In this episode, Dr. Alex McDonald speaks with Dr. Todd Wolynn of the Trusted Messenger Program on the importance of building a trusted relationship with the physician and patient. 

Guests:

• Alex McDonald MD, FAAFP, CAQSM is a former professional triathlete, Family and Sports Medicine physician and core faculty of the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Family Medicine Reaidency Program. His professional interests include exercise and physical activity, baccine advocacy, social media and patient communication. Dr. McDonald holds degrees from Connecticut College, the University of Vermont Larnar College of Medicine, Southern California Kaiser Permanente as well as Duke University. Dr. McDonald lives in Southern, CA with his wife, 3 children and 3 dogs. He enjoys running, riding his bike, cooking, coffee and 8pm dance parties with his kids

• Todd Wolynn MD, MMM is the Executive Director of the Trusted Messenger Program, a part of the public health non-profit Public Good Projects. He’s been a vaccine advocate Advocate for more than 30 years, through his work as a clinical vaccine researcher, immunizing pediatrician, and immunization confidence and communication researcher. 

• Rob Assibey, MD, FAAFP (he/him) identifies as Ghanaian American. Dr. Assibey is the Associate Program Director at San Joaquin General Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program. He practices full spectrum family medicine with an emphasis on street medicine, addiction medicine, SNF. Dr. Assibey is the District 8 Director on the CAFP Board, and a member of the JEDI Committee.

Resources:

• CAFP 2025-2027 Strategic Plan goals

  • Advance Payment Reform and System Transformation
  • Develop and diversify the family medicine workforce
  • Champion public health, health equity, and evidence-based medicine
  • Support member wellness and joy in medicine

• Public Good Project - publicgoodprojects.org

• Trusted Messenger Program PGP’s health care professional networks, health care professional training program, and its significant health communications infrastructure form one program: the Trusted Messenger Program. The Trusted Messenger Program has no equivalent in health care and public health. It brings with it the support of national medical boards and public health associations, as well as sustainable funding from several of the largest health funders. The Trusted Messenger Program is supported by a rigorous evaluation protocol, counting among its partners and stakeholders the institutions that protect and provide the public’s health. The Trusted Messenger Program offers the opportunity to strengthen our health systems and to build a bulwark against the continued erosion of trust in health information and intervention.

• AIMS Approach - Announce, Inquire, Mirror, and Secure

• Family Medicine POP! - www.familydocs.org/pop

The Family Docs Podcast is hosted by Rob Assibey, MD.

 

The Family Docs podcast is developed, produced, and recorded by the California Academy of Family Physicians. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the California Academy of Family Physicians. More information at www.familydocs.org/podcast.

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