FFFM | What federal student loan borrowers need to know

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.

IFM | Firearm Injury Prevention in the Exam Room: A Conversation with Family Physicians

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, James Bigham, MD, MPH, and Sanjay Batish, MD, discuss the family physician's role in preventing firearm injuries and addressing gun violence through relationship-based, upstream care. Bigham describes training clinicians in culturally aware counseling, secure firearm storage and collaboration with gun shop owners through and the nonprofit SAFE, or Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic, emphasizing a public health approach that uses population data, including that firearm injury is the leading cause of death among people ages 1 to 19. Batish explains how treating the long-term physical and mental health effects of firearm injuries led him into research, including an AAFP Foundation RapSDI pilot that tested a firearm safety score tool in nonurban primary care settings and found unexpectedly high risk. Both physicians recommend universal screening, nonjudgmental counseling focused on suicide risk, practical storage planning, community resources and clinician training tools. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guests 01:52 Why Family Medicine 02:39 Why Firearm Prevention Matters 05:40 Public Health Lens 07:04 RAPSODI Research Findings 09:23 Screening and Counseling Tips 11:36 Handling Discomfort 12:52 Stories and Blind Spots 17:53 Advice and Resources 21:19 Closing and Disclaimers Additional Resources Gun Violence, Prevention of (Position Paper) | AAFP [https://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/gun-violence.html] Prevention of Gun Violence (Policy Statement) | AAFP [https://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/prevention-gun-violence.html] https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/aafp-voices/storage-conversations.html [https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/aafp-voices/storage-conversations.html] https://aafp.libsyn.com/ifm-the-aafp-foundations-signature-research-program [https://aafp.libsyn.com/ifm-the-aafp-foundations-signature-research-program] 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.

CME | This Is Giving Me a Headache: Managing the Headache Patient Without Losing Your Mind

In this re-released episode of CME on the Go, originally published on 12/1/2025, our hosts discuss the complexities of diagnosing and treating headaches in primary care. They cover common challenges faced by family physicians, such as differentiating between primary and secondary headaches, the importance of taking thorough patient histories, and the appropriate use of diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans. The episode offers a deep dive into treatment options for headaches, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods, with a special focus on managing chronic daily headaches, migraine disorders, and medication overuse headaches. The discussion also touches on the role of cognitive behavioral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and the efficacy of various medications like NSAIDs, triptans, and beta blockers. After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19579/e [https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19579/e] Learning Objectives 1. Apply a standardized, evidence-informed diagnostic and treatment algorithm for evaluating patients with headache, while acknowledging alternative approaches. 2. Differentiate between appropriate and potentially problematic interventions, including the use of narcotics, in-office procedures, and newer pharmacologic therapies. 3. Reflect on provider discomfort and fatigue in managing headache complaints, and develop strategies to maintain empathy, clinical consistency, and patient rapport. References and Resources * Bahra, A., & Evans, R. W. (2021). The secondary headaches. Cephalalgia, 41(4), 427-430. * Jairo Hernandez, Eduardo Molina, Ashley Rodriguez, Samuel Woodford, Andrew Nguyen, Grace Parker, Brandon Lucke-Wold. Headache Disorders: Differentiating Primary and Secondary Etiologies. J. Integr. Neurosci. 2024, 23(2), 43. https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2302043 * https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211823000052#bib0003 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211823000052#bib0003] Novel screening tool for secondary headache in acute care—A pilot study. * https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinme.2023.100005 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinme.2023.100005] * https://ichd-3.org/ [https://ichd-3.org/] 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 | FASDs in Primary Care: Recognition, Prevention, and Support

AAFP Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Education, Inclusiveness and Physician Well-Being Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, FAAFP, welcomes back Jeffrey Quinlan, MD, FAAFP, a family physician and University of Iowa department leader with a 28-year US Navy career, to discuss his AAFP work on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and substance use in pregnancy. He emphasizes that alcohol is a teratogen with no safe amount or timing in pregnancy and outlines associated neurodevelopmental, craniofacial, organ, growth and behavioral effects. The conversation covers primary care screening and early identification using exposure history and clinical signs, common diagnostic frameworks (COFASP and the University of Washington 4-digit code), multidisciplinary care coordination and prevention through routine screening (AUDIT-C or NIAAA single-question), preconception counseling and stigma reduction. For longitudinal care, Quinlan highlights early intervention, individualized care plans, family support and training, school accommodations, behavioral therapies, nutrition support and medications for comorbid conditions, all using a strength-based approach. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:51 Clinical Background and Exposure 01:55 No Safe Alcohol in Pregnancy 04:02 Screening and Diagnosis Basics 06:46 Building the Care Team 09:05 Preventing Alcohol Exposed Pregnancy 12:38 Long Term Care and Interventions 20:13 Key Takeaways and Closing Additional Resources Clinician Resources * Substance use di [https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/cognitive-and-behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders]sorders [https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/cognitive-and-behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders]: Clinical guidance and practice resources from the AAFP * Alcohol use during pregnancy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders [https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2026/0500/alcohol-use-during-pregnancy]: Educational supplement on improving screening, diagnosis and treatment of children and families with FASDs, and improving support services and access to care for impacted women and families * IFM | Medical insights on cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy [https://aafp.libsyn.com/ifm-medical-insights-on-cannabis-and-alcohol-use-during-pregnancy]: Jeffrey Quinlan, MD, FAAFP, addresses alcohol and cannabis use during pregnancy in primary care * Treating excessive alcohol use [https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/cognitive-behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders/excessive-alcohol-use]: Guidance for screening, diagnosing and treating excessive alcohol use in primary care settings * Tobacco and nicotine use | Prevention and cessation resources [https://www.aafp.org/clinical-insights/cognitive-behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders/tobacco-nicotine-prevention-cessation]: Comprehensive toolkit to assist in helping patients stop smoking or prevent them from starting Patient Resources * Substance use disorder [https://familydoctor.org/condition/substance-use-disorder/]: Evidence-based patient educational resource * Opioid addiction [https://familydoctor.org/condition/opioid-addiction/]: Evidence-base patient educational resources Related AAFP CME Activities * Substance Use Disorders Edition 2 [https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/chronic-diseases-ambulatory-medicine/substance-use-disorders]: CME meeting DEA-mandated eight hours of Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act * Addiction Treatment and Care CME for Family Physicians [https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/chronic-diseases-ambulatory-medicine/addiction-treatment-and-care]: Free, on-demand CME to gain deeper understanding of the neurobiology and psychosocial dimensions of substance use disorders, and learn practical strategies to integrate harm reduction, trauma-informed approaches and culturally responsive care into your practice Funding Statement: This activity is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,219,331 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. 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 | Menopause, Minus the Mystery: What Every Clinician Should Know

In this re-released episode of CME on the Go, originally published on 9/2/2025, our hosts delve into menopause, providing family physicians with essential insights, treatment options, and the latest research findings. While discussing hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal treatments, and the interpretation of the Women's Health Initiative, the hosts emphasize patient-centered care and the natural progression of menopause. This episode aims to equip physicians with practical tools and knowledge, enhancing their ability to support patients through this critical stage of life. Learning Objectives 1. Recognize the spectrum of menopausal symptoms across age groups, including premature menopause, and assess appropriate treatment and contraceptive options. 2. Evaluate the risks and benefits of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, including red flags that warrant closer monitoring or alternative management. 3. Recommend evidence-based non-hormonal strategies for managing menopausal symptoms and support patient-centered conversations that normalize and destigmatize the menopause experience. After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/18338/e [https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/18338/e] Additional Resources AFP 7/2025: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2025/0700/editorials-menopausal-hormone-therapy.html [https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2025/0700/editorials-menopausal-hormone-therapy.html] AFP 7/2023: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0700/menopausal-symptoms.html [https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0700/menopausal-symptoms.html] AFP 5/2025: Testosterone for menopause?: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2025/0500/fpin-ci-topical-testosterone-menopausal-symptoms.html [https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2025/0500/fpin-ci-topical-testosterone-menopausal-symptoms.html] The Menopause Society with certification: https://menopause.org/ [https://menopause.org/] 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.