Inside Family Medicine

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, host Emily Holwick speaks with Calin Kirk, MD, family physician at the Cherokee Nation's Sam Hider Health Center in Jay, Oklahoma, and Sarah Gerrish, MD, full-spectrum family physician and assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, to discuss advancing health equity in rural and tribal communities. They share why family medicine's broad scope of practice and continuity of care matter, and outline barriers like distance, transportation, insurance gaps, language access and limited mental health care. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guests 01:37 Why Family Medicine 03:05 Defining Health Equity 05:38 Inequities in Practice 10:38 Rural Barriers and Solutions 14:51 Tools and Resources 15:41 Training Future Doctors 19:02 Calls to Action 20:28 Wrap Up and Disclaimers Additional Resources The EveryONE Project | AAFP Neighborhood Navigator | AAFP Education and Practice-Based Resources | AAFP Anti-Racism and Social Determinants of Health | AAFP Community Engagement | AAFP Health Equity CME | AAFP Health Equity Online CME | AAFP Native American family physician brings trust and healing home to Cherokee Nation | Family Doc Focus 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, the hosts discuss sickle cell disease (SCD) and the role of family medicine in recognizing, screening, and preventing complications. They review SCD as an autosomal recessive hemoglobin disorder distinct from sickle cell trait and highlight major complications such as anemia, infection risk, pain crises, and acute chest syndrome. The episode emphasizes global prevalence, newborn screening (and potential gaps), and risk beyond African ancestry. It also covers hemoglobin electrophoresis patterns, preventive care including penicillin prophylaxis and vaccines, recommended screenings, preconception and genetic counseling, and the use, dosing, and monitoring of hydroxyurea. Learning Objectives Differentiate between sickle cell trait and disease and interpret screening results across the lifespan to guide patient and family education. Apply evidence-based screening recommendations and routine treatment strategies for sickle cell disease across the lifespan to support longitudinal care in primary care. The AAFP has reviewed Twisted Truths: What You Didn't Learn About Sickle Cell and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 04/06/2026 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/19787/e References and Resources Management of Sickle Cell Disease: Recommendations from the 2014 Expert Panel Report. BARBARA P. YAWN, MD, MSc, MSPH, AND JOYLENE JOHN-SOWAH, MD, MPH. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(12):1069-1076A Elendu C, Amaechi DC, Alakwe-Ojimba CE, et al. Understanding Sickle cell disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023;102(38):e35237. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000035237 https://www.cdc.gov/sickle-cell/data/index.html Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Immunization strategies for individuals with sickle cell anemia: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Sep 20;103(38):e39756. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000039756. PMID: 39312357; PMCID: PMC11419550. https://www.cdc.gov/contraception/media/pdfs/2024/07/us-mec-summary-chart-color-508.pdf 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 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. 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, host Michael Monroe speaks with AAFP Vaccine Science fellows Anne Schneider, DO, FAAFP, and Mina Saleem Khan, MD, FAAFP, about why mRNA vaccines matter and how family physicians can address patient questions and misinformation. They explain mRNA basics, review COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy, address common myths, and share practical communication strategies—such as empathetic counseling, presumptive recommendations, and team-based systems—to reduce missed vaccination opportunities. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome 01:15 Why Family Medicine 02:37 mRNA Vaccine Basics 04:47 Safety and Evidence 06:46 Myths and Misinformation 10:08 Trust Building Talk 11:47 Motivational Interviewing 16:25 Team Systems for Vaccines 19:59 Key Takeaways 21:26 Resources and Wrap Up Additional Resources Immunizations & Vaccines | AAFP Influenza | AAFP Immunizations | Family Doctor Colds and the Flu | Family Doctor This content was independently developed by the AAFP with support provided by Moderna. 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.

David Tully, AAFP vice president of government relations, recaps the AAFP's March 2026 advocacy efforts. Academy EVP and CEO Shawn Martin testified before Congress on how underinvestment fuels workforce shortages, longer waits and practice closures. Chronic disease drives 90% of the $4.9 trillion the US spends on health care each year, but primary care receives less than 5% of those funds. With that in mind, the AAFP urged Congress to improve patients' access and costs by making primary care affordable, supporting science-based vaccine policy, advancing targeted tax policies, protecting medical student loans (including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program) and funding the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality at $500 million. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 March advocacy recap 00:35 Primary care underfunding 01:48 Capitol Hill meetings 02:03 Affordable access message 02:42 Science-based vaccine policy 03:03 Tax incentives to improve the PC workforce 03:37 Student loan protections 05:23 AI principles in care 07:35 Fund AHRQ research 08:48 Closing and resources Additional Resources Six ways Congress can make health care affordable for doctors and patients Joint Letter in Support of Fiscal Year 2027 AHRQ Funding - 030226 AAFP Comments to ASTP-ONC on HTI-5 PR - February 25, 2026 The Starfield Signal: A Shared Vision and Roadmap for AI in Primary Care Health IT End-Users Alliance Response to ASTP-ONC on HHS Health Sector AI RFI - February 20, 2026 AI Is in the Doctor's Bag—And Primary Care Is Ready to Use It | Rock Health AAFP Response to Education Department on RISE PR - February 24, 2026 AAFP Letter to Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Hearing on Cost of Higher Education – February 18, 2026 Health Subcommittee: Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the U.S. Provider Landscape 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. Ariel Cole, a family and geriatric medicine physician and fellowship/residency leader at AdventHealth Orlando, about the family physician's role in cognitive aging, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Dr. Cole describes her experience caring for patients across the cognitive decline spectrum and emphasizes prevention. The conversation covers barriers like time and system awareness, strategies for sensitive discussions about shame and independence, and leveraging community resources such as Area Agencies on Aging, Meals on Wheels, caregiver supports, adult day programs, the Alzheimer's Association, and referrals to neurology or geriatrics. Topics By Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:47 Dr. Cole's Background 01:15 Prevention and Risk Factors 02:58 Screening Tools in Primary Care 03:50 Barriers and Team Based Care 04:58 Talking About Cognitive Decline 06:13 Community Resources and Referrals 07:34 Assessing Home Support Needs 08:27 Key Takeaways for Clinicians 09:21 Wrap Up and Resources 09:50 Disclaimers and Copyright Additional Resources Brain Health: Clinical Guidance and Practice Resources | AAFP Dementia | Family Doctor Alzheimer's Disease | Family Doctor Evaluation of Suspected Dementia | AAFP Blood Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Dementia FREE CME | AAFP Utilization of the AAFP Cognitive Care Kit FREE CME | AAFP 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. 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 discuss a postpartum patient with painful breastfeeding and concerns about milk supply. They emphasize listening, cultural context, and early breastfeeding discussions. The episode reviews baby‑friendly hospital practices, noting risks when taken too far, and affirms that formula supplementation may be appropriate. Practical guidance includes assessing latch and positioning, supportive tools, tongue‑tie considerations, and concludes with neonatal circumcision as an elective, culturally influenced procedure. Learning Objectives Evaluate the current evidence and identify gaps regarding tongue tie, neonatal circumcision, and breastfeeding. Apply effective, empathetic communication strategies utilizing shared decision-making with patients and caregivers in regard to tongue tie, neonatal circumcision, and breastfeeding. The AAFP has reviewed Tiny Ties & Big Opinions: Hot Takes in Peds and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 03/23/2026 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/19731/e References and Resources https://firstdroplets.com/ https://womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/learning-breastfeed/getting-good-latch https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/breastfeeding-latch https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5182-breastfeeding https://nurturingmilk.com/how-to-get-a-deep-latch/ https://www.sbcc.sg/breastfeeding-101-tips-for-first-time-mums/ 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.

Guest host Karen Johnson, PhD, VP of Practice Advancement for the AAFP, talks with Dr. Tina Philip, DO, a solo family physician in Round Rock, Texas, and AAFP CEO, Shawn Martin, about payer downcoding, where insurers reduce billed evaluation and management levels (e.g., 99214 to 99213), lowering payment and adding administrative burden. Dr. Philip describes how downcoding most often affects moderate-to-high complexity office visits and stresses physicians must monitor claims beyond denials by working with billing/coding staff to confirm expected reimbursement. Martin explains downcoding as an evolution of coding integrity programs amplified by AI-enabled scale and as a less visible cost-control approach than prior authorization, often with limited transparency and historically few appeals. Topics By Timestamp 01:01 Why Family Medicine 02:32 What Downcoding Means 04:02 Why Payers Downcode 08:40 Spotting It in Practice 10:51 Who Should Investigate 12:07 AAFP Advocacy Efforts 15:17 Undercoding and Appeals 18:04 Tools and Next Steps 20:29 Final Thoughts Additional Resources Coding for Evaluation and Management Services: FAQs Letter template for writing to payers about ending downcoding policies The AAFP Advocates Against Payer Downcoding Policies and For Improved Primary Care Payment AAFP urges feds to investigate downcoding as threat to primary care | Advocacy and Government Cigna's downcoding policy gets pushback from physician groups | AAFP 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. 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.

Host Michael Monroe interviews Dr. Brianna Wynne, a board-certified geriatric medicine physician, about how family physicians can support prevention, screening, and early detection of cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Wynne distinguishes normal aging (slower processing speed) from mild cognitive impairment (objective test deficits with preserved function) and dementia as a spectrum from mild functional difficulties with instrumental activities to severe end-stage dependence. She describes how concerns typically surface through caregivers or during routine visits such as Medicare annual wellness visits and emphasizes proactive questioning. She highlights practical tools and resources including the Mini-Cog, AAFP shared decision-making guidance to help differentiate dementia types, the Alzheimer's Association for patient and caregiver support, and familydoctor.org for accessible, bite-sized clinical information. Topics By Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:47 Dr. Wynne Background 01:40 Cognitive Decline Basics 05:11 What Family Docs See 07:05 Starting the Conversation 08:51 Screening Tools and Resources 11:18 CME and Quick References 12:22 Future of Dementia Care 14:38 Wrap Up Additional Resources 6 tips for talking about brain health across the lifespan Brain Health: Clinical Guidance and Practice Resources | AAFP Dementia | Family Doctor Alzheimer's Disease | Family Doctor Evaluation of Suspected Dementia | AAFP 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. 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.

Yalda Jabbarpour, MD, of the AAFP's Robert Graham Center, interviews rural family physician Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD, FAAFP, about the Robert Graham Center's report "Investing in Primary Care: The Missing Strategy in America's Fight Against Chronic Disease," co-funded by the Milbank Memorial Fund and the Physicians Foundation. The report uses national data to show that having a usual source of primary care increases preventive services and screening, reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations for people with chronic disease and lowers Medicare costs. The discussion highlights rural impacts, policy levers such as Medicare payment improvements and community health center funding, and how data supports advocacy and practice-level resource requests. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Meet Dr. Bacani McKenney 01:51 Key findings snapshot 03:24 Rural practice stories 06:29 Scorecard to deep dive 09:13 Policy levers and payment 12:10 Using data for advocacy 19:31 Rural access and ER strain 24:19 Validation and takeaways 25:59 Closing and resources Additional Resources The Health of US Primary Care: 2026 Thematic Report Robert Graham Center Maps, Data, and Tools Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD, FAAFP 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. 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 revisit menopause through a case of a 51-year-old with seven months of amenorrhea, vasomotor and cognitive symptoms, and osteopenia-range DEXA findings, highlighting that she is perimenopausal. They note the limited role of FSH/LH testing and the need to rule out other causes. The episode focuses on systemic hormone therapy, recommending 17β-estradiol with progesterone for patients with an intact uterus, favoring transdermal routes for lower risk, gradual dose titration, shared decision making, and supportive lifestyle measures. Learning Objectives Learn how to select proper dosing and route of administration for estrogen replacement therapy including initiation, adjustments through monitoring, and discontinuation. Discuss non-medicinal strategies for healthy aging in the menopausal woman including issues around sleep management, general cardiovascular fitness, and dementia. The AAFP has reviewed Hot Takes and Flashbacks of Menopause and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 03/09/2026 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/19730/e References and Resources Menopause and Perimenopause Livestream: https://www.aafp.org/cme/all/womens/menopause-perimenopause-hrt.html Menopause Management: When Hormone Therapy Is Appropriate: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2026/0200/editorials-menopause-management.html Hormone Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions in Postmenopausal Women: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2017.16952?utm_source=openevidence&utm_medium=referral Blog Article: More people than ever are interested in menopause. Family physicians should be, too: https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/aafp-voices/menopause-perimenopause-education.html ACOG President Says Label Change on Estrogen Will Increase Access to Hormone Therapy: https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/11/acog-president-says-label-change-on-estrogen-will-increase-access-to-hormone-therapy https://www.webmd.com/menopause/which-type-of-estrogen-hormone-therapy-is-right-for-you https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12463494/#:~:text=Estrogen%2C%20with%20or%20without%20progestogen,genitourinary%20symptoms%20after%20medication%20termination. The NAMS 2017 Hormone Therapy Position Statement Advisory Panel. The 2017 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2017;24(7):728-753. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000921 . Yet, the latest update from WHI showed that HT with CEE + MPA or with CEE alone was not associated with risk of all-cause, cardiovascular or cancer mortality during a cumulative follow-up of 18 years (Manson et al., 2017 Manson JE, Aragaki AK, Rossouw JE, Anderson GL, Prentice RL, LaCroix AZ, Chlebowski RT, Howard BV, Thomson CA, Margolis KLet al. Menopausal hormone therapy and long-term all-cause and cause-specific mortality: the Women's Health Initiative randomized trials. JAMA 2017;318:927–938. Clare Oliver-Williams, Marija Glisic, Sara Shahzad, Elizabeth Brown, Cristina Pellegrino Baena, Mahmuda Chadni, Rajiv Chowdhury, Oscar H Franco, Taulant Muka, The route of administration, timing, duration and dose of postmenopausal hormone therapy and cardiovascular outcomes in women: a systematic review, Human Reproduction Update, Volume 25, Issue 2, March-April 2019, Pages 257–271, https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmy039 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

On this episode of 'Inside Family Medicine', you'll hear from Jered Hunt, president of AAFP Insurance Services, and Eric Muehlbach, disability insurance manager, about why disability insurance is a critical part of a family physician's financial plan. They emphasize protecting a physician's greatest asset, future earning potential, by securing coverage early to lock in insurability due to intensive medical underwriting. The discussion covers how to start by reviewing existing employer benefits, common limitations such as own-occupation caps, monthly benefit caps, offsets, taxation of employer-paid benefits, and poor portability, and how personally owned policies can supplement coverage and travel throughout a career. Topics by Timestamp 00:32 Meet the Guests 01:09 Why Disability Matters 02:40 How to Get Covered 03:11 Evaluating Employer Plans 05:19 Choosing Coverage Amounts 06:47 Picking the Right Advisor 08:28 Claims and New Benefits 10:25 Career Stage Advice 11:52 Wrap Up and Resources Additional Resources Home - AAFP Insurance Program Individual Disability Income - AAFP Insurance Program Complimentary Insurance Review - AAFP Insurance Program 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.

David Tully, AAFP vice president of government relations, recaps the Academy's February 2026 advocacy efforts. He highlights passage of a government funding package that keeps agencies operating and includes reauthorization of the Teaching Health Center GME program through 2029, continued funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps and a two-year extension of telehealth flexibilities. The episode outlines the AAFP's push for Congress to address Medicare Advantage practices that strain primary care, including downcoding and prior authorization delays; and to pass bipartisan bills to speed decisions, ensure fair payment and protect patients nationwide. Topics By Timestamp 00:00 February advocacy recap 00:37 Federal funding wins 01:36 Insurance barriers spotlight 03:03 Medicare Advantage oversight 04:32 NHSC loan repayment 05:05 Disability nondiscrimination 05:59 Primary care research findings 07:16 Advocacy Summit invitation 08:00 Get involved and closing Additional Resources NHSC Loan Repayment Program | NHSC https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/advocacy/prevention/equality/LT-HHS-Section504-011926.pdf AAFP Comments to CMS on CY27 Medicare Advantage Proposed Rule - January 23, 2026 Investing in Primary Care: The Missing Strategy in America's Fight Against Chronic Disease | Milbank Memorial Fund 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. Barbara Yawn, a family physician and clinical researcher and former Chief Science Officer at the COPD Foundation, about recognizing and managing COPD exacerbations in primary care. Dr. Yawn explains why COPD is often missed due to gradual symptom onset and patients minimizing symptoms, and stresses asking targeted questions about dyspnea, activity tolerance, chronic cough, sputum changes, and frequent colds. She reviews recognizing exacerbations, instructions to call the office, outpatient treatment with short courses of systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics, and considering alternative diagnoses such as heart failure, pulmonary embolus, and pneumonia. Topics by Timestamp 01:16 Why Family Medicine 02:20 Spotting Early COPD Signs 04:42 Asking Better Questions 06:44 Guidelines and Acute Exacerbations 09:07 Post Exacerbation Follow Up 10:20 When to Consult Pulmonology 12:40 Preventing Future Exacerbations 15:06 Shared Decision-Making SHARE 18:14 Advanced and Newer Therapies 22:40 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up Additional Resources COPD Clinical Guidance | AAFP COPD | Family Doctor CME Activities: ABFM Board Review Self-Study - CME 2025 | AAFP Care of Chronic Conditions CME | AAFP Adult Medicine 11th Edition – Online CME | AAFP 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.

Hosted by Dr. Margot Savoy, this episode highlights the AAMC Careers in Medicine "Understanding Yourself" phase and free tools at careersinmedicine.aamc.org. Three board‑certified family physicians share their paths: Anthony Okolo on home‑based care and adaptability during COVID; Chase Mussard on returning to Appalachia for full‑spectrum practice; and Anita Ravi on trauma‑informed, justice‑focused work and policy research, with mentorship support and practical resources for learners. Topics By Timestamp 00:00 Welcome to Inside Family Medicine & What to Expect 00:12 AAFP Future Conference: Why It's a Big Deal for Students & Residents 01:27 Careers in Medicine Resources & "Understanding Yourself" 02:38 Dr. Anthony Olo: A Home-Visit Origin Story (and the Roots of Family Medicine) 07:07 Dr. Chase Mussard: Coming Back to Appalachia & Community-Based Care 11:40 Imposter Syndrome, Team Support, and Why Patients Need You 14:16 Dr. Anita Ravi: Trauma-Informed Care & Advocating for Survivors 17:28 Not a Traditional Path: Mentors, Identity, and Finding Your "Why" 27:23 Closing Thoughts, Links, and Episode Disclaimers Additional Resources Register for FUTURE Career Options in Family Medicine AAMC Careers in Medicine 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.