OAFP physician leaders and staff traveled to the 2016 Ten State Conference held February 19-21 at the beautiful Turnberry Isle Resort in Miami, FL. The conference was hosted by the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians.
- Tom Houston, MD – president
- Don Mack, MD – vice president
- Anna McMaster, MD – treasurer
- Renee Markovich, MD – delegate to the AAFP
- Mike Sevilla, MD – vice speaker
- Ken Bertka, MD – past president
- Kate Mahler, CAE – deputy executive vice present (EVP)
- Ann Spicer – EVP.
The conference opened with a lessons-learned presentation 18 months into the Family Medicine for America’s Health campaign. Vince Keenan, CAE, executive vice president of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, and Carolyn Hewson, an associate with the Center for Applied Research in Philadelphia, led this discussion.
Next, Shawn Martin, American Academy of Family Physicians senior vice president for advocacy, practice advancement and policy, brought attendees up to date on Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) implementation. Describing MACRA as the most important payment reform legislation in 35 years, Mr. Martin explained that the AAFP is devoting substantial manpower and resources toward helping family physicians prepare for the oncoming wave of value-based payment programs.
Saturday’s entire program focused on family medicine’s leadership challenges in a rapidly changing environment. Thomas A. Atchison, EdD, president and founder of Atchison Consulting LLC, led the session which focused on the importance of physician-led, professionally managed health systems.
Sunday’s kickoff speaker was Josh Bieill, community spokesman for the Indianapolis Colts, who delivered an inspiring message about embracing our bad days while continuing to move forward one step at a time. Josh, a Marine who lost both legs while on active duty in Fallujah, endured two years of rehab prior to starting his dream job with the Colts.
The conference ended with an outstanding presentation on physician well-being, resiliency, and burnout. Clif Knight, MD, AAFP senior vice president for education, presented the latest data on burnout and dissatisfaction and described the AAFP’s current activities to address family physician wellness. Dr. Knight will be presenting a session on physician well-being, resiliency, and burnout during the OAFP Members Assembly in August.
Thanks to the Indiana chapter for hosting an excellent conference on a variety of important topics. First organized and held in 1969, Ten State is a valuable networking opportunity for family physician leaders from the Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin chapters.