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

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 [https://www.bigtreesmd.com/], and host of the My DPC Story [https://www.mydpcstory.com/] 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 [https://www.aafp.org/practice-operations/practice-and-payment-models/direct-primary-care] Patient Resources: * Direct Primary Care for Patients [https://familydoctor.org/direct-primary-care-dpc/] Related AAFP CME Activities: * DPC Summit [https://www.dpcsummit.org/] * DPC Summit on Demand [https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/practice-management-leadership/dpc-summit-on-demand] * Business Fundamentals for New Physicians [https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/practice-management-leadership/business-of-medicine] * Medical Practice Management Essentials [https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/practice-management-leadership/practice-management-on-demand] 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 | 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 [https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/immunizations-and-vaccines/immunizations-schedules-resources#shared] * Immunizations And Vaccines For Family Physicians [https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/immunizations-and-vaccines] * Immunization Resources [https://www.aafp.org/tag/subject/patient-care/preventive-health/immunizations] * AAFP Vaccine Advocacy: Strengthening Immunization Access | AAFP [https://www.aafp.org/advocacy/federal/prevention-public-health/vaccines-immunizations] Patient Resources: * Immunizations | Family Doctor [https://familydoctor.org/immunizations/] * Immunization Schedules | Family Doctor [https://familydoctor.org/immunization-schedules/] 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.

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 1. Recognize early signs and symptoms of dementia and distinguish them from normal aging and potentially reversible causes of cognitive change. 2. Differentiate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) from unmet needs or environmental triggers, clarifying what BPSD is—and what it is not. 3. 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 [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 [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 [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 [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.

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 [https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/managing-your-career/find-a-job/comparing-physician-compensation.html] Family Medicine Compensation and Career Satisfaction Benchmark Dashboard [https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/managing-your-career/family-medicine-career-benchmark-dashboard.html] Understanding and Improving Your Work RVUs [https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2023/0300/understanding-rvus.html] 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 | What federal student loan borrowers need to know

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, David Tully, AAFP vice president of government relations, reviews June advocacy efforts, including the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit, where more than 300 physicians advocated for policies to improve access to care. He also highlights AAFP positions on H-1B physician policy, Medicaid work requirements, ACA marketplace changes, rural training and hospital payments, and reducing prior authorization burdens. Tully then discusses student loan changes from the U.S. Department of Education under H.R.1 with members of the AAFP government relations team, Meagan Mortimer and Mandi Neff, outlining new repayment rules, elimination of programs and borrowing caps,. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Student Loan Changes Ahead 01:02 June Advocacy Wins 02:17 Policy Updates Roundup 05:26 DOE Loan Overhaul Explained 06:19 AAFP Pushback on HR1 08:42 Borrowing Caps Timeline 10:28 Exceptions and Legacy Plans 11:48 Mitigation and Advocacy Strategy 15:58 How Members Can Help 18:26 Closing and Disclaimers Additional Resources * Blog: Policymakers have a roadmap to ease medical student debt [https://www.aafp.org/about/blog/ease-medical-school-debt] * Advocacy topic: Medical student debt relief [https://www.aafp.org/advocacy/federal/physician-workforce/student-debt?sortCriteria=%40publication_date+descending] * Managing student loan debt [https://www.aafp.org/life-and-career/personal-finance/managing-student-loan-debt] * Loan repayment strategies for medical students and residents [https://www.aafp.org/residents/residency/debt-management/repayment] * Letter to the Department of Education to Protect Medical Training Pathways [https://dgnvxbcc3-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1779466036/pdf_advocacy_letters_aafp_response_doe_on_stats_pr_05152026.pdf] * AAFP on X: "Every patient deserves access to a family physician. The AAFP is encouraged by a federal court's decision to halt the proposed $100,000 H-1B application fee. We urge Congress to pass the bipartisan H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, which would codify this https://t.co/mDqeYPpi8L" / X [https://x.com/aafp/status/2064429878674444547] * AAFP on X: "The AAFP is deeply concerned that Medicaid work reporting requirements will result in massive coverage losses for beneficiaries. When patients can access Medicaid, communities are healthier. https://t.co/ZvAx2In0Nm https://t.co/7fd9LjIAiC" / X [https://x.com/aafp/status/2062190616704880982] * Speak Out: Support the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 [https://fammedpac.aafp.org/take-action/alertid/778/] * Letter in Resposne to IPPS Rule [https://dgnvxbcc3-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1781288537/pdf_lt_cms_ipps_060826.pdf] * Speak Out: Chronic Care Management Improvement Act [https://fammedpac.aafp.org/take-action/alertid/734/] * Speak Out: Support H-1B Physicians [https://fammedpac.aafp.org/take-action/alertid/726/] * Primary Care Innovation Network [https://www.aafp.org/media-center/press-releases/aafp-launches-primary-care-innovation-network-and-advisory-committee-to-guide-ai-in-frontlines-of-care] 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.