And yet, despite the turbulence, throughout this Congress, there was a clear sense that we are uniquely positioned to continue educating our patients individually with evidence-based guidance and fight collectively on a larger scale to push back against the misinformation flooding the country. Dozens of resolutions were debated, reworded and reorganized, and many eventually passed, providing clear direction for the Academy to stand strong for our profession and our patients in this difficult landscape. As a delegation, it was heartening to see the two resolutions we put forth pass, again with strong emphasis on supporting us as we care for our patients. While I did not write down quotes from others who spoke during the Congress, I walked away with great confidence in our national leaders. The newly sworn-in president, Dr. Sarah Nosal, and the newly elected president-elect, Dr. Kisha Davis, both bring extensive experience and drive to lead us through the turmoil. I wholeheartedly support them as they stand firm for us and our patients on a national level, clearly proud to be family physicians. I, too, am proud to be a family physician. Thank you for the opportunity I have been given over the last two years to represent Utah at the AAFP COD. It has been an honor and a privilege. CHAD SPAIN, MD, FAAFP, UAFP DELEGATE I’ve yet to come away from an AAFP event without feeling rejuvenated, and this year’s COD was no different. With a clearly unprecedented year of combating science against the current leadership of HHS, Shawn Martin (CEO of AAFP) let it be known that the Academy will continue to fight for the health of our patients and our rights to practice as physicians. Incoming president Sarah Nosal, MD, FAAFP, and new president-elect Kisha Davis, MD, MPH, FAAFP, gave passionate speeches as well, ensuring the leadership of the academy is in great hands for years to come. Our delegation was able to pass both resolutions we submitted this year, including one to help physicians combat medical misinformation. For those of you who may feel isolated, helpless or defeated in your quest to deliver healthcare in an effective model for both you and your patients, know that you’re not alone. After speaking with our colleagues across the nation, it’s clear that we all face similar barriers from external forces. The AAFP hears your voice and is working diligently to improve your life and our healthcare system. It’s been an honor to serve in Utah’s delegation; we trust that the work at COD will establish a framework to improve your clinical practice and lives in the immediate future. THEA SAKATA, MD, UAFP DELEGATE Today is a great day to be a family physician! At first, this may seem like a strange thing to say. Avedis Donabedian, the grandfather of health services research, theorized that Dr. Chad Spain speaks in favor of the UAFP resolution on the need to address misinformation. 13
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