In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, you'll hear from Shana Ntiri, MD, MPH, and Patrick Connolly, MD, about their advocacy journeys and their involvement in the AAFP's Advocacy Ambassadors Program. They discuss their experiences advocating for family medicine, the impact of their advocacy at both state and national levels and the importance of engaging new physicians in advocacy from the beginning of their careers. The episode also touches on the integration of AI in health care, the future of advocacy and the Academy's role in supporting family physicians through various challenges.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Introduction to Advocacy Ambassadors Program

00:31 Meet the Advocates: Drs. Shana Ntiri and Patrick Connolly

01:05 Dr. Connolly's advocacy journey

02:11 Dr. Naii's advocacy journey

02:53 State vs. federal advocacy

05:06 Pressing issues in health care

08:08 The Advocacy Ambassadors program

12:59 Impactful moments in family medicine

15:22 Advice for new physicians

17:22 The role of AI in family medicine

19:54 Final thoughts and encouragement

21:38 Conclusion and how to get involved

Additional Resources

AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors

Disclaimer: Copyright 2026, AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. The AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of CME on the Go, Dr. Eddie Needham, MD, an experienced family medicine educator, discusses recent updates in the classification and management of atrial fibrillation. He outlines the new classification system introduced by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, including risk factors, and the importance of early rhythm control. He emphasizes the important role of lifestyle modifications and the influence of social determinants of health in treating atrial fibrillation. The conversation also includes practical strategies for patient counseling and shared decision-making.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss recent updates to the AF clinical guidelines and their impact on health outcomes.

1. Discuss the influence of social determinants of health on AF patients.

1. Explore the role of shared decision-making in improving patient outcomes.

The AAFP has reviewed Navigating the Latest in Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines: Bedside Implementation and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 02/02/2026 to 6/4/2027. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Family Physicians designates this Enduring Materials for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME activities approved for AAFP credit are recognized by the AOA as equivalent to AOA Category 2 credit.

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link.

https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19663/e

References and Resources

Board Review Express

Hybrid: Offered both in-person (in Atlanta) and livestream

Wednesday, Feb. 18 – Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 (3.5 days)

www.aafp.org/BRE2026

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, David Tully, vice president of Government Relations at AAFP, provides an overview of the Academy's advocacy work for family medicine in January. Key topics include urging Congress to improve health care accessibility, advocating for better primary care investments, supporting telehealth policy extensions, opposing changes to childhood vaccine schedules and responding to proposed changes to the public charge rule. Additionally, Tully shares information about how to register for the upcoming Family Medicine Advocacy Summit. The summary concludes with ways to get involved and a reminder to visit the AAFP website for more details.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Introduction and overview

00:33 Advocacy efforts in January

01:15 Expanding family medicine training

01:56 Telehealth flexibilities and policies

02:41 Vaccine policy and advocacy

03:55 Immigration and public health

05:00 Modernizing Medicare physician payment

06:06 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit

06:55 Conclusion and call to action

Additional Resources

Immunization Schedules | AAFP

AAFP Comments to DEA on Special Registrations for Telemedicine CS Prescribing PR - March 17, 2025

Joint AAFP-CAFM Comments on FY 2026 IPPS Proposed Rule - June 10, 2025

AAFP Letter to DHS on Public Charge Proposed Rule - December 17, 2025

Sign-on Letter to DHS on Public Charge Proposed Rule - December 19, 2025

Family Medicine Advocacy Summit | AAFP

Joint Letter Requesting Congressional Oversight of New Childhood Vaccine Schedule - January 9, 2026

Joint Letter on US Childhood Immunization Schedule - January 7, 2026

AAFP Letter for Energy and Commerce Hearing on Medicare Legislation - January 8, 2026

AAFP Letter for House Hearings with Health Insurance CEOs - January 22, 2026

Disclaimer: Copyright 2026, AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. The AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, we hear from Dr. Alex McDonald and Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk. They discuss how family physicians can effectively engage with patients who conduct their own research before appointments. Dr. McDonald and Dr. Mieses Malchuk share their insights on how family medicine has shaped their careers, the importance of building relationships with patients, and strategies for addressing misinformation. The conversation also highlights the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) patient-facing website, familydoctor.org, and the new features and improvements of familydoctor.org, designed to better serve both physicians and patients in finding credible health information.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Introduction to Inside Family Medicine

00:11 Meet the Experts: Dr. McDonald and Dr. Mieses Malchuk

01:31 Choosing Family Medicine: Personal Stories

03:40 Engaging Patients Who Do Their Own Research

05:39 Navigating Online Medical Information

14:50 FamilyDoctor.org: A Valuable Resource

17:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

20:48 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Additional Resources

Visit familydoctor.org

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of CME on the Go, our hosts delve into a variety of topics crucial for the care of pregnant patients. They explore patient queries regarding travel, nutrition, exercise, and common pregnancy symptoms, offering evidence-based advice along the way. The episode also recommends various resources for both patients and healthcare providers, including useful apps and books to navigate the journey of pregnancy

Learning objectives

1. Describe common but often under-discussed pregnancy-related symptoms—such as round ligament pain, varicose veins, GERD, and sleep disturbances—and their appropriate management strategies.

1. Differentiate between typical nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum, and recommend evidence-based non-pharmacologic treatments.

1. Summarize lifestyle guidance for pregnant patients, including safe exercise, nutrition, and environmental considerations, to support symptom relief and overall well-being.

The AAFP has reviewed Expecting the Unexpected: The Pregnancy Side Effects Nobody Warned You About and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 1/19/2026 to 6/4/2027. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Family Physicians designates this Enduring Materials for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link.

https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19632/e

References and Resources

Fejzo, M., Rocha, N., Cimino, I. et al. GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Nature 625, 760–767 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06921-9

The windsor definition for hyperemesis gravidarum: A multistakeholder international consensus definition Jansen, L.A.W. et al. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Volume 266, 15 - 22

Einarson A, Maltepe C, Boskovic R, Koren G. Treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: an updated algorithm. Can Fam Physician. 2007;53(12):2109-2111

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/heat.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/heat.html

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/health-things-you-should-know-in-pregnancy/

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/04/physical-activity-and-exercise-during-pregnancy-and-the-postpartum-period

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, David Tully, vice president of Government Relations, talks with Drs. Aaron George and Andrea DeSantis about their experiences at the 2025 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS). They discuss the importance of advocacy in family medicine, building relationships with lawmakers and their staff and the significance of personal stories in influencing policy. They also share advice on mentorship, career decisions and how to become active in advocacy.

Registration is now open for the Academy's 2026 FMAS, June 14-16. Details here.

Topics By Timestamp

00:39 Meet the guests: Andrea DeSantis, DO, and Aaron George, DO.

01:16 The Importance of advocacy in family medicine

03:39 Experiences from the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit

04:08 Returning home: impact and reflections

07:50 Encouraging advocacy among family physicians

10:59 Personal stories and their impact on advocacy

15:13 Advice for new physicians

17:46 The Advocacy Ambassador program

19:21 Final thoughts and upcoming events

Additional Resources

AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors

Register for the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025, AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. The AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, we hear from Dr. Jason Marker and Dr. Mackenzie Bredbenner about the AAFP Foundation's Emerging Leader Institute (ELI). Dr. Marker, a prominent leader in family medicine, discusses the inception and structure of the ELI program, designed to foster leadership skills in medical students and residents. Dr. Bredbenner shares her personal journey and growth through the ELI, emphasizing how the program's support and structured guidance enabled her to successfully lead a project addressing the needs of the unhoused population in Dover, Delaware. Both guests highlight the program's impact on developing future leaders in family medicine and the importance of mentorship in the process.

Topics By Timestamp

00:11 Meet the Guests: Dr. Jason Marker and Dr. Mackenzie Bredbenner

01:26 Why Choose Family Medicine?

03:23 Founding the Emerging Leader Institute

04:34 Tracks and Opportunities in ELI

05:05 Dr. Bredbenner's Journey with ELI

10:30 Impact of ELI on Family Medicine

12:19 How ELI Supports Its Scholars

18:22 Advice for Future ELI Applicants

21:07 Conclusion

Additional Resources

Family Medicine Leads Emerging Leader Institute | AAFP Foundation

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of CME on the Go, our hosts tackle the nuanced topic of transgender patient care with the help of Dr. Evans Lodge, a specialist in gender affirming care. The discussion covers the basics of gender dysphoria, the importance of compassionate care, building therapeutic relationships, and the practicalities of hormone treatment. Dr. Lodge also touches on the significance of an interdisciplinary approach and the key medical monitoring guidelines for hormone therapies. This episode emphasizes the role of family physicians in providing comprehensive and inclusive care, aiming to reduce fear and promote familiarity with gender affirming practices.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the foundational concepts and terminology related to gender-affirming hormone therapy to improve communication and comfort with transgender patients.

1. Identify common hormone regimens, dosing considerations, and monitoring strategies for transgender patients, including potential side effects and lab tracking.

1. Engage in reflective dialogue with clinical experts to increase confidence in supporting transgender patients, even if not directly managing hormone therapy.

The AAFP has reviewed Not a Lecture, just a Conversation: Hormones & Transgender Care and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 1/5/2026 to 6/4/2027. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians

The American Academy of Family Physicians designates this Enduring Materials for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME activities approved for AAFP credit are recognized by the AOA as equivalent to AOA Category 2 credit.

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link.

https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19631/e

References and Resources

1. Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People. UCSF Gender Affirming Health Program. Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People | Gender Affirming Health Program

1. World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), including their "Standards of Care Version 8." Home - WPATH

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this special episode of Inside Family Medicine, we revisit the top three most popular episodes of 2025. First, AAFP's Fall Immunization Recommendations for the 2025-2026 respiratory season. Next, Chronic Kidney Disease Care: Essential Insights for Family Physicians, emphasizing early screening and collaboration with nephrologists. Finally, the episode covers the transition from med school to residency, featuring personal stories and valuable tips for navigating this challenging phase. Tune in to relive standout moments and gain practical advice from your peers.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Introduction to Inside Family Medicine

00:28 Top Episode: Fall Immunization Recommendations

04:04 Highlight: Chronic Kidney Disease Care

06:14 From Med School to Residency: What We Wish We Knew

08:38 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Additional Resources

Listen to: AAFP Fall Immunization Recommendations

Listen to: Chronic Kidney Disease Care: Essential Insights for Family Physicians

Listen to: From Med School to Residency: What We Wish We Knew

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, David Tully, Vice President of Government Relations at AAFP, provides a detailed review of the organization's advocacy efforts for December. Topics covered include a new advisory committee vote on Hepatitis B vaccination, the decline in the rural family physician workforce, updates on value-based care models, feedback on AI-enabled medical devices, opposition to proposed HIPAA security rule, the harmful practice of downcoding by health plans, policies to make health care more affordable, IRS updates on health savings accounts for direct primary care services, and the reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Introduction and Year-End Advocacy Overview

00:36 Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy Update

01:27 Rural Family Physician Workforce Decline

02:19 Value-Based Care and New Payment Models

02:56 AI in Medical Devices and Cybersecurity Concerns

04:05 Addressing Down Coding and Healthcare Costs

05:51 Direct Primary Care and Health Savings Accounts

06:37 Substance Use Disorder Legislation Success

07:10 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

Additional Resources

• AAFP Supports Maintaining Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination at Birth | AAFP

• AAFP Letter to Senate HELP Committee in Support of the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act - December 6, 2023

• AAFP Statement for the Record for Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Affordability - November 19, 2025

• Family Physician Workforce Trends: The Toll on Rural Communities | Annals of Family Medicine

• AAFP Letter to DOJ, FTC and CMS on Downcoding - November 21, 2025

• Sign-on Letter to HHS on Withdrawing HIPAA Cybersecurity Proposed Rule - December 8, 2025

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025, AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. The AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.