FFFM | January 2026 Advocacy Rounds

In this episode of Fighting for Family Medicine, David Tully, vice president of Government Relations at AAFP, provides an overview of the Academy's advocacy work for family medicine in January. Key topics include urging Congress to improve health care accessibility, advocating for better primary care investments, supporting telehealth policy extensions, opposing changes to childhood vaccine schedules and responding to proposed changes to the public charge rule. Additionally, Tully shares information about how to register for the upcoming Family Medicine Advocacy Summit. The summary concludes with ways to get involved and a reminder to visit the AAFP website for more details. Topics by Timestamp 00:00 Introduction and overview 00:33 Advocacy efforts in January 01:15 Expanding family medicine training 01:56 Telehealth flexibilities and policies 02:41 Vaccine policy and advocacy 03:55 Immigration and public health 05:00 Modernizing Medicare physician payment 06:06 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit 06:55 Conclusion and call to action Additional Resources Immunization Schedules | AAFP AAFP Comments to DEA on Special Registrations for Telemedicine CS Prescribing PR - March 17, 2025 Joint AAFP-CAFM Comments on FY 2026 IPPS Proposed Rule - June 10, 2025 AAFP Letter to DHS on Public Charge Proposed Rule - December 17, 2025 Sign-on Letter to DHS on Public Charge Proposed Rule - December 19, 2025 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit | AAFP Joint Letter Requesting Congressional Oversight of New Childhood Vaccine Schedule - January 9, 2026 Joint Letter on US Childhood Immunization Schedule - January 7, 2026 AAFP Letter for Energy and Commerce Hearing on Medicare Legislation - January 8, 2026 AAFP Letter for House Hearings with Health Insurance CEOs - January 22, 2026 Disclaimer: Copyright 2026, AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. The AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.