About FDOD

Family Doctor of the Day (FDOD) is a volunteer program organized by the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians (KAFP), in which KAFP members volunteer to serve as doctor of the day at the Statehouse each day during the legislative session.

Volunteers assist legislators, staff and visitors of the capitol with health needs that may arise throughout the day.  The FDOD program is designed to serve as an aid station, not an extension of a typical clinic setting.

Checking blood pressure, distributing ibuprofen, examining sore throats; the health issues are mainly minor health needs, with a few more serious ailments during the year.  The legislators are grateful for the program and it definitely puts family medicine in a favorable light!

What care does FDOD provide?

The purpose of the FDOD program is to serve as an aid station to guests (legislators, staff and visitors of the capitol).  A typical day will consist of checking blood pressure, distributing ibuprofen, examining sore throats, and identifying if it is “allergies, a cold, or the flu.”

The FDOD office is stocked with over the counter medications and supplies only.  In the event of a medical emergency, call 911.

Should any guest require medication or attention beyond what is already provided in the supply cabinet, it is at the volunteers’ discretion to decide if (a) a referral back to the guest’s primary care physician is necessary, (b) if it is appropriate to call a prescription into the pharmacy for the guest, or, (c) if it is in the guests best interest to seek emergency care at a medical facility.

Who can volunteer?

KAFP members with an active Kansas medical license are eligible to serve as FDOD, including Residents licensed in Kansas.

Medical students are allowed to observe FDOD activities.