AAFP Congress of Delegates Update #4
by UAFP Alternate Delegate, David Cope, MD
Wednesday was the final day of the 2022 Congress of Delegates for the American Academy of Family Physicians. With the concern that two years’ worth of work was going to have to be dealt with prior to adjourning the congress, all were relieved that the matters were dealt with expeditiously. This meant the timely adjournment in time to transition to the AAFP FMX. The purpose of Congress of Delegates (COD) is to set policy and direction for the Board and the administrative staff. This is a task not taken lightly. There was thoughtful deliberations and discussion as 34 resolutions were acted upon.
Our chapter was nearly universally successful in passing those resolutions affecting Utah and our patients. Significant legislation giving the Academy direction to work to prevent criminalization of patients coming or going across state lines for care was enacted.
The morning held few surprises. Beyond the resolutions, the big news was the election of the new AAFP president and the installation of the officers. Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAFP was sworn in as the 75th president. She is an amazingly talented and qualified physician, teacher, mother, and mentor. She’ll lead the Academy through the lingering effects of the pandemic with grace, grit, and finesse.
Steven P. Furr, M.D., FAAFP was elected as president elect. Three board seats were filled and our own Sarah Woolsey, MD, MPH, FAAFP, was named by the board to chair the AAFP commission on Quality and Practice. What an honor and challenge.
The delegates to the Congress are your delegates. You’ve voted them in to represent you to give the AAFP the charge and direction to carry out the mission you want them to prioritize. When you hear it said, “The Academy’s policy is ….”, that is because your communication to your delegates was carried on to the congress. Be thoughtful and deliberate. Elect those who will represent you and your priorities. You are well represented by thoughtful, caring, and conscientious delegates. Let them know what is important to you.