Dr. Joseph Gravel, the incoming STFM president, reflects on his journey and aspirations. His childhood dreams of sports and government led to a fulfilling career in family medicine education. He cherishes family time, sports, and learning. Dr. Gravel emphasizes STFM's value beyond yearly meetings and advises future medical professionals to savor their journey ..read more

In October of 2023, I visited STFM member Jehni Robinson, MD, FAAFP, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC). Upon becoming chair, Dr Robinson secured funding to create a street medicine team at USC. After which, she partnered with a local county hospital to provide services to more than 60,000 unhoused people ..read more

In the midst of the humid summer, we arrived on site, armed with our American way of training. Yet, we were not in America.  We were ready to screen for cervical cancer. There was no liquid-based cytology.  Not all beds had stirrups.   The local health center used the conventional glass slides and hair spray as fixatives. We had to use a rolled towel to lift the pelvis up while the women’s legs were in frog-leg position. We used a flashlight to illuminate the pelvic area. We learned their way of doing it, which was their right way ..read more

by Peter Coggan, MD Editors Note: The Winter 2023 STFM Blog features guest author and long-time STFM member Peter Coggan, MD, on the importance of preserving the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship through financial support of the STFM Foundation. At ..read more

There are strengths and weaknesses associated with introverted traits and with extroverted traits. Extroverts thrive in social situations, can rapidly form relationships with team members, and are comfortable with spontaneous brainstorming, thinking aloud and offering ideas quickly and assertively. Introverts’ strengths include thoughtfulness, listening, humility, and forming deep connections. They process internally, share fully formulated thoughts, and prefer to avoid bringing attention to themselves ..read more

"We are a community of learners and teachers from and for each other. STFM never stops working for Family Medicine or our learners, teachers, and patients. From clinical teaching through the ranks of academia, the bureaucracy of medical schools, and amid policymakers, STFM is working for you and with you. We are you; together, we are thoughtful, strong, and persistent ..read more

Note from the Editor: The December blog contains two important submissions on global family medicine and the factors that contribute to inequities in the field including but not limited to funding, climate change, geopolitical events, and more. Thank you to ..read more

"I'm proud and humbled to represent the STFM membership as president. My passion for interprofessional team-based education and practice promotes system change and supports wellbeing within the graduate medical education structure. The journey to family medicine education is exhilarating and exhausting. What I most look forward to, though, is continuing to foster connections among our members." - Linda Myerholtz, PhD ..read more

Note from the Editor: This quarters publications contains two important submissions on global family medicine and it’s greater ramifications on the world at large. Thank you to William Ventres, MD, MA, Shailey Prasad, MD, MPH and Esther Johnston, MD, FAAFP ..read more

Tonya L. Caylor, MD, FAAFP tlcaylor@mac.com Clinical Associate Faculty, On-call Faculty for Alaska Family Medicine Residency Joy in Family Medicine Coaching Services® Physician coaching, a key tool for preventing and addressing burnout, is being incorporated into residency and fellowship training programs. Professional ..read more