Fam Med Fridays

Your weekly update from the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians

Fam Med Fridays is the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians’ weekly member newsletter, bringing you the latest advocacy updates, CME opportunities, Academy news, clinical resources, member highlights, and important deadlines. Delivered every Friday, it’s your go-to source for staying informed and connected with Missouri’s family medicine community. Questions? Contact marketing@mo-afp.org.

Updated August 14,, 2026

AAFP Speak Out: Defend Vaccine Science and Public Health 

On Monday, August 10, 2026 President Trump signed an executive order (EO) calling for revamped childhood vaccine recommendations that reduces the number of recommended childhood shots to 11. During the EO signing, he repeatedly linked immunizations to autism without credible evidence. The AAFP issued the following statement in response to this action: Family Physicians: Vaccines Essential to Preventing Serious Illness and Death. 

In addition, AAFP updated their Speak Out: Defend Vaccine Science and Public Health to reflect the recent action. This campaign remains the highest activated Speak Out in AAFP grassroots history, with more than 10,500 activations. All MAFP and AAFP members interested in engaging with federal policy makers on this issue are able to access this Speak Out by following the link above and logging into your AAFP account. 

Rural Health Showcase Opportunity in KC  

Event date: August 20

You are invited to join AAFP staff and local healthcare leaders at Digital Health KC’s Digital Health Day and the Rural Health Showcase, taking place in Kansas City August 20th.  

We are pleased to offer complimentary Digital Health Day registration to the first 10 individuals who RSVP. Once those registrations have been claimed, AAFP physician members can still receive 50% off registration bringing the registration fee to $132.50. 

Held in conjunction with Digital Health Day, the Rural Health Showcase is a curated half-day morning program designed to foster meaningful conversations between healthcare leaders and innovative digital health companies. Rather than a traditional conference or vendor expo, the Showcase focuses on one-on-one and small-group discussions that allow healthcare organizations to explore technologies and solutions aligned with their most pressing priorities. 

The program is designed to help participants: 

• Discover innovative solutions that improve access and care delivery. 
• Connect directly with digital health companies addressing the unique challenges facing rural communities. 
• Explore opportunities for future partnerships, pilot programs, and long-term collaboration. 

We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an engaging day of learning, networking, and collaboration. Please let us know if you’d like to reserve one of the complimentary registrations and if you can make both morning & afternoon events.  

RSVP to Hannah Luetke-Stahlman (hluetkestahlman@aafp.org)  & Liz Shaffer (elizabeth@digitalhealthkc.org) to confirm. Additional information about the Rural Health Showcase is included in the attached flyer. You can also view the complete Digital Health Day agenda here. 

National Immunization Awareness Month Resources 

Event date: August 2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)—a time to highlight the importance of vaccines and the vital role family physicians play in protecting patients and communities through immunization.

The Missouri Academy of Family Physicians is proud to join the Community Vaccine Education and Empowerment Partnership (CVEEP), an initiative dedicated to strengthening vaccine awareness, education, and confidence. Through this partnership, MAFP is sharing resources to support family physicians in having meaningful vaccine conversations with patients and promoting evidence-based immunization practices.

Explore NIAM resources designed to help you answer patient questions, build vaccine confidence, and support immunization efforts throughout your practice and community.

Resources 

• Does Insurance Cover Respiratory Vaccines? 
  • ¿El seguro cubre las vacunas contra las enfermedades respiratorias? 
• The Science Behind mRNA Vaccines 
  • La ciencia detrás de las vacunas de ARNm 
• Your Fall Vaccine Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare 
  • Tu visita de vacunación en otoño: Qué esperar y cómo prepararte 
• Vaccine Locator 
  • Localizador de vacunas   

Videos 

• Explainer Video: How Vaccines Work 
• Explainer Video: How Viruses Change 

National Immunization Awareness Month Toolkit

The toolkit includes newsletter copy, social media graphics, and sample social media posts in both English and Spanish that practices can use throughout National Immunization Awareness Month. We encourage you to explore these resources and use them as appropriate in your practice and patient communications throughout National Immunization Awareness Month. 

Take Action During AAFP’s August Recess Advocacy Campaign 

Event date: August 2026

AAFP is launching its 2026 Clinics to Congress August Recess Advocacy Campaign, and family physicians, residents, and students are invited to participate. 

Each August, members of Congress leave Washington and return home to their states and districts. During this time, they attend community events, meet with constituents, and listen to what is happening in the communities they represent. 

That makes August recess one of the most important opportunities of the year for family medicine advocates to connect with lawmakers and share how federal policy affects patients, practices, and communities. 

You do not have to be an Advocacy Ambassador to participate. 

Whether you have five minutes to complete a Speak Out, want to share your story, are interested in posting on social media, or are ready to meet with your member of Congress, there is a way to get involved. 

Take the August Recess Advocacy Challenge 

AAFP’s first-ever August Recess Advocacy Challenge offers 20 ways to take action throughout August. Participants can complete activities, earn points, submit proof of completion, and track their progress on the campaign leaderboard. 

Activities include: 

• Completing a Speak Out  
• Sharing your story  
• Recording a Video Ask  
• Posting about an AAFP policy priority  
• Calling a member of Congress  
• Attending a town hall or local event  
• Requesting or attending an in-district meeting  
• Hosting a site visit  
• Promoting Vot-ER resources  

The challenge works through a browser on Android devices, iPhones, tablets, and desktop computers. No app download is required. 

Start the August Recess Advocacy Challenge HERE 

After registering, participants will receive a password-free sign-in link by email. Please check your spam or junk folder if the message does not appear right away. 

Explore campaign resources 

AAFP’s August Recess Advocacy landing page includes district meeting guidance, talking points, social media graphics, Speak Outs, storytelling opportunities, Video Ask prompts and Vot-ER resources. 

Visit the campaign landing page HERE 

This August, let’s make family medicine impossible to ignore. 

Explore Missouri Primary Care Residency Programs 

Event date: August 20

If you’re considering a future in family medicine or another primary care specialty, make plans to attend the Virtual Missouri Primary Care Residency Fair on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. CT. 

This free event is a great opportunity to connect with residency programs from across Missouri, whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or preparing to apply this year. 

 Why attend? 

• Connect with program directors and current residents. 
• Learn about program culture, training experiences, and resident life. 
• Ask questions and gain insight to help you make informed residency decisions. 

 The fair is open to all medical students currently enrolled at Missouri medical schools, including: 

• University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine 
• University of Missouri School of Medicine 
• Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine 
• A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine 
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine 
• Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis 
• Ponce Health Sciences University–St. Louis 

Registration is free. Reserve your spot today: https://mo-pca.org/residencyfair/  

AAFP Commissions: Help Shape the Fture of Family Medicine

Deadline: October 15

The American Academy of Family Physicians is comprised of eight commissions which are part of the governing structure of the Academy. The commissions include Continuing Professional Development, Federal and State Policy, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in Family Medicine, Membership and Member Services, Education, Finance and Insurance, Health of the Public and Science, Quality and Practice. The description for each commission for which you have an interest is available at https://www.aafp.org/about/leadership/commissions.   

The deadline for receipt of nominations by AAFP is October 15. 

Please contact MAFP Executive Director, Bill Plank, at bplank@mo-afp.org for more information on the application process. Any member interested in applying must contact Bill prior to submitting an application.

Midwest Women’s Health Symposium: Practical CME for Family Physicians

August 28–29, 2026 | Hotel Vandivort, Springfield, MO

You manage complex care every day – this conference is designed to support exactly that.

Imagine this…You’ll walk into a session where:

• The answer isn’t just “what are the guidelines?”
• It’s what do you actually do when the guidelines don’t fully fit the patient in front of you.
• And you leave with tools you can use in your next clinic day.

Join us in Springfield for a women’s health experience built around the full lifespan of care, with sessions that are practical, relevant, and immediately applicable in your practice.

If you appreciated last year’s symposium, this one builds on that momentum – with even more intentional design, hands-on learning, and focused discussions.

Get the full schedule, registration details and lodging information by visiting www.mo-afp.org/symposium.

MAFP 34th Annual Fall Conference – Charting the Course: Navigating the Depth of Family Medicine

November 13-14, 2026 | Margaritaville Lake Resort, Osage Beach, MO

If you valued last year’s experience, you will not want to miss what is ahead.

This conference is designed for physicians who want high-value education, meaningful connection with colleagues, and a schedule that respects your time. Whether your goals is to stay current clinically, gain practical tools, or reconnect with peers, this conference is structured to deliver.

What You Will Gain:

• Immediate clinical application for patient care
• Tools to improve efficiency in your practice workflow
• Increased confidence in managing common and complex conditions
• Relevant updates that impact your daily work
• Connection with colleagues to share real-world solutions

Early-bird registration discount is available until 9/1/2026, so register early! Late registration penalty will be added starting 10/13/2026.

More information and registration available at www.mo-afp.org/annual-fall-conference.

Help Shape Our Future Conferences

Deadline: December 2026 & February 2027

We’re looking for speakers and session ideas for upcoming events, and we’d love your input. Know someone engaging? Have a topic that’s practical and relevant to family medicine? Or something you’ve thought, “more people need to hear this”?

Opportunities Include:
Midwest Mental Health Symposium
June 11–12, 2027 | Excelsior Springs, MO

35th Annual Fall Conference
September 10–11, 2027 | St. Louis, MO

We’re Looking For:
✔ Practical, real-world topics
✔ Interactive or case-based sessions
✔ Fresh perspectives for family physicians

Send ideas or recommendations to: Andrea Holloway, MAFP Member Experience Manager, aholloway@mo.afp.org. Sometimes the best sessions start with a simple idea, and we’d love to hear yours! Learn more.

Encourage 3rd-Year Residents to Update Their Contact Info

Deadline: September 1

As graduation approaches, it’s easy for residents to lose touch. Residency emails stop working and addresses change. The AAFP wants to help PGY3s keep their membership benefits as they move into practice. 

This year’s PGY3 contact campaign asks graduating residents to update or confirm their contact info by September 1, 2026. It takes less than a minute, and everyone who participates gets a $10 gift card and a chance to win one of 300 AAFP-branded stethoscopes. 

All residents are encouraged to update the contact information in their AAFP account so their records stay accurate. Enter both a personal mailing address and a personal email address. 

How to update your contact information: 

1. Log in at aafp.org and select Log In in the upper-right corner, then choose My Account. Or go directly to aafp.org/myaccount. 
2. Select the Profile tab. 
3. Click Edit Personal Info. 
4. Update the appropriate fields and select Save My Account. 

New Resources to Support Cancer Survivorship Care 

As the population of cancer survivors grows, your role in their long-term care has never been more important. Many survivors face ongoing physical, emotional and functional health challenges long after treatment ends, including complications such as cancer-related lymphedema. 

To help support this important work, the AAFP has new evidence-based resources available to assist you in managing survivorship needs, enhancing patient communication and improving long-term health outcomes. These practical materials are designed specifically for use in primary care settings and include guidance on symptom recognition, clinical management and survivorship best practices. Find them here >  

Survey Shapes Work on FASD and Prenatal Substance Exposure 

Help the AAFP develop resources to aid family physicians in screening for and addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and prenatal substance exposure by taking a 10-minute survey.  

Your participation will ensure that the AAFP’s produces new educational, clinical, and chapter resources that reflect the realities of family medicine practice. 

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and asks about topics such as screening practices, confidence counseling patients about alcohol and substance use during pregnancy, familiarity with FASD identification and management, and awareness of referral resources. Responses are anonymous and will only be reported in aggregate.  

2026 Prenatal Alcohol and Substance Use and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Survey 

Member Exclusive Offer from Express Access

AAFP Member Advantage partner Express Access is offering all AAFP members a complimentary subscription (a $600 value). Referrals based on behavioral health providers’ actual clinical outcomes is now a best practice. Founded by the leaders in this research, Express Access is an NIH-funded, PCORI-tested, JAMA-published solution with 5x better sustained recovery a year after treatment. Patients scan a QR Code and Express Access does the rest.    

How it works:    

• Register your free account  
• Share your QR-code with patients  
• Patients create their account and complete the 5-7 minute diagnostic screening  
• Patients get matched with available top providers and book an appointment  
• Access your dashboard to monitor patient care and outcomes  

Missouri WIC Formula Changes

Starting July 1, health insurance, including MO HealthNet, is the primary payer for special formula for WIC participants with qualifying medical conditions or nutritional needs. Historically, WIC has provided these special formulas to infants and children. Family physicians and their care teams should send prescriptions for special formula to a durable medical equipment (DME) company if the WIC participant has insurance. If the participant is uninsured, WIC will provide the needed WIC-approved formula, up to the allowed amount, upon completion of a medical documentation form.  

Please refer to the Health Care Provider page on the WIC website for more information. 

Access to Resolve’s Contract Hub

AAFP Member Advantage partner Resolve’s Contract Hub allows physicians to upload the details of any new or existing employment contract and compare them to verified salaries, bonuses, paid time off and more from their peers. It’s the best way for physicians to ensure they are compensated fairly, evaluate new opportunities, and track career progress-all with just a free account.   

AAFP members also get a 10% discount on any contract review or salary data package.  

Create your free account here  

Evaluate opportunities and get paid fairly with Resolve 
Upload and compare your employment contracts against verified peer data on salary, bonuses and benefits-so you can confidently assess new opportunities, track your career progress and ensure fair compensation with AAFP Member Advantage partner Resolve’s Contract Hub. AAFP members have access to the Contract Hub at no additional cost, just create a free account. Members also receive an exclusive 10% discount on contract review and salary data packages.   

Create your free account today  

Introducing Sirva Home Benefits

New AAFP Member Advantage partner Sirva Home Benefits is a global leader in moving and relocation services, providing end-to-end solutions across real estate, mortgage and moving. AAFP members gain access to trusted professionals, exclusive savings, and cash rewards -helping reduce stress, save time and maximize value throughout their homeownership and moving journey.  

Sirva Home Benefits offers members:  

• Cash Back Rewards: Up to $500 per $100,000 of home value when buying or selling   
• Trusted Network: Access to qualified real estate agents, lenders and movers  
• Cost Savings: Competitive pricing and discounts  
• Dedicated Support: Personalized guidance throughout the process  

Learn more about Sirva Home Benefits  

Planning your next move? Whether you’re starting your residency or retiring to Florida, AAFP Member Advantage partner Sirva Home Benefits helps you save on real estate, mortgage and moving solutions with cash back for a streamlined relocation. Access a trusted network and make your move simpler, smoother and more cost‑effective.  

Learn more about Sirva Home Benefits  

Updated Career Benchmark Dashboard: Compensation, Satisfaction & More

As professional opportunities evolve and grow in family medicine, having reliable career data matters more than ever. Now that data is here.   

The Career Benchmark Dashboard has been newly updated with insights from 8,500+ family physicians, giving you access to real-world data on compensation, benefits and career satisfaction across the specialty. 

What’s new in 2026:

• 35+ clinical area of focus and practice setting filters that make it easier to zoom in on specific career paths, such as hospital medicine, direct primary care, family medicine with obstetrics, urgent care and more
• More data on factors beyond compensation, like family physicians’ feelings on autonomy and the ability to make a meaningful difference 

 The latest data also shows that family medicine compensation has grown nearly 9% over the past two years. Now is a smart time to understand what information is available to you, whether you’re reviewing a contract, mentoring a future family physician or simply planning your next move. 

Explore this powerful resource and use it to support informed, confident career decisions at every stage of practice.  Visit the Career Benchmark Dashboard  

Your Voice. Your Experience. Your Impact.

No matter your stage in practice, your voice matters—and we want to hear from you!

The Missouri Academy of Family Physicians is looking for article submissions for upcoming magazine issues. Share your knowledge, expertise, and accomplishments that can benefit, inform, or inspire your fellow family medicine physicians—whether it’s a promotion, award, research findings, clinical insight, emerging trend in your specialty, or unique experience from the field.

Use the Article Submission Form to submit your article for consideration. Medical students and residents are encouraged to submit scholarly articles or case reports with physician collaboration. Subspecialist physician colleagues are also invited to contribute content that supports family medicine.

For more info, contact Andrea Holloway, Member Engagement Manager, at aholloway@mo-afp.org.

Let’s build something meaningful together.

Family Medicine Advocacy Rounds – July 2026

Welcome to Family Medicine Advocacy Rounds — the American Academy of Family Physicians’ monthly tip sheet to educate, engage and update you on the latest policy issues affecting family physicians and their patients. 

AAFP Responds to 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule 

The 2027 Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule is out, and the AAFP welcomes several provisions and is particularly encouraged that CMS is signaling better and continued support for primary care, and will: 

• Expand the primary care exception, which would give teaching physicians more flexibility to supervise care, improve timely access and support the future primary care workforce. 
• Continue to improve valuation of physician services by reexamining potentially misvalued codes and updating payment to better reflect today’s care and costs. 
• Expand payment for primary care-oriented services such as advance care planning and shared medical appointments. 
• Request information on redesigning primary care payment under the fee schedule to better support preventive, comprehensive care. 

The AAFP commends CMS and Congress for taking steps to ensure primary care practices can keep up with rising costs and meet patient needs. Read our full press statement here.  

  Patients First Act Signals More Support for Primary Care Payment 

 Why it matters: For years, family physicians have faced a growing challenge: providing comprehensive, longitudinal care within a Medicare payment system that has failed to keep pace with rising practice costs and the evolving needs of patients. The introduction of the Patients First Act marks an important milestone in the effort to address these roadblocks.  

What we’re working on: The AAFP issued a statement supporting bipartisan legislation from Reps. Kim Schrier, John Joyce and Greg Murphy that would incorporate several priorities long championed by AAFP and put payment reform in reach, including: 

• A five-year pilot that would provide independent physician practices with predictable, per-member-per-month payments for primary care clinicians, helping move Medicare away from an outdated fee-for-service system that rewards volume over value.  
• The pilot would create new opportunities to invest in primary care infrastructure, care coordination and patient outreach while giving physicians more time to spend with patients.  
• A permanent, inflation-based physician payment update tied to the Medicare Economic Index will address a longstanding flaw in Medicare’s physician payment system.  
• The bill would implement long-overdue reforms to Medicare’s budget neutrality requirements, as originally proposed in the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act.  

“We applaud Representatives Joyce, Schrier and Murphy for their leadership in championing critical primary care payment reforms,” said Stephanie Quinn, AAFP senior vice president for external affairs and practice experience. “Because Medicare’s physician fee schedule influences payment rates across the health care system, these reforms have the potential to improve access to care for patients far beyond Medicare.” 

Read our full press release here, along with a joint statement from the AAFP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Psychiatric Association. 

  Leading Physician Groups Oppose Public Charge Rule 

The AAFP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Psychiatric Association opposed the administration’s final public charge rule announced last week. The rule will deepen fear and uncertainty for immigrant families and lead to more confusion for patients—making it harder for physicians to keep families healthy.  

“Health care works best when patients can trust their physicians and seek the care and services they need without fear. Policies that deter families from accessing care make children, pregnant patients, adults and entire communities less healthy,” the group said. Read the full statement here.  

 AAFP Comments on Proposed Changes to Federal Grant Rules 

The AAFP submitted comments to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on proposed changes to the rules governing federal grants and other financial assistance. We expressed concern that the proposal would increase political influence over funding decisions and expand agencies’ ability to terminate awards. The AAFP urged OMB to keep funding decisions grounded in scientific merit and expert review, limit grant terminations to cases of noncompliance or legal conflict and ensure nonprofit eligibility is based on an organization’s ability to carry out a program, not its tax status. 

 AAFP Encouraged by PSLF Ruling 

Every American deserves access to a family physician in their community. By ensuring student loan relief for those who work in public service, the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program is a critical way we strengthen our health care system and close care gaps.  

The AAFP is encouraged by a recent court decision to protect the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program. Physicians, employers and borrowers who have historically had access to the program now remain fully eligible.  

The AAFP strongly and repeatedly objected to the proposed rule and continued advocating against the final rule upon its release, particularly changes to the term “qualifying employer.” 

 Family Physicians Oppose Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements 

Why it matters: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an interim final rule implementing Medicaid work reporting requirements. The AAFP is deeply concerned that these requirements will result in massive coverage losses for eligible beneficiaries. When patients can access Medicaid, communities are healthier.  

What we’re working on:  

• The AAFP responded to the rule and urged CMS to first and foremost revise and reissue this interim final rule to better align with the law, and the operational realities of states as they navigate compounding impacts to Medicaid from H.R.1. To further prevent eligible Medicaid enrollees from losing health coverage, the AAFP also recommended CMS: 
• Give states more flexibility to recognize additional forms of medical frailty.  
• Extend the allowance for self-attestation beyond 2027 when medical documentation is unavailable.  
• Remove unnecessary documentation and repeated verification requirements for patients with serious or complex medical conditions.  
• Preserve medical frailty protections for people in long-term recovery from substance use disorders.  
• Clarify that physicians’ role is limited to providing clinical documentation, not determining Medicaid eligibility or exemptions.  
• Streamline state reporting requirements to reduce administrative burden while maintaining program oversight over critical metrics including disenrollment and medical frailty denials.  

CMS Proposes New Limits on Medicaid Physician Payments 

 Why it matters: CMS has proposed a rule that would significantly limit how states use Medicaid state directed payments (SDPs) and targeted fee-for-service (FFS) payments to support physicians and other providers.  

The proposal would cap many Medicaid payments at Medicare rates, phase down existing supplemental payments beginning in 2028, and impose new reporting and compliance requirements for states. Family physicians are concerned these changes could reduce state Medicaid financing flexibility, increase administrative burden for states and physicians and threaten access to care. 

What we’re working on: The AAFP’s recommendations aim to preserve access to care for Medicaid patients while avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens that could further strain physician practices and state Medicaid programs. 

In recent letter, the AAFP urged CMS to: 

• Limit the new SDP caps to the services specifically required by statute, rather than expanding them more broadly.  
• Preserve states’ ability to use uniform rate increases and other payment strategies that support access to care.  
• Exempt Medicaid services without clear Medicare payment equivalents, such as maternal health, pediatric care and home- and community-based services.  
• Provide states with more time to implement the changes and simplify reporting and compliance requirements.  
• Maintain state flexibility to target FFS supplemental payments where physician shortages and access gaps exist, especially in primary care.  
• Retain practical payment methodologies that are feasible for states and clinicians to administer.  

House Health Subcommittee Advances AAFP-Supported Health Bills 

In June, the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee advanced several bills with bipartisan support that align with AAFP priorities on overdose prevention and Medicare Advantage reform. The AAFP sent a letter to Congress applauding the passage of the bills below: 

• Combating the overdose crisis: The package includes the ALERT Communities Act (H.R. 1561) and HERO Act (H.R. 7994), which would expand access to drug-checking test strips and naloxone in schools to help prevent overdose deaths. 
• Improving Medicare Advantage: The Subcommittee also advanced several bills to increase transparency, strengthen oversight of MA plans and reduce administrative burdens such as prior authorization that can delay patient care, including: 
• Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514)  
• Prior Authorization Accountability Act (H.R. 9396)  
• Premium Transparency Act (H.R. 9397)  
• Medicare Advantage Cost Transparency Act (H.R. 9392)  
• Transparency in Medicare Advantage Steering Act (H.R. 9395) 
• The AAFP is urging the full Committee to advance these measures, which would improve access to care, support physicians and help patients make more informed health care decisions. 
    

Triple Double Campaign Launches at PrimaryCare26 

Americans are paying more for health care than ever before, yet too many still struggle to find a trusted primary care clinician, get timely appointments or manage chronic conditions before they become larger medical problems.   

As the leading convener of primary care organizations, Primary Care for America hosted the launch of the Triple Double Campaign—a bold, national effort to strengthen the foundation of the U.S. health care system by doubling investment in primary care, doubling access to primary care and doubling the next generation of primary care clinicians. The campaign is a joint effort from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), with partner organizations from across the health care ecosystem. 

Read our full press release here and a recap in MedPage Today and Medical Economics about the event.   

Learn more about the Triple Double Campaign here. 

AAFP Urges Continued Youth Tobacco Surveillance 

The AAFP wrote to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supporting the continued annual administration of the National Youth Tobacco Survey and calling for the release of the delayed 2025 survey results. We also urged the FDA to maintain rigorous scientific standards for reviewing tobacco products and reconsider recent approvals of flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems that could increase youth tobacco use. 

AAFP Supports Expanded Access to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs 

The AAFP submitted comments to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on a proposed rule clarifying which VA personnel may access state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). The AAFP supported the proposal as a way to improve safe prescribing and coordinated patient care, while recommending additional clarity on who may access PDMP data, the role of delegates, prescribing authority and key clinician definitions. 

What We’re Reading   

• In an interview with Healio, Stephanie Quinn, AAFP’s SVP of external affairs and practice experience, shared that primary care is among the specialties facing the greatest strain from the current payment system “because the Medicare payment system still does not reflect the full value of what family physicians do every day.”
• AAFP President Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, joined the Unbiased Science podcast to talk about the importance of adult vaccines, including shingles, HPV, flu, COVID, RSV and more. The conversation covers vaccine recommendations, personal experiences and address common questions to help listeners make informed health decisions.
• U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced a bipartisan bill to protect patients’ access to their preferred doctors and lower out-of-pocket drug costs. “The American Academy of Family Physicians strongly supports the Preserving Patient Access Act, which will help patients prioritize their health and ensure relationships are maintained with trusted physicians and that access to necessary medications go uninterrupted,” said Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.