January 15, 2025

New Year, New WAFP App! 

Winter Refresher Course extends deadline for students and residents to apply for Poster Presentations 

Inside the Capitol – 2025 



2025-2026 State Legislative Session Begins 

The State Assembly and State Senate convened on Monday, January 6 to kick off the 2025-2026 legislative session. In the Assembly, Republicans hold 54 seats and Democrats hold 45 seats. In the Senate, Republicans hold 18 seats and Democrats hold 15 seats. Additional information about legislative leadership and committee chairs is noted below. 

State Assembly and Senate Leadership for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session 

The following legislators will serve in leadership positions in both the Assembly and Senate during the 2025-2026 legislative session.

Legislative Leaders Announce Committee Chairs 

At the end of last year, Legislative Republicans announced the chairs of the various Assembly and Senate committees for the 2025-2026 legislative session. The following committee chairs may be of interest to WAFP.

Register for Doctor Day 2025!

Doctor Day 2025 is scheduled on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in downtown Madison. They keynote speaker will be Robert Pearl, M.D., who is a professor at Stanford University, is a prior CEO of the Permanente Medical Group, and has written the book, “ChatGPT, MD: How AI Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” He will be speaking on the future of health care, and the role generative artificial intelligence (AI) will play.   

Consider joining your fellow physicians in Madison in June to advocate for patients and your profession! The registration form is live on the Doctor Day website. 

Winter Refresher Course 

Attend the 55th Annual Winter Refresher Course on March 6-7, 2025, hosted by the WAFP and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Physicians from all over the state will congregate at the Trade Hotel in Milwaukee (map) for educational presentations, networking opportunities, and to fulfill crucial CME credits.

Student & Resident Leadership Summit

Save the date for our fourth annual Student & Resident Leadership Summit on August 22, 2025.

Students and residents will congregate for a day of learning, growth, and community-building. Expert speakers will help develop key leadership skills that are essential in Family Medicine, while also providing attendees with hands-on experiences.

FMAS Scholarship Opportunities 

AAFP’s  Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS) is a unique opportunity for Family Physicians to directly lobby members of Congress and their staffs on issues pertaining to primary care. AAFP awards scholarships to two students and two residents. Interested candidates may fill out the  application form. Scholarships will include reimbursement for travel to and from Washington, DC; hotel accommodations; and registration fees. 

The deadline to apply is Feb. 14, 2025. 

FUTURE 2025 Poster Applications

The AAFP is now accepting poster applications for FUTURE 2025  (formerly National Conference), July 31–August 2, in Kansas City, MO. 

FUTURE  is one of the largest forums for residents and students to display their research and special projects for their peers, residency programs, and potential employers. 

Fifty posters will be selected from the following categories: 

• Clinical inquiry 
• Community project 
• Educational program 
• Research 

While posters from all four categories will be selected for display, only 12 posters from the Research category will be selected for on-site judging. 

This contest is open to all AAFP resident and student members eligible to attend  FUTURE. Applications are due April 1. Apply today. 

AAFP The EveryONE Project Tool Kit: Community Engagement  

Take a moment to read through the Community Engagement tab available through AAFP’s EveryONE Project Tool Kit. Here, you will find Anti-Racism & Social Determinants of Health Action Guides in addition to seven Health Equity Issue Briefs. This is a valuable resource designed to help family physicians and other healthcare professionals advocate for meaningful change within our healthcare system. This toolkit offers practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tips for engaging in public policy efforts, addressing health disparities, and promoting patient-centered care. 

Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to expand your impact, it provides clear steps and useful templates to help you navigate the complexities of health policy and community engagement. 

For more information about AAFP’s EveryONE Project, visit their website.  

Birth Defects Awareness Month 

January is Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and promote understanding of health conditions that affect babies before birth. The Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) recognizes the importance of supporting individuals and families navigating these challenges. While not all birth defects are preventable, awareness and education can significantly reduce the risk of certain conditions. For instance, prenatal alcohol exposure remains a leading preventable cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. To support family physicians in addressing this issue, WAFP offers resources on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), along with tools to enhance Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) practices. Visit our website for valuable FASD resources and CME opportunities to make a difference in patient care during this crucial month.

Career Center 

WAFP’s Career Center, a robust platform designed to empower individuals seeking a change in their professional path. As a valued member, you gain exclusive and free access to a treasure trove of resources to guide you through every step of your career transformation. 

You can visit the Career Advice page for tips on updating your resume and cover letter, personal branding, networking, and more. Members can create a free job seeker account to browse family medicine jobs in Wisconsin, upload your resume so employers can find you, sign up for job alerts for jobs that match your personalized criteria, and more. 

If you or your practice are looking to hire, check out the Employers page of the Career Center. Employers can create Recruiter accounts to post their jobs and interact with Family Physicians searching for jobs in Wisconsin. 

The Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians-Foundation is excited to announce that we will be bringing back our Silent Auction at the 2025 Winter Refresher Course. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of Family Medicine in Wisconsin, this auction will help raise funds to meet the most pressing needs for our strategic goals. 

We need your help to make this year a success! If you are able, we ask you to make a donation to our silent auction with a gift, experience, or donation package valued at a minimum of $50. 

Ideas for items to donate: 

• Tickets to a sporting event, theater show, or concert 
• Spa package 
• Wine, cheese, or another Wisconsin-themed food basket  
• Floral or restaurant gift certificate 
• Many more! 

Don't have an item or experience to donate? Consider making a contribution instead! Every gift makes a difference. 

Make a Lasting Impact with WAFP-Foundation’s Monthly Giving Program 

Join the WAFP-Foundation in making an impact all year long! Our monthly giving program is ideal for donors who want to make a sustained, long-term difference without the need for a large upfront commitment. 

By committing to monthly giving, you’re helping secure the long-term financial health of the WAFP-Foundation, ensuring we can continue to make a powerful impact on the future of family medicine in Wisconsin.  

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a measurable difference. Be a part of something bigger. Become a Family Medicine Partner today. 

Celebrating the Faces of Vaccinology: Katalin "Kati" Karikó

In the second edition of our Celebrating the Faces of Vaccinology series, we’re spotlighting Katalin "Kati" Karikó’, whose decades of mRNA research laid the groundwork for the rapid, life-saving development of the first mRNA and COVID vaccine. Preventing an estimated 14.4 million deaths worldwide within its first year of use, the vaccine became a pivotal milestone in the fight against the pandemic.

2025 ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes: Updates! 

Stay ahead in providing top-tier diabetes care with the latest updates from the 2025 ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. This article breaks down the key changes relevant to primary care, including new terminologies, treatment approaches, screening guidelines, and drug updates. With a focus on inclusive language, team-based care, and expanded recommendations for continuous glucose monitoring, these updates are essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your practice—read the article to stay informed and support your patients with the most current evidence-based guidance! 

Highlighted Resource: CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel 

Stay informed and prepared with the CDC's Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel! This valuable resource offers real-time insights into the prevalence of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV within specific communities, including detailed state and county data. With weekly updates and comprehensive metrics, this tool empowers family physicians to anticipate patient needs and adjust care accordingly. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your practice with data-driven insights—explore the Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel today! 

Inhaler Price Cap takes effect  

Good news for patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions! The recent agreement by major inhaler manufacturers to cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 per inhaler per month marks a significant step toward affordability and accessibility. This article outlines the details of the price caps, the eligible inhalers, and how patients can benefit from these changes. As family physicians, staying informed about these updates allows you to better support your patients in accessing essential medications. Don’t miss this important read—help make a difference in your patients’ lives today! 

Make WAFP's Career Center your Job Search Resource

WAFP Career Center offers the top jobs available for Physicians. Search and apply to open positions or post jobs on WAFP Career Center now.

State of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians

The Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) is the 11th largest state chapter of the AAFP. The AAFP has more than 125,000 members.

Lower Vaccine Costs

Atlantic works with Sanofi Pasteur, Seqirus, GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca to provide the most favorable flu pricing and terms, as well as assist with the challenges you face in selecting, pre-booking, and administering flu vaccines.

Are you at risk for burnout? Asses Your Risk Now

Your well-being is vital to a thriving and long-lasting career in family medicine and to your patients' health and outcomes. This is why the AAFP is offering members free access to the Physician Well-being Index.

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