Once the COVID-19 pandemic went from shocking arrival to ongoing reality, everyone’s meetings and conferences pivoted from live giant gatherings, to online experiences from home. Illinois AFP had already selected resident and student delegates and alternates for the annual Kansas City experience. The virtual format enabled the two residents and two students to “tag team” their responsibilities behind the scenes. Here is a summary from each.

Addressing Anxiety and Opiate Use Disorder Together

The following blog post can serve as a template letter for physicians to explain applications where discontinuing benzodiazepine would not be advised. 

As family medicine physicians and members of society, we grieve the death of George Floyd. His death, along with the deaths of hundreds of black people killed by police officers each year, is a tragic reminder of the unjust treatment of African Americans in our country. The protests across the world are a response to this event and the many injustices suffered by black people at the hands of institutions that hold power in our country.

From the Reproductive Health MIG - Care in the Face of COVID-19

I left for a global health trip to Costa Rica on March 7. We had discussed cancelling the trip, but were told as long as we wore masks and practiced hand hygiene at the airports we could still go.  At that time, Costa Rica was a safe country for travel. That all changed while we were there; the in-country organization decided to send us home early without finishing all of our clinics. Since we arrived, the cases in Costa Rica climbed from one to 26.  For the first time in my ten years of doing these trips, we were evacuated early. The CDC guidelines at that time did not say we needed to be quarantined, but our institution wanted to be safe and placed us on self-quarantine when we returned. Sadly, that meant our students would miss Match Day! A few days later, Match Day and all large gatherings were cancelled for all medical students everywhere as the pandemic worsened.

You can subscribe to the Daily Gift of Vitality E-mails directly from Dr. Parella by sending her an email.  She also has starting posting daily on her blog Daily Gift of Vitality

While there is uncertainty and fear around us right now, there is also love and kindness around us, always. During times of uncertainty, it helps to have some structured routines. We offer a daily anchoring message for those of you who may find it helpful for you, your coworkers, your loved ones, and/or your community/patients.

(Editor's Note) This blog originally appeared on KevinMD.com on March 1.  Dr. Wheat has given her permission to re-post here. 

I celebrated 30 years of working with and for you in 2019. Here are just a few wise sayings I have learned from various past presidents along the way:
Never, ever give up asking someone if they are ready to change (to quit smoking, to lose weight, to increase exercise, to eat healthier). The next time you do may be the catalyst for change. Stephen Rittmann, MD
See the possibilities in everyone you meet. Carolyn Lopez, MD
You or your replacement will get this done. Bruce Steffens, MD
When things seem bleak and without hope, remember there is as much energy around in dark times as in bright times. Michael Brummer, MD


I think family medicine chose me and I responded in 1989 when I joined IAFP. I chose a new personal physician, William Hulesch, MD, an IAFP and Foundation past president. He continues to care for my family throughout all our patient and ‘no-so-patient’ health adventures. I was in the office of another past president, Raymond Weber, MD, when I received the call that my wife, Patty and I, were approved to adopt our second child.
I’ve been blessed to observe you in practice, from circumcisions to C-sections to daily practice. The framework of my journey as your chapter executive is much like the Academy’s motto: Devoted to Advocacy, Education and Action.

From the FPs in FQHCs Member Interest Group

This “Dialed in on Diabetes” post will wind down National Diabetes Awareness Month. As we post this, it is Thanksgiving week, and the beginning of the holiday season that includes Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and runs right on through New Year’s Day. Honestly, it kind of continues on with Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter! All these events also coincide with the cold winter and shorter daylight hours. This combination can sabotage diabetes management unless we can offer practical strategies for patients to manage the holidays and all the feasts throughout the season.

Diabetes, Obesity and Cardiovascular Health

The incidence and mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease are a growing concern. For patients also facing diabetes, heart disease is a serious threat. We can help patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes improve their risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes and Behavioral Health

Over my 30-year career, I have developed a personal and professional interest in mental health challenges and how they impact health and well-being. Mental health issues affect patients of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. When a patient also has a chronic physical condition, mental health issues can even further complicate care. These disorders can negatively impact patients’ ability to manage medications, avoid medication complications, and advocate and care for themselves. I would like to share some simple techniques that can help you address behavioral health issues while improving outcomes for your patients with diabetes.

This is the first post in the series “Dialed in on Diabetes.” Here, we’ll take a big-picture look at type 2 diabetes - as it runs throughout our practices, and yours. Who are the patients in your practice with type 2 diabetes? Are they mostly in a certain age group? What barriers or challenges do they face in taking care of their health? 

Resident Delegate Report

Audrey Hertenstein Perez, MD
PGY-2 West Suburban Medical Center FMRP
IAFP Resident President Elect 2019

Direct Primary Care MIG Blog - July 2019

I am happy to report for the Direct Primary Care (DPC) MIG, fresh from the camaraderie of the AAFP’s DPC Summit, which was June 28-30 in Rosemont. It was so energizing, educational and yes, entertaining, to be among “my people,” those who are “DPC docs,” and those who are considering or already planning to build a DPC practice of their own.

 “With a vote of 34 yeas, 20 nays, and three present, Senate Bill 25 Passes.” Access to safe and legal abortion would remain a protected right in Illinois, even as women’s health care rights continue to crumble all around us in other states. SB 25, specifically House Amendment 1, established the Reproductive Health Act.