Posted on 01.04.10 by Executive Vice President Susan Hogeland, CAE 

Happy New Year!  Mercifully, it was a quiet time between Christmas and the New Year - no health care legislation emergencies or practice disasters requiring Academy assistance.  So, we've all returned refreshed and ready to face what promises to be both a challenging and exciting year.

The issues are many - the ultimate outcome of health care reform efforts in Washington, D.C., the anticipated $20 billion budget shortfall here in California and the impact that may have on health care services, efforts to achieve meaningful use of health information technology and the associated rewards and penalties, the discussions around patient centered medical home with regard to chronically and/or mentally ill Medi-Cal patients, and the usual onslaught of legislation affecting health care.

Additionally, we're preparing for the March 6-8 CAFP Congress of Delegates and the 62^nd Annual Scientific Assembly, which will be held May 15-16 in San Francisco at the Grand Hyatt, Union Square.

We continue to hear from members about their opposition to AAFP's decision to maintain its contract with The Coca Cola Company in support of the AAFP patient-facing Web site, familydoctor.org.  Some members are not aware that membership with AAFP is unified with membership with CAFP.  By resigning membership in AAFP or deciding not to pay 2010 dues, you also end your membership with CAFP and your local chapter.  I encourage all California family physicians to remain members of AAFP and help CAFP fight for a policy change on the Coke issue, as well as help CAFP continue to fight overweight and obesity in our state through our legislative and public health efforts. 

AAFP has done and continues to do many good things in the public health arena.  I always encourage members not to let a single issue be the determining factor in whether they join or remain members of either organization.  I ask them to look at the big picture and to weigh, on balance, the many good things your organizations do on your behalf, and that of your patients.  It is easy to respect and admire the large majority of the work AAFP does; when we disagree, we need to work to change the policy, but taking our marbles and going home shouldn't be an option. 

In the coming year, it's likely we'll be calling on you more than ever to contact your state and federal legislators, consider testifying in Sacramento, share your experiences with Patient Centered Medical Home, respond to surveys that will help us direct Academy policy, serve on committees or task forces, and talk to your patients about key issues affecting family medicine and their good health.  Thank you in advance for responding to these requests.  It may be a bumpy ride - it may require a seat belt AND a helmet - but it's always a pleasure to advocate for family physicians.