We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

-Albert Einstein

Seeking Teacher of the Year Nominations

We need your input on the great family medicine educators in our state. Nominate the family physician that inspires your journey in family medicine and makes YOU a better doctor. Nominations are due by June 30 and must include a letter from you on why this family medicine educator rocks. Link to form 

Cooking with Heart - Fun and Functional

Nearly 30 IAFP members, actives, residents and students, gathered at the Centered Chef Kitchen in Chicago's West Loop for a new event called Cooking with Heart, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the Gaples Institute. The evening started with some heart healthy nutrition education from Integrative Cardiologist Stephen Devries, MD - followed by some hands-on cooking with Chef Christine Oleksiuk. The family physicians prepared and enjoyed a feast of salmon, asparagus, quinoa and an awesome chocolate avocado pudding.

Check out all the photos on our Facebook Page! If you are interested in scheduling a similar event for your practice, hospital, or residency program, contact Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com and she'll put you in touch with the Centered Chef!

Marie McCarthy, MD; Carrie Holland, MD and Alvia Siddiqi, MD

Board Members visit Loyola SOM

Vice president Alvia Siddiqi, MD and board member Carrie Holland, MD visited their medical school Loyola University-Stritch School of Medicine on February 11 and 12. The event joined 98 Stritch students with 18 successful alumni for the annual Ask Night series at Stritch School of Medicine. The panels of alumni discussed their medical specialties and students had a chance to network with the panelists over dinner.   

Get a Pocket Card for ACA conversations with your patients

IAFP member Kohar Jones, MD met with first year medical students at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in September 2013 to discuss the ethics of student run free clinics. What could first year medical students do in the clinics to help patients get connected to health insurance and get ongoing care with a dedicated provider?

Those students decided to take on the challenge of connecting patients with health insurance. A team led by MS2 Lauren Hobbs and MS1 Margaret Wang took on the task of preparing to train medical students to teach patients about their health insurance options. Along with Loyola law student Rachelle Sico, they supported the creation and dissemination of a pocketcard on Screening for Health Insurance Status. Loyola University medical student Aaron Silver was the main creator of the card, with content and editing support from internist Dr. Ram Krishnamoorthi, and Dr. Jones. Check it out, and use it in your practice to help uninsured and under-insured patients.

AAFP urges Congress to pass bipartisan SGR repeal bill
The AAFP sent a letter to House and Senate leaders saying the Academy supports bipartisan legislation to repeal the Medicare sustainable growth rate formula and establish a payment model linked to quality improvements instead of volume. The AAFP urged Congress to pass the bill before March 31, when the current SGR patch expires, and said it would allow family physicians to do long-term planning and make changes related to adopting a patient-centered medical home model. IAFP has signed on to a joint letter that will be sent to individual members of Congress next week. Read more in this week's AAFP News Now.

Link to AAFP's statement here:

Do you have questions about the ACA?

Check out all four IAFP member briefings

IAFP has developed Member Briefings addressing aspects of the Affordable Care Act.

Briefing #1 addresses the Health Insurance Marketplace, called GetCoveredIllinois.

Briefing #2 addresses Medicaid expansion, which is processed through ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility).

Briefing #3 - Caring for newly covered patients

Briefing #4 - FAQs 

If you have a news item to share, email it to Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com.

Yasmeen Ansari, MD provided perspective for Politico on February 11 (the Washington, DC news blog covering Capitol Hill) on the big difference Medicare-Medicaid parity for primary care services is making in her practice (Adventist Wood Dale Family Medicine) and others in her system to care for Medicaid patients.

Jo Ann Jaen Lagman, MD was featured in the February 13 Clarendon Hills Doings for organizing a medical mission trip her native Philippines through her church.

Nicole Chickris, MD of Moline was featured in the Quad City Times on February 14 discussing the role marriage plays in achieving and maintaining good health when partners tend to look out for and hold each other accountable for their health.