Pub. 3 2019 Issue 2

lowed to define family physicians. The passion of those who lead our AAFP is truly inspiring. The remainder of the day was spent hearing from the refer- ence committees as they reported on the resolutions. The resolutions from Utah did well — Congress agreed that the AAFP should work to better cross-promote CME events of state chapters by improving the functionality of the online platform. Our resolution about tax incentives and loan forgiveness for choosing family medicine was referred to the board of directors. Referring to the board means that this group commits to further study and to making an official decision sometime within the next year. Utah also co-sponsored a resolution with Colorado about making a new CME category to help learning on health care econom- ics and policy. This resolution was also sent to the board of directors despite a challenge on the floor that this should happen sooner rather than later. On the final day of Congress, delegates voted, awards were announced for outstanding contributors to the field, and once again, the body of this AAFP Congress came together with a course for the future that is meaningful, inclusive, and directed to health for all. Dr. Gary LeRoy was inducted as AAFP president, and Dr. Ada D. Stewart was elected as president-elect. The leadership of AAFP is diverse, well-spoken, and represents the varying interests and issues of family physicians from across the country. Throughout Congress, the messages from our past, cur- rent and president-elect were aligned: we must protect the breadth of our specialty and continue to focus on access to our patients. Past President Dr. Munger said, “We must never be afraid to speak out against forces that impact our communities and patients.” And from outgoing president Dr. Cullen of Alaska, “We need to blow the walls and top off that box. We can do so much more as family physicians …. There is no one out there watching over our patients the way we do.” Congress of Delegates is an incredible experience and a great way to get involved, but there are so many other ways you can participate in UAFP — join a committee, run for office, attend one of our many events — and help this organization forward on areas that are important to you. The Utah Academy of Family Physicians celebrates the life and contributions of Garon Coriz, M.D., 1986-2019. Garon Coriz, M.D. In Memoriam 21 |