Inside Family Medicine

American Academy of Family Physicians

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

  1. FFFM | Primary Care at the Center of Fighting Chronic Disease

    2H AGO

    FFFM | Primary Care at the Center of Fighting Chronic Disease

    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.

    27 min
  2. CME | Hot Takes and Flashbacks of Menopause

    4D AGO

    CME | Hot Takes and Flashbacks of Menopause

    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 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.

    32 min
  3. IFM | Coverage and Care: What Family Physicians Should Know About Disability Insurance

    MAR 4

    IFM | Coverage and Care: What Family Physicians Should Know About Disability Insurance

    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.

    13 min
  4. FFFM | February 2026 Advocacy Rounds

    FEB 27

    FFFM | February 2026 Advocacy Rounds

    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.

    9 min
  5. IFM | Recognizing and Managing COPD Exacerbations in Primary Care: A Conversation with Dr. Barbara Yawn

    FEB 25

    IFM | Recognizing and Managing COPD Exacerbations in Primary Care: A Conversation with Dr. Barbara Yawn

    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.

    24 min
  6. IFM | Understanding Yourself: Personal Journeys into Family Medicine

    FEB 20

    IFM | Understanding Yourself: Personal Journeys into Family Medicine

    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.

    28 min
  7. CME | Magic, Microdosing, and Moral Panic: A Primary Care Look at Substances with Abuse Potential

    FEB 16

    CME | Magic, Microdosing, and Moral Panic: A Primary Care Look at Substances with Abuse Potential

    In this episode of CME on the Go, our hosts discuss the integration of psychedelic substances like ketamine, psilocybin, iboga, and various social stimulants into treatment practices. The conversation delves into the therapeutic potential and risks associated with these substances, particularly for treatment-resistant conditions like depression and opioid addiction. The hosts emphasize the importance of setting, intention, and evidence-based practice while navigating the emerging landscape of psychedelics in medicine.    Learning Objectives  Examine the emerging evidence on therapeutic uses and risks of substances like psilocybin, ketamine, and other quasi-illicit drugs, while recognizing historical and cultural influences on their stigma.   Discuss strategies for counseling patients about the actual versus perceived risks of these substances, including legal, safety, and harm reduction considerations.   Recognize the impact of regional attitudes and biases on clinician-patient conversations around quasi-illicit substances and develop approaches to foster open, nonjudgmental dialogue.    The AAFP has reviewed Magic, Microdosing, and Moral Panic: A Primary Care Look at Substances with Abuse Potential and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 02/16/2026 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/19664/e     References and Resources  National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders; Stroud C, Posey Norris SM, Matney C, et al., editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2022 Sep 1.  Penn A, Yehuda R. Preventing the Gaps in Psychedelic Research from Becoming Practice Pitfalls: A Translational Research Agenda. Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle). 2023;1(4):198-209. Published 2023 Dec 13. doi:10.1089/psymed.2023.0017  Pollan, Michael. How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Penguin Press, 2018.  Smausz R, Neill J, Gigg J. Neural mechanisms underlying psilocybin's therapeutic potential - the need for preclinical in vivo electrophysiology. J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36(7):781-793. doi:10.1177/02698811221092508  Adeyinka D, Forsyth D, Currie S, Faraone N. Neurobiology of psilocybin: a comprehensive overview and comparative analysis of experimental models. Front Syst Neurosci. 2025;19:1585367. Published 2025 Aug 5. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2025.1585367  Matthew W. Johnson, Roland R. Griffiths, Peter S. Hendricks, Jack E. Henningfield. The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act. Neuropharmacology,Volume 142,2018,Pages 143-166,ISSN 0028-3908, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.012.  Shah K, Trivedi C, Kamrai D, Akbar M, Tankersley W. Association of Psilocybin Use in Adolescents with Major Depressive Episode. Eur Psychiatry. 2022;65(Suppl 1):S329. Published 2022 Sep 1. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.837  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9010394/  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-023-01629-w  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37732856/  https://aafp.libsyn.com/cme-psychedelics-and-mental-health-a-new-frontier-for-medicine    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.

    32 min
  8. FFFM | Advocacy in Action: Family Physicians Take the Lead

    FEB 13

    FFFM | Advocacy in Action: Family Physicians Take the Lead

    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.

    23 min
5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

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

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