FFFM | Lawmaker Spotlight: Physician Voices Shaping Health Policy

David Tully, AAFP vice president of government relations, speaks with U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy, MD, a family physician and former Utah state legislator, about why he chose family medicine, how having more clinicians in public office can lead to bipartisan physician collaboration on health care policy and the need for greater professional autonomy. We also hear from U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, MD, a pulmonary/critical care physician and former Oregon state legislator who helped pass a state law expanding naloxone access, about how policy affects public health. She also discusses harms from cutting Medicaid and Medicare and allowing ACA premium tax credits to expire, the need for long-term Medicare payment reform and less administrative burden, and pushing back against misinformation and threats to evidence-based medicine.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Show intro and guest

00:50 Why family medicine

02:55 From clinic to Congress

04:51 Surprises in Washington

08:08 Doctors shaping policy

13:46 Advice on running for office

18:00 Dr. Kennedy wrap-up

18:25 Meet Dr. Maxine Dexter

19:03 Policy meets medicine

21:02 HR1 and Medicaid fallout

24:31 Fixing physician payment

28:43 Defending science and trust

33:50 Dr. Dexter's advice to physicians

Additional Resources

Rep. Mike Kennedy, MD

Rep. Maxine Dexter, MD

AAFP H.R. 1 advocacy

AAFP member resource page: H.R. 1

Fighting for Family Medicine podcast: How H.R. 1 Will Affect Family Medicine

AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors 

Advocate for Family Medicine   

AAFP Chapter Advocacy  

The Academy's Family Medicine Advocacy Summit

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.