Dear Members,

“Long live all the magic we made (in MDAFP). I had the time of my life, fighting dragons (battles for our patients) with you.”

It is with mixed emotions that I write my final newsletter as president of MDAFP. This past year has flown by, and while I am proud of the progress we’ve made, I’ve also been reminded that meaningful change takes time. As the saying goes, “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” We must remember this as we continue shaping the future of family medicine—advocating not only for our profession but also for ourselves and, most importantly, our patients.

While change is often slow, we are also seeing shifts happening at an unprecedented pace. With that, there is uncertainty—about healthcare policies, insurance, prescriptions, and patient access to care. Our patients will need us more than ever. This is why we must stand together to protect what we know is essential for their well-being. Fortunately, MDAFP will be in great hands with an exceptional executive committee, led by our incoming president, Dr. Amar Duggirala. I have no doubt that our Academy will continue to be a strong voice for family medicine.

As these changes unfold, they will bring stress, anxiety, and even financial implications for our patients and colleagues. It is critical that we support one another and continue to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of healthcare. I encourage each of you to stay engaged—join our Governmental Advocacy Committee, write letters, provide testimony, and educate our communities about how policy changes impact patient care. No one understands our profession better than we do, and our patients need us to be their voice.

I know that each of you strives daily to be the best physician you can be. Family medicine is an honorable profession, but now, more than ever, we must speak up. There will be new challenges, and at times, the weight of them may feel heavy. Check in on your colleagues. Find ways to come together, to lift each other up. Lean on the leaders who came before you, as (Ive been so fortunate to do) and don’t forget to nurture the next generation—mentoring, encouraging, and equipping them to lead with passion and purpose.

It has been an incredible honor to serve as your president, to work alongside such dedicated physicians who embody the essence of family medicine—where family always comes first.

As I pass the torch, I leave you with this: Keep showing up, keep speaking out, and keep fighting for the future of family medicine. Our patients, our profession, and our colleagues depend on it.

"One day we will be remembered" -TS

Kelly Ryan, DO, FAAFP
MDAFP President