We have a great lineup of Fam Med Forward 2020 virtual resident presentation speakers and topics available for you to view at https://kafponline.org/virtualcme. You may register for one or multiple of these webinars at no charge! Each webinar is approved for 1.0 AAFP Prescribed credit.
Tues, June 9 at 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Thurs., June 11 at 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Tues., June 16 at 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Act now! June 1-5 “Week of Action” is a first-time virtual event that’s replacing the usual Family Medicine Advocacy Summit. AAFP is rallying members nationwide to schedule online meetings and lobby their elected officials. Our message to lawmakers: stabilize, strengthen, and sustain primary care. The AAFP has prepared detailed, data-driven talking points and backgrounders for you, along with sample tweets and tips for recording video messages optimal for social media. To view these materials and participate in these activities, please join the AAFP’s Family Medicine Action Network. Need your legislator’s information? Can’t access the materials? No problem: email grassroots@aafp.org.
Our first online election was successful with 13 percent of eligible voting members participating — compared to two percent who normally participate in-person during the annual membership meeting.
Congratulations to the following leaders who will serve on the KAFP Board of Directors during the 2020-21 governance year. Each district office is a one-year term. Delegate and alternate delegate seats serve a two-year term.
Secretary: Jared Johnson, MD (Wichita)
Delegate: Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP (Plainville)
Alternate Delegate: Diane Steere, MD (Wichita)
District 2 Director: Tessa Rohrberg, MD (Winfield)
District 4 Director: Jonathan Pike, MD (Great Bend)
District 6 Director: Graig Nickel, MD, FAAFP (Lawrence)
District 8 Director: Derrick Totten, MD, MPH (Colby)
These dedicated leaders will join the following elected volunteers to serve on the 2020-21 Board of Directors as voting members:
President: Chad Johanning, MD, FAAFP (Lawrence)
President-Elect: Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD, FAAFP (Fredonia)
Vice President: Debra Doubek, MD, FAAFP (Manhattan)
Treasurer: Gretchen Irwin, MD, MBA, FAAFP (Andover)
Board Chair: Sheryl Beard, MD, FAAFP (Andover)
AAFP Delegate: Doug Gruenbacher, MD (Quinter)
Alternate Delegate Lynn Fisher, MD, FAAFP (Wichita)
District 1 Director: Keith Ratzlaff, MD (Olathe)
District 3 Director: Dirk Smith, MD, FAAFP (Wichita)
Distrcit 5 Director: Danelle Perry, MD (Manhattan)
District 7 Director: Jill Linville, MD (Lakin)
KUSM-Kansas City Faculty Director: Margaret Smith, MD, MPH, MHSA, FAAFP
KUSM-Wichita Faculty Director: Rex Keith, MD
We had close races for both contested seats (secretary and district 4). Thank you to all who exercised your membership privilege to vote. We also appreciate the time and dedication of our candidates.
KAFP
All KAFP members are invited to attend the KAFP Virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, May 15. This virtual alternative to our annual membership meeting, which has historically taken plan in person during the annual conference, will provide members the opportunity to discuss Academy business, learn about this year’s election process and recognize our 2020 award winners. This virtual meeting will allow for higher member participation and there is no charge to attend. We hope you will join us.
EVENT: KAFP Virtual Town Hall
DATE: Friday, May 15
TIME: 12:15 p.m.
KAFP will conduct online elections from May 15 – 25. Ballots will be distributed via your member email on file with AAFP. All active, resident and life members in good standing are eligible to vote. Ballots will include the candidate selected by the Nominating Committee, as well as a space for a write-in candidate for each open position to serve on the board of directors. Read the 2020 KAFP board candidates and their statements listed at KAFP Elections.
This Friday is your last chance to submit a resolution to KAFP. Resolutions are the official means by which you as a member have input into the AAFP’s governance and political process. You are encouraged to submit a resolution if you have a topic you are interested in addressing. KAFP can help guide you through the process of writing your resolution. A resolution writing worksheet is available here along with important dates. Contact KAFP if you have questions regarding the process or need assistance.
Family physicians and other primary care physicians remain a critical part of our nation’s response to COVID-19, yet the virus has exposed critical shortcomings in our primary care safety net across the country. Last week, the AAFP called on congressional leaders to prioritize the needs of the primary care workforce and patients and take “bold steps” to address this pandemic. The April 13 letter urges Congress to stabilize our primary care system and increase patient protections during this uncertain time. Join us in telling Congress that relief to family physicians is essential for any comprehensive COVID-19 response action plan. Use this pre-written letter to speak out now!
Resolutions are the official means by which you as a member have input into the AAFP’s governance and political process. You are encouraged to submit a resolution if you have a topic you are interested in addressing. KAFP can help guide you through the process of writing your resolution. A resolution writing worksheet is available here along with important dates.
Contact KAFP at info@kafponline.org or 316.721.9005 for resolution assistance. Please submit your resolution in writing via email to info@kafponline.org for consideration by Friday, May 8, 2020.
Welcome to our new and improved KAFP News. We hope your enjoy this new look and format. In addition to the new design, KAFP News will now be distributed every other Wednesday. The e-newsletter is a great way to stay current on family medicine news happening in Kansas, KAFP activities, educational opportunities and resources from our partners. During the legislative session, it will also include legislative updates to keep members informed about legislative activity affecting family medicine. If you have questions or would like to contribute a news item, email the editor.
Good news! The KAFP has worked hard for its members to have level 4 codes approved for Medicaid reimbursement. It may take a few days for this to take effect, so please be patient. We want to thank KDHE and the Medicaid Director for collaborating with KAFP and working for our members and their patients.