Inside Family Medicine

Hosted by American Academy of Family Physicians

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Jul 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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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 Resmed, host 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 uncertainty around role ownership to patient hesitation, and the practical solutions he's implemented to make sleep and OSA care more feasible in primary care settings. The 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 Heat 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:e00762. 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 15, 202630 min

IFM | Direct Primary Care: Building Autonomy, Access and Sustainability

IFM | Direct Primary Care: Building Autonomy, Access and Sustainability AAFP Vice President of Practice Advancement Dr. Karen Johnson, PhD, welcomes Dr. Maryal Concepcion, MD, FAAFP, a full-scope family physician, founder and CEO of Big Trees MD, and host of the My DPC Story podcast, to discuss direct primary care (DPC) as an evolving practice model for family physicians. Drawing from her own transition out of corporate medicine, Dr. Concepcion shares how DPC has allowed her to build a sustainable practice centered on physician autonomy, meaningful patient relationships, and comprehensive, community-focused care. The conversation explores Dr. Concepcion's journey into family medicine and direct primary care, practical considerations for launching and growing a DPC practice, strategies for managing financial and operational challenges, and the flexibility DPC provides to meet community needs. She also discusses common misconceptions about direct primary care, improving access to care in rural and underserved communities, and why supporting diverse practice models is essential to the future of family medicine. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 02:13 Why Family Medicine 05:04 Transitioning from Corporate Medicine to Direct Primary Care 09:15 Launching a DPC Practice and Lessons Learned 12:16 Financial and Operational Decisions for Long-Term Sustainability 16:15 Growing the Practice and Managing Risk 19:30 Building a Direct Primary Care Practice 21:30 Improving Access Through Transparent, Patient-Centered Care 24:24 Expanding Community Services Through Innovation 26:47 Addressing Equity and Access in Direct Primary Care 30:33 Supporting Diverse Practice Models and the Future of Family Medicine 32:07 Closing Remarks Additional Resources Clinician Resources: Direct Primary Care Patient Resources: Direct Primary Care for Patients Related AAFP CME Activities: DPC Summit DPC Summit on Demand Business Fundamentals for New Physicians Medical Practice Management Essentials 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 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.

June 29, 202617 min

IFM | Family Physician Compensation: Myths, Models and Using the AAFP Career Benchmark Dashboard

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, we hear from Norman Chenven, MD, founding CEO of Austin Regional Clinic (ARC), and AAFP Director of Career and Practice, Tracey Allen-Ehrhart. They discuss family physician compensation, common income myths, and tools for evaluating job offers. Chenven explains why he chose family medicine and outlines how compensation varies by geography, practice type, work hours, productivity, coding, patient satisfaction, and value-based quality measures. Allen-Ehrhart highlights the AAFP Career Benchmark Dashboard, which offers family physicians real-world compensation data and includes filters by role and state for tailored searches. They also compare employed roles and practice ownership, discuss risks associated with private equity and health system stability, and share advice and resources for evaluating employers and reviewing contracts. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guests 01:20 Why Family Medicine 02:27 Compensation Basics 05:05 Benchmark Dashboard 06:27 Ownership vs Employment 09:52 Myths and Reality 10:50 Advice for New Docs 13:42 Negotiate Your Worth 16:17 Resources and Wrap Up Additional Resources Comparing Physician Compensation Family Medicine Compensation and Career Satisfaction Benchmark Dashboard Understanding and Improving Your Work RVUs 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.

June 26, 202619 min

FFFM | What federal student loan borrowers need to know

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, David Tully, AAFP vice president of government relations, reviews June advocacy efforts, including the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit, where more than 300 physicians advocated for policies to improve access to care. He also highlights AAFP positions on H-1B physician policy, Medicaid work requirements, ACA marketplace changes, rural training and hospital payments, and reducing prior authorization burdens. Tully then discusses student loan changes from the U.S. Department of Education under H.R.1 with members of the AAFP government relations team, Meagan Mortimer and Mandi Neff, outlining new repayment rules, elimination of programs and borrowing caps,. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Student Loan Changes Ahead 01:02 June Advocacy Wins 02:17 Policy Updates Roundup 05:26 DOE Loan Overhaul Explained 06:19 AAFP Pushback on HR1 08:42 Borrowing Caps Timeline 10:28 Exceptions and Legacy Plans 11:48 Mitigation and Advocacy Strategy 15:58 How Members Can Help 18:26 Closing and Disclaimers Additional Resources Blog: Policymakers have a roadmap to ease medical student debt Advocacy topic: Medical student debt relief Managing student loan debt Loan repayment strategies for medical students and residents Letter to the Department of Education to Protect Medical Training Pathways AAFP on X: "Every patient deserves access to a family physician. The AAFP is encouraged by a federal court's decision to halt the proposed $100,000 H-1B application fee. We urge Congress to pass the bipartisan H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, which would codify this https://t.co/mDqeYPpi8L" / X AAFP on X: "The AAFP is deeply concerned that Medicaid work reporting requirements will result in massive coverage losses for beneficiaries. When patients can access Medicaid, communities are healthier. https://t.co/ZvAx2In0Nm https://t.co/7fd9LjIAiC" / X Speak Out: Support the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 Letter in Resposne to IPPS Rule Speak Out: Chronic Care Management Improvement Act Speak Out: Support H-1B Physicians Primary Care Innovation Network 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.

June 22, 202622 min

IFM | Firearm Injury Prevention in the Exam Room: A Conversation with Family Physicians

In this episode of Inside Family Medicine, James Bigham, MD, MPH, and Sanjay Batish, MD, discuss the family physician's role in preventing firearm injuries and addressing gun violence through relationship-based, upstream care. Bigham describes training clinicians in culturally aware counseling, secure firearm storage and collaboration with gun shop owners through and the nonprofit SAFE, or Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic, emphasizing a public health approach that uses population data, including that firearm injury is the leading cause of death among people ages 1 to 19. Batish explains how treating the long-term physical and mental health effects of firearm injuries led him into research, including an AAFP Foundation RapSDI pilot that tested a firearm safety score tool in nonurban primary care settings and found unexpectedly high risk. Both physicians recommend universal screening, nonjudgmental counseling focused on suicide risk, practical storage planning, community resources and clinician training tools. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guests 01:52 Why Family Medicine 02:39 Why Firearm Prevention Matters 05:40 Public Health Lens 07:04 RAPSODI Research Findings 09:23 Screening and Counseling Tips 11:36 Handling Discomfort 12:52 Stories and Blind Spots 17:53 Advice and Resources 21:19 Closing and Disclaimers Additional Resources Gun Violence, Prevention of (Position Paper) | AAFP Prevention of Gun Violence (Policy Statement) | AAFP https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/aafp-voices/storage-conversations.html https://aafp.libsyn.com/ifm-the-aafp-foundations-signature-research-program 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.

June 19, 202635 min

CME | This Is Giving Me a Headache: Managing the Headache Patient Without Losing Your Mind

In this re-released episode of CME on the Go, originally published on 12/1/2025, our hosts discuss the complexities of diagnosing and treating headaches in primary care. They cover common challenges faced by family physicians, such as differentiating between primary and secondary headaches, the importance of taking thorough patient histories, and the appropriate use of diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans. The episode offers a deep dive into treatment options for headaches, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods, with a special focus on managing chronic daily headaches, migraine disorders, and medication overuse headaches. The discussion also touches on the role of cognitive behavioral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and the efficacy of various medications like NSAIDs, triptans, and beta blockers. After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19579/e Learning Objectives Apply a standardized, evidence-informed diagnostic and treatment algorithm for evaluating patients with headache, while acknowledging alternative approaches. Differentiate between appropriate and potentially problematic interventions, including the use of narcotics, in-office procedures, and newer pharmacologic therapies. Reflect on provider discomfort and fatigue in managing headache complaints, and develop strategies to maintain empathy, clinical consistency, and patient rapport. References and Resources Bahra, A., & Evans, R. W. (2021). The secondary headaches. Cephalalgia, 41(4), 427-430. Jairo Hernandez, Eduardo Molina, Ashley Rodriguez, Samuel Woodford, Andrew Nguyen, Grace Parker, Brandon Lucke-Wold. Headache Disorders: Differentiating Primary and Secondary Etiologies. J. Integr. Neurosci. 2024, 23(2), 43. https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2302043 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211823000052#bib0003 Novel screening tool for secondary headache in acute care—A pilot study. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinme.2023.100005 https://ichd-3.org/ 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.

June 8, 202622 min

IFM | FASDs in Primary Care: Recognition, Prevention, and Support

AAFP Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Education, Inclusiveness and Physician Well-Being Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, FAAFP, welcomes back Jeffrey Quinlan, MD, FAAFP, a family physician and University of Iowa department leader with a 28-year US Navy career, to discuss his AAFP work on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and substance use in pregnancy. He emphasizes that alcohol is a teratogen with no safe amount or timing in pregnancy and outlines associated neurodevelopmental, craniofacial, organ, growth and behavioral effects. The conversation covers primary care screening and early identification using exposure history and clinical signs, common diagnostic frameworks (COFASP and the University of Washington 4-digit code), multidisciplinary care coordination and prevention through routine screening (AUDIT-C or NIAAA single-question), preconception counseling and stigma reduction. For longitudinal care, Quinlan highlights early intervention, individualized care plans, family support and training, school accommodations, behavioral therapies, nutrition support and medications for comorbid conditions, all using a strength-based approach. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:51 Clinical Background and Exposure 01:55 No Safe Alcohol in Pregnancy 04:02 Screening and Diagnosis Basics 06:46 Building the Care Team 09:05 Preventing Alcohol Exposed Pregnancy 12:38 Long Term Care and Interventions 20:13 Key Takeaways and Closing Additional Resources Clinician Resources Substance use disorders: Clinical guidance and practice resources from the AAFP Alcohol use during pregnancy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Educational supplement on improving screening, diagnosis and treatment of children and families with FASDs, and improving support services and access to care for impacted women and families IFM | Medical insights on cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy: Jeffrey Quinlan, MD, FAAFP, addresses alcohol and cannabis use during pregnancy in primary care Treating excessive alcohol use: Guidance for screening, diagnosing and treating excessive alcohol use in primary care settings Tobacco and nicotine use | Prevention and cessation resources: Comprehensive toolkit to assist in helping patients stop smoking or prevent them from starting Patient Resources Substance use disorder: Evidence-based patient educational resource Opioid addiction: Evidence-base patient educational resources Related AAFP CME Activities Substance Use Disorders Edition 2: CME meeting DEA-mandated eight hours of Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act Addiction Treatment and Care CME for Family Physicians: Free, on-demand CME to gain deeper understanding of the neurobiology and psychosocial dimensions of substance use disorders, and learn practical strategies to integrate harm reduction, trauma-informed approaches and culturally responsive care into your practice Funding Statement: This activity is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,219,331 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. 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.