Inside Family Medicine

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, recorded at FMX, AAFP Vice President of Practice Advancement Karen Johnson talks with family physician Nipa Shah, MD, FAAFP, and internal medicine physician Sudeep Bansal, MD, about how artificial intelligence is moving from an emerging technology to a practical tool physicians can use to solve everyday problems in primary care.  Shah and Bansal discuss how their views of AI have evolved as the technology has rapidly advanced. Shah points to agentic AI – systems capable of performing tasks rather than simply generating information – as an important turning point. Bansal shares how experimenting with relatively small use cases in his own practice changed his perspective from viewing AI as a novelty to seeing it as a tool that can reduce repetitive work and give physicians more time with patients.  The conversation explores some of AI's biggest opportunities and challenges in primary care. Shah describes the potential to use large amounts of health data to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while Bansal focuses on eliminating the many small administrative burdens that make primary care feel like "death by a thousand cuts." They also examine a major obstacle: health information remains fragmented across EHRs, health systems and other data sources. AI may help physicians turn the information they do have into actionable summaries at the point of care, but better interoperability remains essential.  The guests then reflect on the AAFP's first FMX AI Hackathon, where family physicians worked in teams to identify real problems from their practices and rapidly prototype potential solutions. Shah's team developed an AI-supported tool for onboarding, evaluating and providing feedback to medical assistants, while other participants tackled challenges such as helping patients understand what to do after a hospital discharge. Bansal encourages physicians to start with a problem they understand well, use AI to brainstorm possible solutions and remember that clinicians remain the domain experts who must guide the technology.  The episode closes with practical advice for physicians beginning to use AI. Shah suggests expanding the traditional "build versus buy" decision to consider whether to build, buy, borrow or bot a solution. Bansal encourages physicians to experiment with AI on problems that consume their time, while Shah emphasizes transparency about how much AI contributed to a piece of work. Both stress that AI should strengthen rather than undermine the human relationships at the center of family medicine — and that family physicians need a meaningful role in determining how these technologies are developed and implemented.  References and resources  Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine  AI in Family Medicine  FMX 2026 AI Hackathon highlights  Getting the right AI tools for your practice: Questions to ask https://www.aafp.org/practice-operations/ai-in-family-medicine/choosing-the-best-ai-health-care-tools   Libsyn chapter markers  00:00 AI in primary care and meet the guests 01:35 Sudeep Bansal's path from medicine to health technology 03:39 Nipa Shah on AI as a tool for solving problems 06:59 Why agentic AI is changing primary care 10:09 The biggest opportunities for AI in family medicine 14:28 Data silos, interoperability and actionable information 19:09 Inside the FMX AI Hackathon 23:37 How physicians can turn pain points into AI solutions 25:41 From "build versus buy" to build, buy, borrow or bot 27:37 Using AI responsibly while preserving trust and human connection

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, host Rebecca Fuller Beeler talks with Kimberly Becher, MD, a West Virginia family physician and chair of the AAFP's new Rural Health Advisory Committee, about the challenges, opportunities and future of practicing family medicine in rural communities.  Becher shares what drew her to family medicine and why she has spent her career practicing in a community without a hospital. She discusses the broad scope and flexibility of rural practice, where physicians may care for patients across generations while navigating limited access to specialists, emergency transportation, food, reliable utilities and other resources. At the same time, she challenges assumptions that rural medicine is less innovative, describing opportunities to test new care models, use emerging technologies and even participate in clinical research.  The conversation also explores why the AAFP created its Rural Health Advisory Committee. Becher discusses a shrinking and aging rural physician workforce, hospital closures, financial pressures on outpatient practices, and the need to ensure family physicians can practice at the full scope of their training. The committee is examining workforce development, sustainable payment, administrative burden, rural training, and other factors that can help recruit physicians to rural communities — and give them reasons to stay.  Becher also shares how addressing patients' needs sometimes requires thinking beyond traditional clinical care. She describes a project that provided patients experiencing food insecurity with vouchers to choose their own fresh fruits and vegetables, illustrating how relatively small interventions can have a meaningful effect on patients and their relationship with their care team. Looking ahead, the Rural Health Advisory Committee plans to develop a rural health roadmap for family medicine while finding ways to incorporate perspectives from rural physicians, students and others throughout the family medicine community.  For medical students and residents considering rural practice, Becher's advice is simple: find the people and the type of work that resonate with you. Rural family medicine can offer broad clinical experience, independence, strong community relationships and opportunities to make an impact that extends far beyond the exam room.  References and resources  AAFP Rural Health  Rural Health Care in Medical Education  Rural Health Transformation Fund   Rural Practice Resources from FPM  Chapter markers  00:00 Introduction and meet Dr. Kimberly Becher 01:09 Why she chose family medicine 02:10 The unique challenges of rural health care 04:48 Why choose rural practice? 06:20 Introducing the Rural Health Advisory Committee 07:39 Building and sustaining the rural physician workforce 08:36 What would make the biggest difference in rural medicine? 10:18 Addressing food insecurity and making an impact beyond the exam room 12:19 Building a rural health roadmap for family medicine 15:20 Advice for students and residents considering rural practice 

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, AAFP Vice President of Government Relations David Tully recaps the Academy's October advocacy efforts before talking with Maryland family physician Amar Duggirala, MD, about his experience representing family medicine at a congressional roundtable focused on health care affordability.  Tully begins with updates from across the AAFP's advocacy work, including the installation of Kisha Davis, MD, MPH, FAAFP, as AAFP president and her participation in a federal discussion on preventing congenital syphilis. He also highlights AAFP advocacy supporting reliable telecommunications and telehealth access in rural communities, protecting the patient-physician relationship as artificial intelligence becomes more common in health care, and improving insurance coverage, affordability and continuity of care. The episode also covers AAFP opposition to proposed H-1B-related fees and restrictions that could create additional barriers for physicians, trainees and other health care professionals entering the U.S. workforce.  The conversation then turns to rising health care costs and what those pressures look like inside a family medicine practice. Duggirala describes seeing patients face higher premiums, growing out-of-pocket costs and reduced benefits while struggling to afford medications, specialty care, testing, and even routine primary care visits. He explains why the presence of a practicing physician at the congressional roundtable mattered and how family physicians can help policymakers understand the real-world consequences of decisions that may appear effective on paper.  Duggirala also shares what he believes is missing from the national affordability conversation. His priorities include substantially increasing investment in primary care, reducing administrative burdens such as prior authorization and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid funding. He argues that greater access to high-quality primary care can prevent more expensive downstream care while improving outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.  The episode closes with a call for more family physicians to become involved in advocacy. Duggirala describes advocacy as an extension of caring for patients and encourages physicians to connect with their state chapters, participate in the AAFP Advocacy Ambassador Program and attend the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit to bring firsthand experiences from their communities directly to policymakers.    Episode hosts  David Tully - Vice President of Government Relations and member of the AAFP advocacy team  Amar Duggirala, MD - Family physician from Maryland and AAFP physician advocate  Resources / Links  AAFP Member Advocacy  AAFP Advocacy Ambassador Program  Speak Out tool  Share Your Story tool  AAFP Response to Senator Wyden RFI on Health Care Coverage Reform – September 30, 2026  AAFP Response to CMS RFI on MES IT Standards Program - September 23, 2026  Joint AAFP-CAFM Response to FCC on Telehealth in Rural America - September 30. 2026  AAFP Response to CMS RFI on MES IT Standards Program - September 23, 2026  Joint Letter to DHS on Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions NPRM - September 23, 2026    Chapters  00:00 October advocacy roundup  01:01 New AAFP leadership and congenital syphilis advocacy  02:37 Rural connectivity, telehealth and AI policy  04:02 Improving health care coverage and affordability  04:51 H-1B physician workforce advocacy  06:03 Bringing the family physician voice to Congress  08:02 How rising health care costs affect patients  09:41 Why lawmakers need to hear from family physicians  12:24 What's missing from the health care affordability debate  16:37 How family physicians can get involved in advocacy 

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, Andrew Bazemore, MD, MPH, and Beth Polk, MD, FAAFP join us to discuss whole health in primary care. Dr. Bazemore distinguishes whole health (physical, behavioral, spiritual and socioeconomic well-being across individuals, families and communities) from whole health care (how care is organized), emphasizing a shift from "What's the matter with you?" to "What matters to you?" Dr. Polk connects whole health to lifestyle medicine's pillars and stresses addressing drivers of outcomes beyond the exam room, including social needs. They cite examples from the VA whole health model and community health centers, discuss team-based care, group visits and using existing evaluation and management (E/M) billing while advocating for payment reform. The episode highlights training needs in residency programs, small, actionable practice changes, clinician well-being and the risks and opportunities of AI in supporting whole health.    Additional resources  Family Physicians: Leaders in Whole Health   AAFP Pilot Program Shows Value of Lifestyle Medicine   Prevention & Wellness  Scaling Whole Health Strategies in Primary Care: Action Brief    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.

In this episode of CME On the Go, host Tamaan Osbourne-Roberts, MD, talks with family physician Jennifer Bryan, MD, FAAFP, about the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in medicine and what family physicians need to know to use these tools safely, effectively and responsibly.  Jennifer begins by breaking down the different forms of AI physicians may encounter, from large language models and predictive tools to generative and agentic AI. She explains how these technologies are already embedded in electronic health records, clinical decision support, remote monitoring, and other parts of everyday practice. The conversation pays particular attention to ambient documentation tools, which can reduce time spent typing and allow physicians to spend more time interacting directly with patients.  The discussion then turns to the risks that come with greater AI adoption. Jennifer emphasizes that fluency is not the same as accuracy, and that physicians should not assume an AI-generated recommendation is correct simply because it sounds confident. She discusses bias in training data, clinically significant omissions and inaccuracies, the limitations of proprietary "black box" models and the importance of knowing how an AI tool was validated before relying on its output. She also stresses that physician access to an AI tool is not the same as informed authorization for that tool to act on the physician's behalf.  Jennifer outlines several principles that can help physicians and health systems approach AI more safely, including transparency, explainability, and auditability. She discusses the AAFP's EASIER framework, which evaluates AI tools according to ethics, accuracy, safety, intended use, explainability and transparency, and regulation. She also explains why AI governance should involve more than simply creating a committee or policy; organizations need ongoing systems for monitoring performance, identifying exceptions and supporting clinicians who remain accountable for patient care.  Finally, the episode offers practical guidance for physicians using AI in day-to-day practice. Jennifer describes obtaining patient consent when using an ambient scribe, reviewing and editing every AI-generated note, scrutinizing suggested diagnoses and HCC codes, and carefully reviewing automated orders. While she is optimistic about AI's potential to reduce administrative burden, improve workflows, and ultimately improve patient care, her central message is that physicians must remain in charge. AI should augment clinical expertise, not replace critical thinking or informed physician judgment.  Learning objectives  Differentiate the most common types of artificial intelligence used in clinical practice and their potential applications in patient care.  Evaluate the limitations, biases, and potential risks associated with AI tools used in clinical practice.  Apply clinician-centered strategies for addressing the limitations of AI models and supporting their responsible use in clinical decision-making.  The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 10/12/2026 to 10/12/202. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  This session, "CME | Brave new world AI & Family Medicine" 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/21379/e   References and resources  Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine   An "EASIER" Framework for Evaluating AI Tools   Choosing the Best AI Health Care Tools   Ethical Application of Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine   Artificial Intelligence — FPM Topic Collection  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.

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, host Adam Bradley talks with Victoria Boggiano, MD, MPH, and Connie Leeper, MD, MPH, about the unexpected turns that can shape a career in family medicine.  Boggiano and Leeper share the experiences that led them to the specialty and the career "plot twists" that followed. Boggiano reflects on an early interest in health policy, anthropology and global health before finding her way to clinical medicine, public health and academic family medicine. Leeper discusses entering medicine with an interest in sports medicine and global health before discovering a passion for teaching during an obstetrics fellowship and ultimately building a career in academics.  Their stories highlight one of family medicine's defining strengths: flexibility. Because family physicians receive broad training, they can build careers that include outpatient care, hospital medicine, obstetrics, procedures, academics, advocacy, public health and other areas — and change that mix as their interests, communities and lives evolve. Boggiano and Leeper discuss why "full scope" does not have to mean the same thing for every physician and how family medicine allows physicians to continually redefine what their own practice looks like.  The conversation also offers practical advice for students, residents and early-career physicians facing an unexpected opportunity or difficult career decision. Boggiano and Leeper encourage physicians to identify what brings them joy, understand their value, ask for what they need and lean on mentors and the broader family medicine community. Whether a career change begins with a new opportunity or an unexpected "no," they emphasize that family medicine training provides room to pivot, experiment and continue building a career aligned with personal values.  AAFP Family Medicine Career Options   AAFP Find a Job in Family Medicine   AAFP CareerLink   AAFP Career Resources for Members   00:00 Family Medicine Career Plot Twists 01:23 Why they chose family medicine 03:21 When a career "no" creates a new path 05:00 Discovering an unexpected passion for academics 07:10 Why family medicine offers career flexibility 10:54 Advice for navigating a career plot twist 11:35 Knowing your value and finding the right job fit 13:11 Mentorship, networking and leaning on your community 15:13 If your family medicine career were a novel 17:54 Closing thoughts and career resources 

In this episode of CME On the Go, family physicians Janet West, MD, and Michelle Chestovich, MD, share deeply personal experiences with suicide and explore why physicians can struggle to recognize and address mental health challenges in themselves and their colleagues. Through their stories, they examine the culture of medicine, the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and the importance of creating environments where asking for help is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.  Janet shares her experience surviving a suicide attempt in 2023 and reflects on how perfectionism, independence and the pressure to perform contributed to her difficulty recognizing and responding to her own mental health crisis. She explains how chronic stress and an overwhelmed nervous system can influence emotional regulation, cognitive distortions, and feelings of hopelessness. The conversation also examines how fears surrounding professional reputation, licensing and burdening colleagues can prevent physicians from seeking support, even when they recognize similar warning signs in their patients.  Michelle shares the loss of her sister, physician Gretchen Butler, to suicide in 2021 and identifies three areas she believes are essential to prevention: reducing mental health stigma, addressing dangerous levels of sleep deprivation and recognizing when someone needs help. She discusses how the expectation to continue working despite exhaustion or personal distress can have serious consequences and encourages physicians and health care organizations to reconsider workplace practices that normalize these conditions.  Together, Janet and Michelle offer practical guidance for supporting colleagues who may be struggling, including asking direct questions about suicide, recognizing changes in behavior, encouraging professional mental health treatment and considering training programs such as Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR). They emphasize that physicians are not immune to mental health challenges, and that meaningful prevention requires individual awareness, connection, and a shift in medical culture toward prioritizing physician well-being.    Learning objectives  Recognize factors associated with physician suicide risk, including biological, cultural, and professional influences, to support earlier identification of colleagues experiencing psychological distress.  Identify opportunities to recognize and respond to colleagues at risk for suicide, including behavioral warning signs and direct disclosures of distress.  Apply evidence-informed communication strategies to engage colleagues or patients at risk for suicide, connect them with appropriate support resources, and provide ongoing follow-up.   The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 09/30/2026 to 07/06/2028. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  This session, "CME | When Colleagues Are Struggling" 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/21262/e     References   Makhija, H., Davidson, J. E., Lee, K. C., Barnes, A., Choflet, A., & Zisook, S. (2025). National incidence of physician suicide and associated features. JAMA Psychiatry, 82(5), 451-458. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4816  Porges, S. W. (2022). Polyvagal theory: A science of safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16, Article 871227. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227  Chu, C., Buchman-Schmitt, J. M., Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., Tucker, R. P., Hagan, C. R., Rogers, M. L., Podlogar, M. C., Chiurliza, B., Ringer-Moberg, F. B., Michaels, M. S., Patros, C., & Joiner, T. E. (2017). Interpersonal theory of suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis after a decade of cross-national research. Psychological Bulletin, 143(12), 1313-1345. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000123  Jobes, D. A. (2023). Managing suicidal risk: A collaborative approach. The Guilford Press.  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. 

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, AAFP Vice President of Government Relations David Tully recaps the Academy's September advocacy efforts before sitting down with Julie Harrison, Senior Manager of State Affairs and Member Advocacy, to examine some of the biggest policy trends and state-level wins for family medicine during the 2026 legislative sessions.  Tully highlights the AAFP's advocacy efforts during the months of August and September, including immunizations, Medicare physician payment, prior authorization, rural obstetric care and the primary care workforce. He also reviews several regulatory issues the AAFP weighed in over the past several weeks.  The conversation then turns to state legislatures, where Julie identifies four major themes from 2026: scope of practice, insurer reform, physician workforce investment, and increased attention to primary care investment. She highlights efforts involving prior authorization and insurer downcoding, loan repayment and physician recruitment, primary care spending and policies supporting physician-led, team-based care. The AAFP maintains state policy resources covering these issues, including backgrounders on prior authorization, primary care spending, scope of practice and workforce policy.  Julie also explains why state advocacy matters even for physicians who do not consider themselves policy experts. She encourages family physicians to stay connected with their state chapters, use AAFP advocacy resources, and respond when opportunities arise to contact lawmakers or share firsthand experiences from practice. The episode emphasizes that many policies affecting day-to-day patient care and medical practice are decided at the state level — and that physician participation can help inform those decisions.  Episode hosts  David Tully  Vice president of government relations and member of the AAFP advocacy team  Julie Harrison  Sr. Manager, State Affairs and Member Advocacy    Resources State advocacy for family physicians  State legislative backgrounders for family physicians  Model health legislation library  AAFP Letter to Congressional leadership urging action on critical AAFP priorities  AAFP Letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee and Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee on Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act - July 14, 2026  Initial Response to RFI on Federal Vaccine Categories - August 24, 2026  Family Physicians: Vaccines Essential to Preventing Serious Illness and Death | AAFP  Immunizations And Vaccines For Family Physicians | AAFP  AAFP Announces Fall Immunization Recommendations to Protect Patients and Communities | AAFP  AAFP Letter to Congressional leadership urging action on critical AAFP priorities  AAFP Comments to CMS on the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule - September 11, 2026  Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Takes Important Steps to Bolster Primary Care | AAFP  AAFP Response to CMS-CDC on CLIA Request for Information - September 9, 2026  AAFP Letter for Energy and Commerce Hearing on Physician Payment Legislation - September 15, 2026    Topics By Timestamp  00:00 September advocacy roundup 00:35 Fall immunization recommendations and vaccine access 01:53 Medicare payment, prior authorization and rural care advocacy 03:09 Regulatory updates affecting family physicians 05:59 Looking back at the 2026 state legislative sessions 06:30 Four major state policy trends for family medicine 10:02 Prior authorization and insurer reform victories 11:26 Primary care investment and workforce initiatives 13:52 Protecting physician-led, team-based care 16:39 How family physicians can get involved in state advocacy    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. 

In this special sponsored episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, brought to you by Shionogi, host Darren Sextro talks with family physician Ben Silverberg, MD, about ensitrelvir, a newly approved oral medication for COVID-19 post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).  Dr. Silverberg explains how the medication works to inhibit viral replication and discusses findings from the Phase III SCORPIO-PEP trial, which evaluated ensitrelvir among household contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19. The conversation highlights the importance of starting post-exposure prophylaxis quickly, along with safety considerations, potential drug interactions and factors family physicians may evaluate when determining whether a patient may be eligible.  The discussion also explores how this new option may fit alongside vaccination and other COVID-19 prevention strategies, particularly during respiratory illness season. Dr. Silverberg discusses patients who may benefit from a conversation about PEP after a known exposure, including older adults, people with chronic conditions, individuals who are not up to date on vaccination and those who may face significant challenges if they become ill. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the role family physicians can play in helping patients understand their options and navigate COVID-19 prevention as the virus continues to evolve.  References and resources  Ensitrelvir for Covid-19 Postexposure Prophylaxis in Household Contacts — New England Journal of Medicine  Shionogi Announces FDA Approval of XOCOVA® (ensitrelvir), the First and Only Oral Option to Help Prevent COVID-19 Following Exposure  AAFP resources related to COVID-19 prevention  Immunizations And Vaccines For Family Physicians | AAFP  COVID-19 antiviral treatment | Family Doctor    Topics by timestamp  00:00 Introduction  01:27 A new option for COVID-19 post-exposure prevention 01:58 What is ensitrelvir and how does it work? 03:21 Preventing COVID-19 spread within households 03:46 Clinical considerations for family physicians 04:03 Inside the SCORPIO-PEP trial 05:00 Effectiveness and importance of early treatment 05:29 Safety profile and adverse events 06:12 Which patients may be appropriate candidates? 07:00 Patients who may benefit during respiratory season 07:23 Key takeaways for talking with patients 07:43 Vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis 08:18 Closing thoughts and COVID-19 resources    This episode is brought to you by Shionogi.    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. 

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, host Michael Monroe talks with Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, FAAFP, AAFP chief medical officer and senior vice president for education, inclusiveness and physician well-being, and Danielle Carter, MD, FAAFP, about how the Academy develops evidence-based immunization recommendations in a changing vaccine policy environment.  They explain how the AAFP historically worked alongside the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other medical organizations to review vaccine evidence and translate it into practical guidance for family physicians. Savoy and Carter discuss why that process needed to evolve beginning in 2025 and how the AAFP has built a new approach designed to preserve rigorous evidence review, transparency and independence from nonscientific influence.  They walk through the new process, including evidence synthesis from the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP), collaboration with other medical societies and review by the AAFP's Vaccine Evidence Review Council, Commission on Health of the Public and Science (CHPS) and Board of Directors. The goal remains the same: provide recommendations that family physicians can trust and realistically implement in everyday practice.  The episode also turns to the questions physicians are hearing from patients as respiratory virus season begins. Carter reviews common questions surrounding COVID-19, RSV and influenza vaccination and discusses how family physicians can tailor recommendations to each patient's age, health conditions, pregnancy status and individual concerns. Savoy and Carter emphasize that vaccine hesitancy is often an opportunity for conversation rather than a simple yes-or-no position, and that listening to patients' concerns can strengthen trust well beyond immunization decisions.    References and resources  Immunization and vaccine schedules and resources   Respiratory virus vaccines: Clinical guidance and resources  Familydoctor.org    Topics by Timestamp  00:00 Vaccine Hesitancy 00:55 How AAFP vaccine recommendations were traditionally developed 03:44 Why the vaccine recommendation process changed 05:22 How the AAFP's new evidence review process works 08:39 Family physicians take the lead in reviewing evidence 11:18 How recommendations receive final AAFP approval 13:53 What patients are asking about fall vaccines 15:58 COVID-19, RSV and flu recommendations 18:28 Talking with patients who have vaccine concerns 21:31 Why trusted family physicians still make a difference      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.