FFFM | February 2025 Advocacy Rounds

In this Advocacy Rounds update on the Inside Family Medicine podcast, AAFP Government Relations Vice President David Tully recaps the past few weeks of the Academy's work on Capitol Hill, including meetings between the AAFP's Board of Directors and lawmakers and their staffs.

Tully also talks with AAFP President-elect Sarah Nosal, M.D., about her Feb. 12 testimony in a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing titled "Optimizing Longevity: From Research to Action." Their conversation includes ways that first-time family physician advocates can leverage their expertise and clinical experience when talking to policymakers.

"I want every family doctor and resident and student to know: They are already experts," Nosal says. "I think that sometimes this seems a little scary, like, 'I need to know all of this in-depth government information in order to go do this.' You do not. You need to know what it is to care for patients, care about patients, and to have been listening and learning from their stories.

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Welcome to Fighting for Family Medicine and a recap of the AAFP's February 2025 advocacy work.

00:34 The AAFP Board of Directors advocated in person with lawmakers at the end of the month.

01:12 The Academy's new Advocacy Ambassadors program can help you join the fight for family medicine.

01:58 Dr. Nosal's testimony

02:35 The AAFP's push against possible cuts to Medicaid

03:37 What the AAFP told Congress about primary care resident physicians ahead of the 2026 Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule

04:15 The Robert Graham Center's latest Primary Care Scorecard is out.

05:20 The Academy's advocacy reflected in GME-reform legislation under discussion

06:10 What a survey says about how primary care physicians think about or use artificial intelligence

06:52 Introduction: Dr. Nosal

08:20 Dr. Nosal talks about what Medicaid.

10:13 What testifying was like.

12:54 Advice for prospective family physician advocates

17:36 How you can join the AAFP's advocacy

18:36 Conclusion

Related Resources

• Sarah Nosal, MD, FAAFP, Testimony for Senate Special Committee on Aging 

• Senate Special Committee on Aging Hearing 

• GME Reform Comment Letter 

• 2026 MPFS Letter 

• Robert Graham Center Primary Care Scorecard 

• Group of Six Statement on Medicaid Cuts 

• AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors 

• Medicaid Speakout 

Disclaimer: Copyright 2025, 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.