify the Real Front-line Physicians
In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn pushes back against misinformation about the pandemic -- and spotlights members who are doing the same on the ground.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200805itt-facts.html
Congress Got a Shot of FP Expertise to Boost Immunizations
AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn talks about the AAFP's role in writing a new House bill to boost vaccine confidence, in part by recognizing the importance of the physician-patient relationship.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200901itt-vaccinebill.html
Retail Telehealth Isn’t the Call Policymakers Should Answer
A new report issued by the Taskforce on Telehealth Policy misses the mark, writes AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200915itt-telehealth.html
Roundtable Shows How to Square Off for Family Medicine
The Academy's all-virtual State Legislative Conference kicked off with a strong session recognizing big wins from three chapters -- and showing how these victories can be reproduced elsewhere.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20201001itt-slcroundtable.html
ACA's Vital Progress Again in Jeopardy
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear another challenge to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn writes in the In the Trenches blog that the focus should be on building on aspects of the ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200707itt-aca.html
Fighting the Nuclear Defense
On the eve of what should be rebalanced Medicare reimbursement, we’re working to keep your much-needed raise.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20201013itt-mpfs.html
With Facts Ahead of Politics, Family Medicine Wins
In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn checks in with the Oklahoma AFP about how it helped pass Medicaid expansion there this summer.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20200819itt-expansionokla.html
We’re a Broken Record — And We’ll Keep Playing Louder
Whatever happens Nov. 3, Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn writes that primary care needs Congress to take important action before year’s end.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20201029itt-punchlist.html
Correcting CMS’ Suggested Correction for Value-based Systems
Here’s what CMS Administrator Seema Verma’s recent op-ed gets wrong about accountable care organizations and value-based models.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20201124itt-vbs.html
Speak Out for Teaching Health Centers Today
Funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program runs out Nov. 21. In this Leader Voices Blog post, John Cullen, M.D., asks AAFP members to join efforts to reauthorize funding and expand the program.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20191029lv-thcgme.html
Full Steam Ahead on Academy's Health IT Innovation Project
In this Leader Voices Blog post, AAFP Board Chair Michael Munger, M.D., offers an update on an Academy initiative that aims to develop health IT tools that are more useful and less burdensome than current products.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20190806lv-healthit.html
Try These Tips to Overcome Flu Vaccine Hesitancy
During what is shaping up to be a severe flu season, Margot Savoy, M.D., M.P.H., offers tips on vaccinating reluctant patients in this Leader Voices Blog post.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20200109lv-fluvacc.html
Advocacy, Social Determinants Must Be Part of Physician Training
Family medicine resident Kelly Thibert, D.O., M.P.H., writes in this Leader Voices Blog post that family physicians should not only be trained to screen patients for the social determinants of health, but should also know how to advocate for their patients.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20200214lv-advocacytraining.html
Despite Challenges, Virtual Match Can Bring Positive Change
Kelly Thibert, D.O., M.P.H., writes in the Leader Voices Blog that a virtual Match process will present challenges as well as opportunities for both medical students and residency programs.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20200717lv-virtualmatch.html
Actor's Death Offers Opening to Educate Patients on CRC Screening
Gary LeRoy, M.D., writes that the recent death of actor Chadwick Boseman offers an opportunity to educate patients about the need for colorectal cancer screening.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20200923lv-crcscreening.html
Your Patient Wants a Second Opinion? It's Not Personal
Tochi Iroku-Malize, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., writes that her own experience as a patient offered a humbling reminder not take it personally when a patient asks for a second opinion.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20200728lv-secondopinion.html
FPs Adept at Beating the Grind ‘Dog Days’ of Pandemic Bring
Steven Furr, M.D., explains in this Leader Voices Blog post how his rural community's early actions protected its most vulnerable population during the pandemic.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20200817lv-ruralcovid.html