Practicing medicine has been hard. The over 1,100 Utah family physicians have seen challenges this year too numerous to mention. These challenges, both personal and professional, are not lost on us at the Academy, and I want to clearly acknowledge them and share our appreciation.

Each of us has had a unique experience since I last wrote. The details of these, I am sure, have taken a toll.

At the state level, 2020 presented many challenges. The lack of in-person meetings, CME events, and face-to-face advocacy at the state capitol creates a feeling of isolation, and we appreciate your ongoing membership and support. I also want to take the time to acknowledge our leadership team as they have worked tirelessly to creatively keep the Academy up to speed, in the spotlight, and with a voice. I thank all of you.

Hopefully, 2021’s challenges will be more of getting back to normal and trying to integrate last year’s silver linings into our daily practices. Whether this is remote meetings and conferences, integrating telemedicine into your practice, or using your time to focus on health advocacy and addressing the concerns on people’s minds — and turning them into positive health outcomes.
I want to encourage people to not just re-affirm their faith in primary care and general practice but in medicine in general. For a moment, close the case–count websites, put away the vaccine efficacy updates, and find a medical topic that used to make you excited; one that probably still does. Take 10 minutes over the coming days to re-focus, think and re-learn about a topic that inspires your great care of our local communities and why you got interested in medicine in the first place. Take it back to the basics of two or 22 years ago, when you were first mesmerized in medical school. You have earned it, and it will hopefully help you to continue the necessary work that our state needs in these coming months and years.

Remember your wins of the year. Remember the losses and frustrations, but integrate them into what your post-COVID practices will look like. Remember those aspects of medicine that inspired you in your very first days.

I have appreciated the opportunity to help guide the Utah Academy of Family Physicians for the last 12 months and look forward to the next group of physician leaders as they continue to advocate for our hardworking members.

Thank you.

Isaac J. Noyes, MD .