Inside Family Medicine

American Academy of Family Physicians
  • 4.8 (25)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast produced by the American Academy of Family Physicians for family doctors and related health care professionals.

  1. 7h ago

    FFFM | Advocacy in action: Members take key issues from clinics to Congress

    In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, David Tully, AAFP Vice President of Government Relations, reviews the Academy's July advocacy efforts, including proposed Medicare payment improvements, physician workforce policies, Medicaid coverage protections and efforts to reduce administrative burdens.  He also highlights AAFP advocacy related to Public Service Loan Forgiveness, federal research grants, Medicare Advantage reform, overdose prevention and Primary Care for America's Triple Double campaign to expand investment in and access to primary care.  Tully then speaks with Rebecca King, AAFP Senior Strategist for State Affairs and Member Advocacy, about the record-setting 2026 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit and how family physicians, residents and students can continue building momentum during the August congressional recess. They discuss the summit's legislative priorities, the August Recess Advocacy Challenge and the AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors program.  00:00 July Advocacy Updates  00:51 Medicare Physician Payment Proposals  01:17 Supporting the Patients First Act  01:58 Public Charge Rule Concerns  02:16 Protecting Public Service Loan Forgiveness  02:39 Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements  03:04 Federal Grants and Scientific Review  03:30 Medicaid Payment Flexibility  03:56 Overdose Prevention and Medicare Advantage Reform  04:21 The Triple Double Primary Care Campaign  04:49 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit Recap  05:08 FMAS Legislative Priorities  06:45 Why Physicians' Stories Matter  08:59 Continuing Advocacy After FMAS  09:42 August Recess Advocacy Priorities  10:14 Connecting With Lawmakers at Home  11:48 August Recess Advocacy Challenge  14:01 AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors  16:17 Closing and Disclaimers      Additional Resources  AAFP Member Advocacy  AAFP Advocacy Ambassador Program  August Recess Challenge  Speak Out tool  Share Your Story tool  Rounds Resources:  AAFP Statement on 2027 MPFS Proposed Rule  AAFP letter to OMB on Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance - July 13, 2026  AAFP Letter to CMS on Medicaid State Directed Payments - July 21, 2026  AAFP urges withdrawal of proposed PSLF rule | AAFP  AAFP Letter to the Department of Education on Intent to Develop Proposed Regulations - May 8, 2025  AAFP Letter to CMS on Medicaid State Directed Payments - July 21, 2026  Triple Double - Primary Care For America  AAFP Letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee on MA & Opioid Legislation – July 2, 2026  Patients First Act Signals Commitment to Modernizing Primary Care Payment | AAFP  AAFP Response to VA on Expanding Access to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Proposed Rule - July 8, 2026  Leading Physician Groups: Patients First Act Addresses Longstanding Payment Challenges | AAFP  Leading Frontline Physician Groups Oppose Final Public Charge Rule  | 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. 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.

    FFFM | Advocacy in action: Members take key issues from clinics to Congress

  2. 4d ago

    IFM | AAFP x Unbiased Science: Behind Every Vaccine Question Is a Person

    Vaccine conversations have changed. Patients are asking new questions, trust is harder to earn, and clinicians are navigating increasingly complex discussions in limited time. In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, host Rebecca Fuller Beeler, PhD, vice president of Integrated Marketing Communications at AAFP is joined by public health scientist and founder of Unbiased Science Jess Steier, DrPH. Together, they discuss why facts alone are often not enough, how empathy and listening can strengthen vaccine conversations, and what physicians can do to support patients before, during, and after clinical visits.  Drawing on thousands of conversations with people seeking credible health information, Steier shares insights into the concerns, emotions, and information ecosystems that shape patients' decisions. The conversation offers practical strategies for building trust, addressing uncertainty, and helping patients make informed decisions—while reminding clinicians that even small conversations can plant seeds that matter. Whether discussing vaccines or any health topic where trust and clarity are essential, this episode highlights the power of meeting people where they are.  Steier emphasizes practical communication strategies such as listening first, understanding a patient's perspective, sharing personal experiences, leveraging the entire care team and extending education beyond the exam room. Listen in to this conversation that highlights the critical role family physicians continue to play as trusted sources of health information and offer encouragement for clinicians working to foster informed, compassionate conversations in an era of misinformation.

    IFM | AAFP x Unbiased Science: Behind Every Vaccine Question Is a Person

  3. Jul 22

    IFM | From Hypertension to Hypopneas: Bringing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management into Primary Care Practice

    In this special episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, brought to you by Resmed, host Darren Sextro talks with family physician James Bigham, MD, MPH, FAAFP about how he has successfully integrated sleep health and OSA management into his practice. He discusses the well-established connection between OSA and hypertension and explains how screening and treatment can become a natural part of chronic disease management.   The conversation highlights the barriers he's faced in practice, from uncertainty around role ownership to patient hesitation, and the practical solutions he's implemented to make sleep and OSA care more feasible in primary care settings. The discussion covers the importance of early diagnosis and therapy referrals as well as outlines effective workflow strategies for primary care teams.    Topics by Timestamp  00:00 – Welcome and episode overview   02:14 – Dr. Bigham's path to family medicine   03:15 – How OSA became part of primary care   05:59 – Early barriers to OSA management   09:37 – Barriers colleagues face in primary care   12:07 – Practical ways to integrate obstructive sleep apnea care   14:07 – Improving patient engagement in evaluation and treatment   17:38 – Working with sleep medicine and cardiology   20:16 – Impact on patients and practice   25:56 – First steps for family physicians and care teams   29:00 – Closing and resources     Additional resources for your team include:   OSA in primary care: a practical clinical guide from Resmed  Explore practical tools and guidance to help primary care teams identify patients at risk for OSA, support evaluation and navigate treatment conversations.    Resources from the American Academy of Family Physicians:  Cardiometabolic health for family physicians | AAFP  Find clinical guidance, educational resources and patient-centered tools for managing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease and related conditions.    This episode is brought to you by Resmed.   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.

    IFM | From Hypertension to Hypopneas: Bringing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management into Primary Care Practice

  4. Jul 20

    CME | From Heat Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care

    In this episode of CME On the Go, our hosts discuss how changing climate and weather patterns are already affecting patient health and family medicine practice.  They examine the health consequences associated with extreme heat, worsening air quality, wildfire smoke, longer pollen seasons, expanding vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity and climate-related mental health concerns. They also highlight how these effects can compound existing cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and pregnancy-related risks, particularly among older adults, children, outdoor workers and historically marginalized communities.  The hosts offer practical strategies family physicians can use to prepare their practices and protect patients, including broadening clinical differentials, discussing heat safety and hydration, helping patients monitor air quality, recommending appropriate protection from smoke and insects and identifying patients who may lack access to cooling or other essential resources. They also explore opportunities for community advocacy, climate resilience and sustainable changes within medical practices.  Learning objectives  Identify climate‑related environmental changes that directly affect patient health, including heat, air quality, allergens, infectious disease patterns, and extreme weather events.  Recognize emerging climate‑related trends in clinical practice and implement strategies to anticipate and respond to these changes in patient care.  Describe the role of physicians in climate advocacy, including practical ways clinicians can engage without compromising professionalism or clinical boundaries.     The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 07/20/2026 to 07/06/2028. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.   This session, "CME | From Heat Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care" is approved for 0.50 credits Enduring Materials, Self-Study, AAFP Prescribed credit(s).   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 activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. 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/20236/e      Resources   Climate-Smart Health Care: Family Medicine's Role in Climate Action and Resilience (American Family Physician) Read the article  Climate Change and Health (New England Journal of Medicine)  Read the article  AAFP Environmental Health and Climate Change Resources  Explore AAFP resources  Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health (AAFP)  Learn about the consortium  Medical Society Consortium for Climate & Health  Visit the consortium website    References  Romanello M, Ballester J, Cai W, et al. The 2024 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: facing record-breaking threats from delayed action. Lancet. 2024;404(10465):1847-1896. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01822-1  Neven JCG, Quispel C. Extreme heat and pregnancy: A growing public health concern. Case Reports in Women's Health. 2025;49:e00762. Published October 30, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2025.e00762  Romanello M, Amann M, Ayeb-Karlsson S, et al. Climate change and health. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019;380(26):2519-2529. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1807873     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.

    CME | From Heat Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care

  5. Jul 15

    IFM | Direct Primary Care: Building Autonomy, Access and Sustainability

    IFM | Direct Primary Care: Building Autonomy, Access and Sustainability  AAFP Vice President of Practice Advancement Dr. Karen Johnson, PhD, welcomes Dr. Maryal Concepcion, MD, FAAFP, a full-scope family physician, founder and CEO of Big Trees MD, and host of the My DPC Story podcast, to discuss direct primary care (DPC) as an evolving practice model for family physicians. Drawing from her own transition out of corporate medicine, Dr. Concepcion shares how DPC has allowed her to build a sustainable practice centered on physician autonomy, meaningful patient relationships, and comprehensive, community-focused care.  The conversation explores Dr. Concepcion's journey into family medicine and direct primary care, practical considerations for launching and growing a DPC practice, strategies for managing financial and operational challenges, and the flexibility DPC provides to meet community needs. She also discusses common misconceptions about direct primary care, improving access to care in rural and underserved communities, and why supporting diverse practice models is essential to the future of family medicine.    Topics by Timestamp  00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction  02:13 Why Family Medicine  05:04 Transitioning from Corporate Medicine to Direct Primary Care  09:15 Launching a DPC Practice and Lessons Learned  12:16 Financial and Operational Decisions for Long-Term Sustainability  16:15 Growing the Practice and Managing Risk  19:30 Building a Direct Primary Care Practice  21:30 Improving Access Through Transparent, Patient-Centered Care  24:24 Expanding Community Services Through Innovation  26:47 Addressing Equity and Access in Direct Primary Care  30:33 Supporting Diverse Practice Models and the Future of Family Medicine  32:07 Closing Remarks    Additional Resources  Clinician Resources:    Direct Primary Care  Patient Resources:   Direct Primary Care for Patients  Related AAFP CME Activities:   DPC Summit  DPC Summit on Demand   Business Fundamentals for New Physicians Medical Practice Management Essentials    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 the American Academy of Family Physicians.

    IFM | Direct Primary Care: Building Autonomy, Access and Sustainability

  6. Jul 13

    IFM | Strengthening Vaccine Confidence and Adult Immunization

    AAFP Vaccine Science Fellows James Bigham, MD, MPH, FAAFP, and Amra Resic, MD, FAAFP, join host Emily Holwick to discuss practical strategies for improving adult vaccination rates in primary care. Drawing from their clinical experience and fellowship work, they explore how family physicians can build vaccine confidence through strong recommendations, trusted patient relationships, and team-based workflows.  The conversation covers presumptive vaccine recommendations, shared clinical decision-making, increasing vaccine confidence with empathy, integrating the assessment of immunization reviews into every patient visit, and empowering the entire care team to support vaccination efforts. Dr. Bigham and Dr. Resic also discuss workflow strategies such as standing orders, pre-visit planning, EMR reminders, and consistent messaging that make adult vaccination a routine part of preventive care while helping patients make informed decisions that protect themselves, their families, and their communities.    Topics by Timestamp  00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions  03:00 The AAFP Vaccine Science Fellowship Experience  04:35 Starting Vaccine Conversations with Adult Patients  06:03 Vaccination as Routine Preventive Care  07:02 Understanding Low Adult Vaccination Rates  09:17 Team-Based Strategies to Improve Vaccine Uptake  12:20 Shared Clinical Decision-Making and Building Trust  15:07 Empowering the Care Team to Build Vaccine Confidence  16:28 Key Takeaways for Family Physicians  18:45 Closing Remarks    Additional Resources:  Clinician Resources:   Immunizations Shared Decision-making and Clinical Guidance Resources   Immunizations And Vaccines For Family Physicians  Immunization Resources  AAFP Vaccine Advocacy: Strengthening Immunization Access | AAFP  Patient Resources:   Immunizations | Family Doctor  Immunization Schedules | Family Doctor  Funding Statement: This podcast episode was independently developed by the AAFP with support provided by GlaxoSmithKline.   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.

  7. Jul 6

    CME | Dementia Demystified: From Early Signs to Everyday Management

    In this CME On the Go episode, our hosts discuss evaluating and managing dementia-related concerns in primary care using a common scenario: an older patient brought in by an adult child concerned about Alzheimer's disease and possible nursing home placement. They emphasize that these visits are time intensive and require history from both the patient and family, distinguishing normal aging from functional cognitive decline across domains such as memory, judgment, language and orientation, while remaining aware of family dynamics. Key exam priorities include vision, hearing and depression screening. They review brief and extended cognitive screening tools, labs for reversible causes and selective imaging. The episode outlines definitions of normal aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, along with practical, safety-focused management, medication options and the family physician's role in long-term planning and caregiver support.    Learning Objectives  Recognize early signs and symptoms of dementia and distinguish them from normal aging and potentially reversible causes of cognitive change.  Differentiate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) from unmet needs or environmental triggers, clarifying what BPSD is—and what it is not.  Share practical, evidence‑informed management pearls with patients and caregivers, focusing on nonpharmacologic strategies and realistic expectations for disease progression.    The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 07/06/2026 to 07/06/2028. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  This session, "Dementia Demystified: From Early Signs to Everyday Management" is approved for 0.50 credits Enduring Materials, Self-Study, AAFP Prescribed credit(s).  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 activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. 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/20235/e    References and Resources  All AAFP Dementia topics:   https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/topics/by-topic.dementia.html  Dementia Diagnosis and Care: CME for Family Physicians  https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/geriatrics-end-of-life-care/dementia-on-demand  Article from AAFP titled "Evaluation of Suspected Dementia" https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2025/1200/suspected-dementia-evaluation.html    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.

    CME | Dementia Demystified: From Early Signs to Everyday Management

  8. Jun 29

    IFM | Family Physician Compensation: Myths, Models and Using the AAFP Career Benchmark Dashboard

    In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, we hear from Norman Chenven, MD, founding CEO of Austin Regional Clinic (ARC), and AAFP Director of Career and Practice, Tracey Allen-Ehrhart. They discuss family physician compensation, common income myths, and tools for evaluating job offers. Chenven explains why he chose family medicine and outlines how compensation varies by geography, practice type, work hours, productivity, coding, patient satisfaction, and value-based quality measures. Allen-Ehrhart highlights the AAFP Career Benchmark Dashboard, which offers family physicians real-world compensation data and includes filters by role and state for tailored searches. They also compare employed roles and practice ownership, discuss risks associated with private equity and health system stability, and share advice and resources for evaluating employers and reviewing contracts.     Topics by Timestamp  00:00 Welcome and Guests  01:20 Why Family Medicine  02:27 Compensation Basics  05:05 Benchmark Dashboard  06:27 Ownership vs Employment  09:52 Myths and Reality  10:50 Advice for New Docs  13:42 Negotiate Your Worth  16:17 Resources and Wrap Up    Additional Resources  Comparing Physician Compensation   Family Medicine Compensation and Career Satisfaction Benchmark Dashboard   Understanding and Improving Your Work RVUs    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.

    IFM | Family Physician Compensation: Myths, Models and Using the AAFP Career Benchmark Dashboard
See All (177)

4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

A podcast produced by the American Academy of Family Physicians for family doctors and related health care professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    American Academy of Family Physicians
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2025
  • Show Website
    Inside Family Medicine