Inside Family Medicine

Hosted by American Academy of Family Physicians

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Aug 2026

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A podcast produced by the American Academy of Family Physicians for family doctors and related health care professionals.

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August 31, 202616 min

FFFM | Strengthening immunization access and advocating for public health

Join David Tully, v ice p resident of g overnment r elations and a member of the AAFP's advocacy team, and Julie Riley, AAFP m anager of l e gislative a ffairs, for this episode of Inside Family Medicine as they dive into the Academy's work to protect vaccine access and evidence-based immunization policy at the federal and state levels. Get updates on the AAFP's priorities around vaccine coverage and infrastructure, including efforts to close Medicare vaccine coverage gaps, protect immunization programs and preserve science-based vaccine recommendations. Also catch up on recent changes affecting the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , the AAFP's response to federal actions involving childhood vaccine recommendations and the importance of working through coalitions to strengthen advocacy. L isten for tips on how your trusted relationships with patients can support vaccine confidence and make an impact beyond the exam room , then amplify your experiences with policymakers by: P articipat ing in AAFP Speak Out campaigns S tay ing connected with your state chapter B ecom ing an Advocacy Ambassador to help shape policies affecting vaccines, patients and family medicine Topics 00:00 FFFM Vaccine Advocacy 01:01 AAFP vaccine advocacy priorities 02:21 Protecting vaccine infrastructure and science-based recommendations 03:35 How the AAFP is responding to federal vaccine policy changes 05:24 The "Gold Standard" vaccine recommendations executive order 07:26 New federal vaccine policy and physician input 09:09 Why vaccine advocacy depends on coalitions 12:25 Family physicians as trusted vaccine messengers 14:00 Current advocacy opportunities for family physicians Additional resources AAFP vaccine advocacy AAFP m ember a dvocacy Speak Out tool Resources and clinical guidance: Immunizations and vaccines for family physicians Immunization and vaccine schedules and resources 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. The 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.

August 24, 202626 min

IFM | The FMIG effect: Finding community, building leaders and choosing family medicine

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, host Adam Bradley, AAFP M anager of S tudent C hoice, explores how Family Medicine Interest Groups ( FMIGs ) help medical students discover the possibilities within family medicine. Student leaders Sharleen Cineas of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and Gabriel l a Morin of East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine share w hat drew them to family medicine. They discuss the specialty's emphasis on treating the whole person, caring for patients throughout their lives and understanding the social and community factors that influence health. The conversation highlights how FMIG involvement can provide students with mentorship, community, leadership experience and opportunities to advocate for patients. They discuss how their FMIGs helped them build confidence, connect with family physicians and explore the wide range of procedures, fellowships and career paths available within the specialty. They also share successful events organized by their award-winning FMIGs, including community health fairs and hands-on clinical procedure workshops. The discussion offers practical ideas for planning affordable events, forming partnerships, recruiting members and building an FMIG leadership team that can sustain the organization over time. Topics 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Meet the FMIG student leaders 02:09 What drew the students to family medicine 02:22 Gabriella's path to family medicine 04:41 Charlene's whole-person approach to care 06:02 How FMIG solidifies interest in family medicine 07:03 Developing leadership skills through FMIG 10:43 Recognizing award-winning FMIG program 11:03 Building a collaborative community health fair 12:31 Creating a hands-on procedures workshop 13:41 Affordable ideas for FMIG events 16:56 Advice for starting or rebuilding an FMIG 19:44 Advice for aspiring FMIG leaders 20:59 How FMIG involvement shapes medical school 23:01 Making the most of the FUTURE conference 24:32 Closing thoughts and FMIG resources Resources Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIG) homepage FMIG Program of Excellence Award Family Medicine Champions program Student Membership Strolling Through the Match Residency Directory Student leadership opportunities AAFP advocacy resources 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.

August 17, 20261 hr 3 min

CME | AI as a Partner in Whole-Person Care: Empowering Clinicians, Enhancing Workflows

In this episode of CME On the Go , our hosts explore artificial intelligence as a partner in whole-person care and examine how family physicians can thoughtfully incorporate AI into clinical practice without losing the human judgment and relationships at the heart of family medicine. They break down what today's AI tools can – and cannot – do, including the differences between traditional artificial intelligence, large language models and the still-theoretical concept of artificial general intelligence. The conversation addresses common concerns surrounding AI, including hallucinations, bias, privacy, environmental impact, workforce disruption and health equity. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize a "trust but verify" approach and the importance of keeping physicians in the decision-making loop rather than treating AI-generated information as a final clinical answer. The hosts also examine current clinical applications of AI, with particular attention to ambient documentation tools and their potential to reduce documentation burden. They discuss how family physicians can evaluate new technology by considering whether it improves workflow, integrates with existing systems, protects patient information, provides sufficient transparency and actually solves a problem clinicians experience. The conversation also explores the importance of accountability, explainability and recognizing how inaccurate or poorly implemented alerts and recommendations can contribute to clinician burden rather than reduce it. Finally, the hosts look at how family physicians can help shape the future of AI in health care. They offer practical guidance for selecting and implementing tools, working with clinical informatics and IT teams, providing feedback to technology developers and using more specific prompts to improve AI-generated results. They emphasize that successful AI adoption depends not simply on technological capability or accuracy, but on thoughtful implementation, organizational culture and meaningful clinician involvement. Above all, they encourage family physicians to develop AI literacy, maintain healthy skepticism and ensure that human judgment remains central to patient care. Learning objectives Evaluate the capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI-driven tools in supporting decision-making, patient safety, and whol e-person care within Family Medicine practice. Explore the use of AI-enabled documentation and workflow optimization tools to reduce administrative burden, enhance efficiency, and strengthe n communication across the care team. Develop a strategic plan for implementing AI technologies that uphold data privacy, minimize bias, and promote human-centered, ethical use i n healthcare settings. The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go , Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 0 8 / 20 /2026 to 07/06/2028 . Physi cians should claim only the credit commensurat e with the extent of their participation in the activity. This session, "CME | Beyond the Hype: Using AI as a Partner in Whole-Person Care," 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/20856/e 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.

August 10, 202623 min

IFM | Residency Selection Improvement Initiative: Enhancing Family Medicine Recruitment and Applicant Experience

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, AAFP Executive Vice President and CEO, Shawn Martin, speaks with a panel of family medicine leaders about the Residency Selection Improvement Initiative, or RSII, and its goal of creating a more effective, efficient and equitable residency selection process. Guests Karen Mitchell, MD, FAAFP, AAFP V ice P resident of N ational Re sidency and A cademic P artnerships ; Grace Chen Yu, MD, FAAFP; Raj Woolever, MD, FAAFP; Saroj Misra, DO, FACOFP; and Molly Stegman, MD, discuss the challenges applicants and residency programs face as the number of family medicine programs and available positions continue to grow. They explain how inconsistent program information, compressed interview timelines and increasingly complex application strategies can contribute to unnecessary stress, uncertainty and expense. The conversation explores RSII's four priority areas: establishing centralized and specialty-specific program information, improving the residency interview process, supporting international medical graduates and multispecialty applicants, and helping programs identify applicants who are committed to family medicine. Panelists also discuss practical recommendations for making interview offers more transparent and predictable, expanding meaningful application review and creating stronger alignment between an applicant's values and a program's mission. The episode concludes with actionable guidance for residency programs, medical schools and applicants preparing for the next Match cycle. Learn more about the Residency Selection Improvement Initiative and access recommendations and resources for applicants and residency programs at aafp.org/ rsii . Topics by Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Meet the panel 01:42 What is the Residency Selection Improvement Initiative? 02:49 Building RSII through collaboration 03:41 The initiative's four priority areas 04:43 What applicants want to know about residency programs 05:41 Creating a centralized source for program information 06:37 Improving the residency interview process 08:35 Recommendations for residency interview offers 10:08 The applicant experience during interview season 13:13 Making the process more transparent and equitable 13:32 Supporting international graduates and multispecialty applicants 16:37 Identifying applicants committed to family medicine 17:38 Aligning applicants with program missions and values 19:55 What a better Match could look like 21:08 Practical recommendations for residency programs 21:54 Advice for family medicine applicants 22:29 How medical schools can better support students 23:01 One thing to remember about RSII 23:47 Closing remarks and RSII resources Resources Residency Selection Improvement Initiative (RSII) AAFP residency initiative drives changes for 2027 Match AAFP launches initiative to improve family medicine Match RSII Interview Guidelines RSII Signals Residency Explorer™ tool AAFP Residency Program Resources AAFP Medical Student and Resident hubs 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.

July 31, 202617 min

FFFM | Advocacy in action: Members take key issues from clinics to Congress

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine , David Tully, AAFP V ice P resident of G overnment R elations, reviews the Academy's July advocacy efforts, including proposed Medicare payment improvements, physician workforce policies, Medicaid coverage protections and efforts to reduce administrative burdens. He also highlights AAFP advocacy related to Public Service Loan Forgiveness, federal research grants, Medicare Advantage reform, overdose prevention and Primary Care for America's Triple Double campaign to expand investment in and access to primary care. Tully then speaks with Rebecca King, AAFP S enior S trategist for S tate A ffairs and M ember A dvocacy, about the record-setting 2026 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit and how family physicians, residents and students can continue building momentum during the August congressional recess. They discuss the summit's legislative priorities, the August Recess Advocacy Challenge and the AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors program. 00:00 July Advocacy Updates 00:51 Medicare Physician Payment Proposals 01:17 Supporting the Patients First Act 01:58 Public Charge Rule Concerns 02:16 Protecting Public Service Loan Forgiveness 02:39 Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements 03:04 Federal Grants and Scientific Review 03:30 Medicaid Payment Flexibility 03:56 Overdose Prevention and Medicare Advantage Reform 04: 21 The Triple Double Primary Care Campaign 0 4 : 49 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit Recap 05: 08 FMAS Legislative Priorities 0 6 : 45 Why Physicians' Stories Matter 0 8 : 59 Continuing Advocacy After FMAS 09 : 42 August Recess Advocacy Priorities 1 0 : 14 Connecting With Lawmakers at Home 1 1 : 48 August Recess Advocacy Challenge 14: 01 AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors 1 6 : 17 Closing and Disclaimers Additional Resources AAFP Member Advocacy AAFP Advocacy Ambassador Program August Recess Challenge Speak Out tool Share Your Story tool Rounds Resourc es: AAFP Statement on 2027 MPFS Proposed Rule AAFP letter to OMB on Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance - July 13, 2026 AAFP Letter to CMS on Medicaid State Directed Payments - July 21, 2026 AAFP urges withdrawal of proposed PSLF rule | AAFP AAFP Letter to the Department of Education on Intent to Develop Proposed Regulations - May 8, 2025 AAFP Letter to CMS on Medicaid State Directed Payments - July 21, 2026 Triple Double - Primary Care For America AAFP Letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee on MA & Opioid Legislation – July 2, 2026 Patients First Act Signals Commitment to Modernizing Primary Care Payment | AAFP AAFP Response to VA on Expanding Access to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Proposed Rule - July 8, 2026 Leading Physician Groups: Patients First Act Addresses Longstanding Payment Challenges | AAFP Leading Frontline Physician Groups Oppose Final Public Charge Rule | AAFP 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. The 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.

July 27, 202624 min

IFM | AAFP x Unbiased Science: Behind Every Vaccine Question Is a Person

Vaccine conversations have changed. Patients are asking new questions, trust is harder to earn, and clinicians are navigating increasingly complex discussions in limited time. In this episode of Inside Family Medicine , host Rebecca Fuller Beeler, PhD, v ice p resident of Integrated Marketing Communications at AAFP is joined by public health scientist and founder of Unbiased Science Jess Steier, DrPH . Together, they discuss why facts alone are often not enough, how empathy and listening can strengthen vaccine conversations, and what physicians can do to support patients before, during, and after clinical visits. Drawing on thousands of conversations with people seeking credible health information, Steier shares insights into the concerns, emotions, and information ecosystems that shape patients' decisions. The conversation offers practical strategies for building trust, addressing uncertainty, and helping patients make informed decisions—while reminding clinicians that even small conversations can plant seeds that matter. Whether discussing vaccines or any health topic where trust and clarity are essential, this episode highlights the power of meeting people where they are. Steier emphasizes practical communication strategies such as listening first, understanding a patient's perspective, sharing personal experiences , leveraging the entire care team and extending education beyond the exam room. Listen in to this conversation that highlight s the critical role family physicians continue to play as trusted sources of health information and offer encouragement for clinicians working to foster informed, compassionate conversations in an era of misinformation.

July 22, 202625 min

IFM | From Hypertension to Hypopneas: Bringing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management into Primary Care Practice

In this special episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, brought to you by Res m ed , h ost Darren Sextro talks with family physician James Bigham, MD, MPH, FAAFP about how he has successfully integrated sleep health and OSA management into his practice. He discusses the well-established connection between OSA and hypertension and explains how screening and treatment can become a natural part of chronic disease management. The conversation highlights the barriers he's faced in practice, from unc ertainty around role ownership to patient hesitation, and the practical solutions he's implemented to make sle ep a nd OSA care mor e feasib le in primary care set tings. T he discussion covers the importance of early diagnosis and therapy referrals as well as outlines effective workflow strategies for primary care teams. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 – Welcome and episode overview 02:14 – Dr. Bigham's path to family medicine 03:15 – How OSA became part of primary care 05:59 – Early barriers to OSA management 09:37 – Barriers colleagues face in primary care 12:07 – Practical ways to integrate obstructive sleep apnea care 14:07 – Improving patient engagement in evaluation and treatment 17:38 – Working with sleep medicine and cardiology 20:16 – Impact on patients and practice 25:56 – First steps for family physicians and care teams 29:00 – Closing and resources Additional resources for your team include: OSA in primary care: a practical clinical guide from Resmed Explore practical tools and guidance to help primary care teams identify patients at risk for OSA, support evaluation and navigate treatment conversations. Resources from the American Academy of Family Physicians: Cardiometabolic health for family physicians | AAFP Find clinical guidance, educational resources and patient-centered tools for managing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease and related conditions. This episode is brought to you by Resmed . 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.

July 20, 202636 min

CME | From Heat Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care

In this episode of CME On the Go, our hosts discuss how changing climate and weather patterns are already affecting patient health and family medicine practice. They examine the health consequences associated with extreme heat, worsening air quality, wildfire smoke, longer pollen seasons, expanding vector-borne diseases, food and water insecurity and climate-related mental health concerns. They also highlight how these effects can compound existing cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and pregnancy-related risks, particularly among older adults, children, outdoor workers and historically marginalized communities. The hosts offer practical strategies family physicians can use to prepare their practices and protect patients, including broadening clinical differentials, discussing heat safety and hydration, helping patients monitor air quality, recommending appropriate protection from smoke and insects and identifying patients who may lack access to cooling or other essential resources. They also explore opportunities for community advocacy, climate resilience and sustainable changes within medical practices. Learning objectives Identify climate‑related environmental changes that directly affect patient health, including heat, air quality, allergens, infectious disease patterns, and extreme weather events. Recognize emerging climate‑related trends in clinical practice and implement strategies to anticipate and respond to these changes in patient care. Describe the role of physicians in climate advocacy, including practical ways clinicians can engage without compromising professionalism or clinical boundaries. The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 07/ 20 /2026 to 07/06/2028 . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This session, " CME | From Hea t Waves to Health Risks: Climate Change in Primary Care " 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/20236/e Resources Climate-Smart Health Care: Family Medicine's Role in Climate Action and Resilience ( American Family Physician ) Read the article Climate Change and Health (New England Journal of Medicine) Read the article AAFP Environmental Health and Climate Change Resources Explore AAFP resources Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health (AAFP) Learn about the consortium Medical Society Consortium for Climate & Health Visit the consortium website References Romanello M, Ballester J, Cai W, et al. The 2024 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: facing record-breaking threats from delayed action. Lancet . 2024;404(10465):1847-1896. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01822-1 Neven JCG, Quispel C. Extreme heat and pregnancy: A growing public health concern. Case Reports in Women's Health . 2025; 49:e 00762. Published October 30, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.crwh .2025.e00762 Romanello M, Amann M, Ayeb -Karlsson S, et al. Climate change and health. New England Journal of Medicine . 2019;380(26):2519-2529. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1807873 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.

July 13, 202617 min

IFM | Strengthening Vaccine Confidence and Adult Immunization

AAFP Vaccine Science Fellows James Bigham, MD, MPH, FAAFP, and Amra Resic , MD, FAAFP, join host Emily Holwick to discuss practical strategies for improving adult vaccination rates in primary care. Drawing from their clinical experience and fellowship work, they explore how family physicians can build vaccine confidence through strong recommendations, trusted patient relationships, and team-based workflows. The conversation covers presumptive vaccine recommendations, shared clinical decision-making, increasing vaccine confidence with empathy, integrating the assessment of immunization reviews into every patient visit, and empowering the entire care team to support vaccination efforts. Dr. Bigham and Dr. Resic also discuss workflow strategies such as standing orders, pre-visit planning, EMR reminders, and consistent messaging that make adult vaccination a routine part of preventive care while helping patients make informed decisions that protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions 03:00 The AAFP Vaccine Science Fellowship Experience 04:35 Starting Vaccine Conversations with Adult Patients 06:03 Vaccination as Routine Preventive Care 07:02 Understanding Low Adult Vaccination Rates 09:17 Team-Based Strategies to Improve Vaccine Uptake 12:20 Shared Clinical Decision-Making and Building Trust 15:07 Empowering the Care Team to Build Vaccine Confidence 16:28 Key Takeaways for Family Physicians 18:45 Closing Remarks Additional Resources: Clinician Resources: Immunizations Shared Decision-making and Clinical Guidance Resources Immunizations And Vaccines For Family Physicians Immunization Resources AAFP Vaccine Advocacy: Strengthening Immunization Access | AAFP Patient Resources: Immunizations | Family Doctor Immunization Schedules | Family Doctor Funding Statement: This podcast episode was independently developed by the AAFP with support provided by GlaxoSmithKline. 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.

July 6, 202637 min

CME | Dementia Demystified: From Early Signs to Everyday Management

In this CME On the Go episode, our hosts discuss evaluating and managing dementia-related concerns in primary care using a common scenario: an older patient brought in by an adult child concerned about Alzheimer's disease and possible nursing home placement. They emphasize that these visits are time intensive and require history from both the patient and family, distinguishing normal aging from functional cognitive decline across domains such as memory, judgment, language and orientation, while remaining aware of family dynamics. Key exam priorities include vision, hearing and depression screening. They review brief and extended cognitive screening tools, labs for reversible causes and selective imaging. The episode outlines definitions of normal aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, along with practical, safety-focused management, medication options and the family physician's role in long-term planning and caregiver support. Learning Objectives Recognize early signs and symptoms of dementia and distinguish them from normal aging and potentially reversible causes of cognitive change. Differentiate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) from unmet needs or environmental triggers, clarifying what BPSD is—and what it is not. Share practical, evidence ‑ informed management pearls with patients and caregivers, focusing on nonpharmacologic strategies and realistic expectations for disease progression. The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 07/06/2026 to 07/06/2028. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This session, " Dementia Demystified: From Early Signs to Everyday Management" 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/20235/e References and Resources All AAFP Dementia topics: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/topics/by-topic.dementia.html Dementia Diagnosis and Care: CME for Family Physicians https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/topics/geriatrics-end-of-life-care/dementia-on-demand Article from AAFP titled "Evaluation of Suspected Dementia" https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2025/1200/suspected-dementia-evaluation.html 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.