University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, faculty Jim Boulger, PhD, is receiving the Academy’s highest honor: honorary membership to the AAFP. This award honors persons of distinction who have rendered outstanding service to the AAFP or medical profession.

For nearly five decades, Boulger has played a key role in the development of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, and its mission to educate medical students who will go on to practice family medicine in rural Minnesota and American Indian communities.

The Minnesota delegation had a wonderful time at this month’s 2018 AAFP National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students.

Jeremy Springer, MD, MAFP Legislative Committee co-chair and University of Minnesota residency faculty, said it best: “I am impressed by the quality of students and the enthusiasm for family medicine. The nation will be in good hands. Family medicine is here AND strong AND committed to delivering the highest quality of care!”

The University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) was named a 2018 Program of Excellence. They were 1 of only 10 FMIGs in the nation to receive the “overall award,” which recognizes their work to advance the family medicine workforce. Congrats to Duluth campus FMIG students and faculty!

The University of Minnesota Medical Center Family Medicine Residency was one of eight Adolescent Immunization Award recipients. Resident Sharon Toor, MD, was honored for her work to increase immunization rates in adolescent Somali refugees.

University of Minnesota resident Katie Hinderaker, MD, was 1 of 12 docs who presented posters LIVE at the conference. Minnesota medical students Julia (Claire) Cambron, Hanna Nedrud and Christina Warner also shared posters.

Mayo resident Ben Meyerink, MD, was elected resident alternate delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates, and University of Minnesota resident Alex Gits, MD, was elected resident representative to the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Board of Directors.

Two days of LAKE, LAUGHTER, LEARNING. This year’s conference saw record attendance—a 116% increase over last year. Thank you to all who joined us and to our outstanding presenters for sharing their time and knowledge on topics like opioid use disorder, LGBTQI healthcare, dermatology and more.

Because of our generous members, we flew past our MAFP Foundation fundraising goal (in support of resident and medical student innovators and researchers), raising nearly $3,500. Search the conference hashtag for more highlights and photos: #MAFPDuluth.

If you couldn’t join us this year, we hope to see you next year in Alexandria. Save the dates: Friday & Saturday, August 16 & 17, 2019.

Sunday, October 28, 2018 | 5:00 pm Central | online

The virtual Knowledge Self-Assessment (KSA) on coronary artery disease is an innovative program, allowing family physicians to complete a KSA while engaging their peers and an expert content leader from the comfort of their home or office. Registration is limited to 15 physicians. The cost is $125 for active members and complimentary for resident members. Registration costs do not include fees for ABFM Maintenance of Certification.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is considering changes to the immunization rules, Minnesota Administrative Rules Chapter 4604. The changes would help align the law with current medical practice standards and simplify implementation. No additional vaccines are being added to the requirements. Changes being considered include changing age limits for pneumococcal and Hib and removing an outdated signature requirement for varicella and pneumococcal. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 pm on October 15. Email [email protected] or call 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414.

MAFP News Now has been our regular e-newsletter, sharing relevant Academy news and updates with MAFP members. News Now has become Family Medicine Matters.

Why the name change? Your inboxes are full, and your time is valuable. We want you to know what you can expect from our monthly e-news: relevant, timely information that matters to YOU and family medicine.