Finding Purple: Creating Nonpartisan Paths to Advance Primary Care
Lynne Lillie, M.D., writes that family physicians are uniquely positioned to find a path through polarized politics that can lead to a solution to our health care crisis.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/finding_purple_creating_nonpartisan_paths.html
Twins Multiply Challenges -- and Rewards -- of Breastfeeding
Beth Oller, M.D., shares her insights from one of the hardest things she's ever done: breastfeeding twins.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/twins_multiply_challenges_and_rewards.html
Go Ahead, I'm Listening
From your comments on AAFP News stories and blog posts to responses to annual surveys, the Academy is listening. Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin outlines how to make your voice heard.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/go_ahead_i_m_listening.html
FPs Can Lead in Treating Transgender Patients With Dignity
Transgender patients need protection from discrimination in health care. Family physicians can help ensure they receive it.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/fps_can_lead_in_treating.html
FPs Answer Call in Times of Need -- No Matter Where
Alan Schwartzstein, M.D., was far from home and ill. Another FP dropped everything to help him -- just as you'd expect from a family physician.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/fps_answer_call_in_times.html
Not Blowing Smoke: FPs Can Make a Difference on Tobacco
Several states are considering legislation that would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21. Mott Blair, M.D., says there's room for family physicians to work on this and other issues to improve the health of their patients and communities.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/not_blowing_smoke_fps_can.html
Sorry, I'm Too Busy for Your Busy Work
Kimberly Becher, M.D., writes that physicians are spending too much time defending their inboxes against busy work from payers and pharmacies.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/sorry_i_m_too_busy.html
Two Common-sense Interventions Could Prevent Gun-related Deaths
Gun control is controversial. Stewart Decker, M.D., writes that two specific interventions to prevent gun-related violence shouldn't be.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/two_common_sense_interventions_could.html
Pick-Your-Pace Program Can Help FPs Prepare for 2018
This year marks the initial performance period of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) Quality Payment Programs. Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin highlights new resources available to help family physicians, and he ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/pick_your_pace_program_can.html
What to Do When Experienced Colleague Is Wrong? Speak Up
Young physicians often defer to more experienced colleagues when there are differing opinions. The problem, Peter Rippey, M.D., writes is that sometimes the more experienced physician is wrong.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/what_happens_when_experienced_colleague.html
AHCA Won't Help Patients Who Need It Most
We asked our new physician bloggers how the American Health Care Act would affect their patients. Most said the legislation would hurt the poor, the elderly and the disabled.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/ahca_won_t_help_patients.html
Take a Deep Breath, Relax and Trust the Magic of the Match
Match Day is finally upon us. Stewart Decker, M.D., offers four thoughts for students to ponder as they await their results.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/take_a_deep_breath_and.html
Mastering the Art of Communication Takes Compassion
Whether delivering a difficult diagnosis or bridging actual language barriers, Kurt Bravata, M.D., writes that clear communication is critical to patient care.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/mastering_the_art_of_communication.html
Repeal and Replace? A Look at American Health Care Act
Efforts to repeal and replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act advanced last week with the introduction of the American Health Care Act. Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin examines what would change under the proposal and what ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/repeal_and_replace_a_look.html
Help Students Cut Through the Bull: FPs Are in Demand
Subspecialists in academia have tried to steer students away from primary care for decades. John Cullen, M.D., writes that physician educators need new material because the demand for family medicine isn't going away.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/help_students_cut_through_the.html
Primary Care Needs a Raise -- All of Us
Family physicians and the rest of the primary care team deserve better compensation. Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., writes that investing more money in primary care would benefit not only physicians, but also their patients, staff and communities.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/primary_care_needs_a_raise.html
Physicians Must Refute 'Alternative Facts' About Vaccines
Mott Blair, M.D., recalls an era when people literally lined up for a life-saving vaccine. Now, he says, too many people are denying the science behind immunizations.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/physicians_must_refute_alternative_facts.html
AAFP to Help FPs With Population Health
The AAFP is developing tools to help family physicians address the social determinants of health and manage population health. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin has the details.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/aafp_tools_can_help_fps.html
ACOG Confirms What FPs Know: Most Births Need Little Intervention
Robert Raspa, M.D., welcomed guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that says many common obstetric practices are of limited or uncertain benefit for low-risk women in spontaneous labor.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/acog_confirms_what_fps_know.html
I'm Standing Up for Direct Primary Care
Ryan Neuhofel, D.O., M.P.H., knows legislators won't significantly improve our health care system on their own. Success requires persistent grassroots advocacy, and family physicians need to be a part of that.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/i_m_standing_up_for.html
Out of Control: What I Learned From 36 Hours in Labor
Physicians like to be in control in health care settings, but Beth Oller, M.D., says doctors -- like all patients -- relinquish much control when they are admitted to a hospital.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/out_of_control_what_i.html
Better Cancer Care Demands That FPs, Oncologists Work Together
AAFP Board Chair Wanda Filer, M.D., M.B.A., reports from a cancer symposium that communication between primary care physicians and oncologists is critical for patients' welfare.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/better_cancer_care_demands_that.html
Why Do We Adopt Evidence-based Data at a Snail's Pace?
It takes nearly two decades for the U.S. health care system to adopt new evidence-based findings. Kyle Jones, M.D., ponders the problem.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/evidence_based_information_is_adopted.html
Repairing ACA May be More Likely Than Full Repeal
Repealing and replacing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has proven to be difficult for Congress and the new administration. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin writes that repairing the health care law may be more likely.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/repairing_aca_may_be_more.html
Attention, Students: Six Thoughts Before Submitting Your Rank Order List
Rank order lists are due soon for those participating in the National Resident Matching Program. Stewart Decker, M.D., offers a few tips for students still pondering their options.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/attention_students_six_thoughts_before.html
CPC+ Laying Groundwork for Value-based Payment
Nearly 3,000 primary care practices and 50 payers in more than a dozen states and regions are participating in a pilot that aims to deliver better care for patients and better pay for practices.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/cpc_laying_groundwork_for_value.html
Patients Have Plenty to Teach a New Attending Physician
After undergraduate school, medical school and residency, new physician Luis Garcia, M.D., says he still can learn a lot from his patients.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/patients_have_plenty_to_teach.html
Reducing Administrative Burden a Must
Administrative and regulatory burden is one of the top reasons independent practices close and is a leading cause of physician burnout. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin outlines key issues, such as prior authorizations, the Academy is...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/reducing_administrative_burden_a_must.html
Keep Calm and Carry On … Being a Family Physician
In this whale of a tale, John Cullen, M.D., writes that there is a moment of intense clarity during an emergency. That's vital for family physicians in remote locations.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/keep_calm_and_carry_on.html
Trusted Relationship Allows Patients to Confide Horrors of Abuse
Detecting abuse can be difficult. Venis Wilder, M.D., writes that continuity of care and a level of trust can help patients share their painful stories.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/trusted_relationship_allows_patients_to1.html
Holy Toledo! As Bad Ideas Go, Closing Residency Is a Whopper
Gary LeRoy, M.D., writes that one health care system's decision to shutter a family medicine residency program in his state doesn't make sense for the business or its community.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/holy_toledo_as_bad_ideas.html
After Hitting the Wall, How Do I Bounce Back?
Kimberly Becher, M.D., writes that just three years out of residency she already is experiencing symptoms of burnout, but she has some ideas about how new physicians can cope.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/after_hitting_the_wall_how.html
What's in a Name? Annual Exam Jargon Causes Confusion
The abundance of terminology related to annual exams can be confusing for patients and even physicians. Lynne Lillie, M.D., breaks down what should be included in various types of exams and how to get paid for each of them.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/what_s_in_a_name.html
Speak Out to Preserve Health Care Coverage
Donald Trump is set to become the 45th President of the United States and Congress is moving forward with efforts to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act without firm plans for a replacement. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/speak_out_to_preserve_health.html
Don't Throw Away Your Shot to Make the World Better
What can physicians learn from a Broadway musical? Gerry Tolbert, M.D., writes that Hamilton provides some important lessons about language and being willing to take a stand.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/don_t_throw_away_your.html
Why Do Women Docs Get Better Results (and Lower Payment)?
A recent study found that female physicians achieved better outcomes than men. We asked married practice partners Beth Oller, M.D., and Mike Oller, M.D., for their thoughts on gender and medicine.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/why_do_women_docs_get.html
No, I'm Not 'Settling' for Family Medicine
Lauren Abdul-Majeed writes that misconceptions about family medicine are toxic for medical students and negatively affect an already inadequate primary care workforce.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/no_i_m_not_settling.html
Can Increased Awareness Trump Cyberbullies?
Melania Trump has pledged to combat cyberbullying as the nation's first lady. Natasha Bhuyan writes that this important issue demands increased awareness.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/can_increased_awareness_trump_cyberbullies.html
Direct Primary Care Is a Sensible Workforce Solution
John Bender, M.D., M.B.A., writes that contrary to misconceptions, the direct primary care model is an ideal strategy to ensure our nation has a robust family medicine physician workforce in the long run.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/direct_primary_care_is_a.html
AAFP Urges Congress to Uphold Health Care Coverage Expansion
The number of uninsured Americans has fallen nearly 6 percent in recent years. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin examines how Congressional efforts could undermine that progress and outlines key insurance reforms the Academy intends to...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/aafp_urges_congress_to_uphold.html
Screen for Alcohol Abuse During Holiday Season
The holidays aren't happy for many Americans. Lynne Lillie, M.D., writes that now is an excellent time to screen for alcohol abuse.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/screen_for_alcohol_abuse_during.html
Can a Sense of Gratitude Make You Happier?
Stressed out? Melissa Hemphill, M.D., writes that keeping a record of the things that bring you joy could make you healthier and happier.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/can_a_sense_of_gratitude.html
Old Issues, New Year: A Look Back (and Ahead)
AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin reflects on some key health care issues from 2016 and looks ahead to the new year.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/old_issues_new_year_a.html
Making Our Point on Immunizations With Vaccine Manufacturers
The AAFP recently held a summit with representatives from seven manufacturers about vaccination rates, barriers to increasing rates and other issues related to immunizations.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/making_our_point_on_immunizations.html
Power of Diagnosis: Delivering Bad News Is Just the Beginning
Telling patients they have HIV infection is hard. Brent Sugimoto, M.D., M.P.H., writes that helping patients understand they can live life with a serious illness can be even more difficult.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/power_of_diagnosis_delivering_bad.html
Time to Lift 16-Hour Limit on First-year Residents
The AAFP is supporting a proposal that would increase the number of consecutive hours first-year residents can work from 16 hours to 24 (plus the possibility of four additional hours for the completion of care of an individual patient).
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/time_to_lift_16_hour.html
AAFP to Congress: Hands Off USPSTF
A bill has been introduced that would alter the composition and processes of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin outlines why the Academy is stringently opposing the legislation.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/aafp_to_congress_hands_off.html
Gallows Humor Is No Laughing Matter
Does physicians' use of so-called gallows humor impact patient care and/or physician burnout? Kyle Jones, M.D., writes that it just might.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/gallows_humor_is_no_laughing.html
FPs Can Shape Social Determinants of Health Outside Clinic
Social factors can influence health more than medical advances. Stewart Decker, M.D., writes that family physicians have the perspective and influence needed to address social determinants of health beyond the exam room.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/fps_can_shape_social_determinants.html
Ensuring Appropriate Care When Views of Physician, Patient Collide
Patients often forget that physicians are people with their own beliefs, and ethical dilemmas can arise when these beliefs conflict with a patient's medical needs and wishes. Kimberly Becher, M.D., considers how to preserve both the dignity of physicians as well as appropriate care for ...
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/ensuring_appropriate_care_when_views.html