In Case You Missed It
Watch the COVID Vaccine Q & A
with State Epidemiologist, Dr. Leisha Nolen
Thanks to Dr. Leisha Nolen for joining UAFP for a 1-hour lunch & learn last week. Dr. Nolen provided the latest vaccination data and great discussion was had with participants about current data and addressing vaccine hesitancy with patients. Watch the entire session and download the presentation from our website.
Executive Director's Message
UAFP Executive Director, Maryann Martindale testifying at a committee meeting at the state capitol in Feb. 2020
In a survey we conducted two years ago, advocacy was named as one of the top priorities Utah members wanted from their academy.
Advocacy is a critical component to the work we do at UAFP and it comes with great responsibility.
We speak for our doctors who are busy treating patients, we speak for the students and residents who are learning and preparing for their careers in medicine, and we speak for our patients.
When advocating on your behalf, I always ask myself three questions:
- Will this promote or advance the practice of family medicine?
- Will this help our physicians in their practices and professional journeys?
- Will this improve or impact the health and wellness of our patients?
Never giving up on dreams: 85-year-old Holocaust refugee applies to medical school
KSL - A unique student has applied for admission to the University of Utah medical school. He stood out not because of his scores on the entrance exams, but because of the year he took them. He’s had every reason to believe his dream will come true.
Big dreams are not uncommon on college campuses. Each year at the University of Utah, 4,000 people dream of attending the School of Medicine. Of all those applicants, none have dreamt nearly as long as Eberhard Lehnardt, age 85, who lives in Springville. Read more...
Traveling for the Holidays? UDOH Offering Two Testing Sites Dedicated to Travel Testing
The Utah Department of Health has partnered with NOMI Health (Test Utah) to offer two locations with lanes dedicated for travel testing:
- Salt Lake City - Cannon Health building (288 North 1460 West)
- St. George - Dixie Technical College (610 S. Tech Ridge Drive)
Traveler testing at these two sites is free for Utah residents with proof of residency (state-issued identification, utility statement, credit card statement, tax notice, etc.). People who are not residents of Utah will be charged a $179 fee for rapid PCR tests (credit card only); however, PCR and rapid antigen tests will be provided free of charge. You also must show proof of travel, such as a boarding pass or other travel documents, and proof of Utah residence to receive the free rapid PCR test. Learn more here...
Use New Diabetes Clinical Guideline to Improve Screening, Disease Management Processes
AAFP - Diabetes-related complications create health challenges for patients and generate significant health care costs. Family physicians are instrumental in identifying risk factors, and working with patients early in the diagnosis to help effectively manage and treat the disease. The new "Diabetes Screening for Adults" clinical practice guideline includes information on Type 2 diabetes screening for adults age 40-70 and gestational diabetes screening for pregnant individuals.
To complement the new guideline the "Diabetes: Clinical Guidance and Practice Resources" web page offers additional clinical, implementation and education resources to ensure standardized care for this chronic condition.
Coming in 2022
Save The Date!
Family Medicine Day on the Hill
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Join us at the Utah State Capitol as we advocate for family medicine!
UAFP will provide lunch, a brief legislative tutorial, help you with talking points, and be right by your side the entire day as you engage with your legislators during the 2022 Utah General Legislative Session.
Come meet your own legislators and let them know of the value and importance of family medicine in Utah and discuss legislation that could impact your practice and your patients!
More details and registration coming in 2022.
Family Medicine Philanthropic Grant Applications Due Feb 2022
Got an idea for a philanthropic project, but don't know how to fund it? Consider an FMPC Grant!
Grants awarded through the FMPC enable projects like the one spearheaded last year by UAFP President, Dr. Chad Spain. He found that access to new/clean clothing is a significant barrier to student attendance. Through the funding from the FMPC Grant and clothing and financial donations from local donors, Dr. Spain, his wife, and other committed volunteers sought to eliminate this barrier.
FMPC Grant applications are due in February 2022 and are submitted through the chapter. Learn more about the different types of projects that could be funded here. More details to come in 2022!
New in 2022: Weekly UAFP Member Spotlight
One thing we hear anytime we host an in-person event is how much our members enjoy meeting other family medicine physicians in Utah. We want to help you connect with each other as much as possible, so in 2022, we will start featuring a different UAFP member each week. Keep an eye on your email over the next year for a request from UAFP to introduce yourself to your colleagues in Utah!
CME & Ski Early Bird Rates Extended to December 31!
WHEN: Friday, February 25 – Sunday, February 27, 2022
WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Park City, UT (Space is *extremely* limited - register soon!)
COST: Click here for a full list of registration prices.
Pediatric Asthma 2022 Update
Thursday, January 13, 2022, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Hosted by Intermountain Healthcare
Learn more and register here
We Love it When You Share!
Recently interviewed by local media? Penned a journal, magazine, or blog article? Win an award in your community? Let us know about it! We love to share what family doctors are up to around the state! Submit your idea here: https://utahafp.regfox.com/share-in-the-uafp-newsletter
