Thank you to everyone who joined us in Austin last month for the 2023 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session. This year’s meeting was held in conjunction with many varied opportunities for TAFP members of all kinds, including beginning a new class of the Family Medicine Leadership Experience, the first class of the Resident Leadership Experience graduating, a Student and Resident Track, the typical TAFP business meetings, and more.
VIEW A SLIDESHOW FROM CFW 2023
Nearly 400 family medicine physicians and other health care professionals attended, as well as 64 family medicine residents and medical students from across the state. CME attendees had the opportunity to earn up to 16.25 CME credits throughout two days of incredible education, including popular topics such as Pharmacotherapy of Type 2 Diabetes with Ralph DeFronzo, MD, Pain Management and Opioids with Karen Muchowski, MD, and so much more. The slides and handouts will remain available for CME attendees on the TAFP website until May 8.
TAFP’s leadership programs
The first session for the 2023 class of TAFP’s Family Medicine Leadership Experience took place during Interim Session. Across two days, the class of 17 family physicians from across Texas learned about their Myers-Briggs personality types, negotiating, conflict resolution, and more. After two more in-person sessions later this year, they will graduate from the program as more experienced physician leaders. The application to be in the next FMLE class will open in the fall of 2024.
Similar to the FMLE program, TAFP launched the Resident Leadership Experience last year, with the first class of family medicine residents beginning last fall. The class of 22 participants has met monthly – a mix of in person and virtually – learning about interpersonal skills, advocacy, communications, media training, and more. The inaugural RLE class officially graduated after their session at Interim Session. Residents interested in RLE can apply to be in the next class now. Applications are due June 15.
Specialized tracks
The Resident and Student Track provided family medicine residents and medical students the chance to learn about the current legislative session, the future of family medicine, and visit with residency programs. They also participated in the popular Family Medicine Speed Dating, where attendees rotate through a group of TAFP members to hear about their personal experiences as family medicine physicians. A special thanks to the physicians who participated and spoke to the students and residents this year!
The Transition to Practice Track was also a success, providing residents and early career physicians with education on value-based care, contracts, financial management, and more. Again, thank you to the speakers who spent time talking to and with this group.
Students and residents were also invited to a special reception hosted by TAFP’s student and resident chairs, giving them a chance to get to know each other and mingle with TAFP member physicians.
TAFP official business
TAFP’s councils and committees met during Interim Session, with great attendance at each of them. The Member Assembly and Council Forums were combined and included a legislative update from TAFP CEO Tom Banning and presentations from each of the three councils on what they’ve been working on.
TAFP member Michelle Owens, DO, presented to the Member Assembly on how the resilience narrative harms physicians, and Erin Richardson, MSN, RN, spoke on the new Perinatal Psychiatry Access Network.
Thanks to many generous donors, the Linda Siy, MD, Medical Student Scholarship became fully funded at Interim Session. The scholarship honors Siy’s legacy and service as the TAFP Foundation president, as well as her dedication to the future of family medicine. The scholarship was created last year after Siy was announced as the 2022 Texas Family Physician of the Year. You can still make a donation to the scholarship fund.
Thanks to all the members who participated. To get involved in TAFP business, complete the Engagement Form at any time, or apply for a council position when the application process opens later this year.
Mark your calendars for TAFP’s upcoming CME opportunities, all of which now have a virtual option!
Texas Family Medicine Symposium | June 9 – 11, 2023
TAFP Pulse (virtual only) | August 19, 2023
Annual Session and Primary Care Summit | November 10 – 12, 2023
C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session | April 12 – 13, 2024