It’s hard to follow in the footsteps of “What’s Hot with Dr. Ott,” but I have settled upon a name for my President’s Message to Members which will come your way via email every month or two – directly from me to you.

Origins of the Daisy Chain (Source: VOA Learning English)

The phase “daisy chain” describes a popular activity with some children where they connect flowers together, like a chain, and wear them. Because of their strong stems, daisies are commonly used to make “daisy chains.”  I believe that family physicians are strong stems in the health care team. The “Daisy Chain” would describe my own family well (and maybe spark some Christmas gift ideas!).  Maybe you feel the same way about your family, your practice, your residency or your medical school friends.   

A daisy chain can also mean any connected events, experiences, happenings, or things, which is exactly what I hope to convey to our members as your President.  Our Academy is your Daisy Chain.

Sometimes, this can be used as a verb.  For example, “When the Internet went down, I had to daisy-chain my phone to a friend’s computer to share some videos.”  Of the specialties that sometimes need to improvise and “daisy chain” a solution, I imagine family medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, urgent care and emergency medicine are the most likely to pull that off!  Our ability as full-scope, highly-trained physicians gives us those super powers to daisy chain solutions when they aren’t readily there.

So, let’s talk about the connections and daisy chains for you through IAFP.

IAFP Committees and Task Forces
Our committees and task forces work together year-round to provide education, and advocacy avenues to promote the specialty of family medicine to the future physicians and the public. 
Government Relations Committee – open to all members interested in legislation and regulations that impact you and your patients. 
CME Committee – open to Active and Life members – help shape the CME content for IAFP using data derived directly from our CME Needs Assessment Survey.
Family Medicine Educators Committee – open to Active member family medicine residency faculty.
Public Relations Task Force – open to any member. This group selects IAFP awards recipients and also responds to media requests on patient education topics.

Member Interest Groups – open to all members
Direct Primary Care, FPs in FQHCs, Geriatrics, Health Equity, Lifestyle Medicine, Physician Well-being, Reproductive Health and Women in Leadership

Learn more and access the form to join committees and interest groups.

IAFP Speakers Bureau – do you have expertise on a topic primary to family medicine? Join our speakers bureau and tell us more about you and what you do!

IAFP Blog – have something to say?  Let IAFP share your message and enable your fellow members to join the conversation.  Contact Ginnie Flynn VP of Communications and Member Engagement with your ideas.

IAFP Membership App – you can find and connect with your fellow members.  Looking for an FP to recommend to a patient who’s moving?  Or want to find new FM friends in your neighborhood?  Plus you’ll have instant access to many of our activities and services right from your smartphone.  Download the app and get started.

You can email me at the President's email address.  I hope to hear from you and look forward to opportunities to connect during the next year!