Three Ohio Academy of Family Physicians’ officers, President Stan Anderson, MD; Treasurer Teresa Zryd, MD; and Vice President Mike Sevilla, MD; represented Ohio at the 2019 Ten State Conference held at the Disney Beach and Yacht Club in Orlando, FL, February 1-3. The New York State Academy of Family Physicians hosted this year’s meeting.
The meeting opened with greetings from New York Chapter President Marc Price, DO. Shelby King from the American Academy of Family Physicians’ (AAFP) Center for State Policy provided a legislative update about advocacy efforts on topics ranging from prior authorization and step therapy legislation to Medicaid-to-Medicare parity, lower prescription drug prices and scope of practice issues.
Next, Robert Phillips, MD, and Elizabeth Baxley, MD, provided an update from the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). They described the new Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment, an updated performance improvement process, and the ABFM PRIME Registry.
Day one ended at Disney’s Epcot Center with a fabulous dessert reception that featured networking and a prime seat for the Epcot fireworks display.
Day two started with introductions of announced candidates who are running for the AAFP Board of Directors and AAFP president-elect in 2019. Then, Michael Munger, MD, AAFP board chair, facilitated a session on managing member complaints. Many state leaders shared how they handled this challenge at the state level.
Ten State leaders participated in the conference by sharing state legislative updates which focused on challenges and priorities for the new year. Dr. Sevilla reported on behalf of the OAFP. In the afternoon, some Ten State participants shared how they integrate unique patient services into their practices. Dr. Anderson shared how his practice utilizes weight loss therapy for his patients. Day two ended with presentations on rethinking chronic pain and a small group problem solving session for participants.
Day three marked the conclusion of the conference with Dr. Munger updating Ten State attendees on AAFP legislative and health policy priorities for 2019. Kisha Davis, MD, wrapped up the conference with a presentation on AAFP’s Physician Health First initiative which focuses on physician self-care and helps address physician burnout.