A Message from Dr. Tate Hinkle: The Power of Advocacy and Unity in Family Medicine
Dear Colleagues,
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your president of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). As I step into this role, I find myself reflecting on not only the challenges we face as family physicians, but also on the opportunities we have to strengthen our impact on our patients, our communities, and the future of healthcare in Alabama. What sets family medicine apart is the relationships we share with our patients. We don’t just treat illnesses; we care for entire families by addressing physical, emotional, and social needs over time. However, in an ever-changing healthcare landscape, it’s not enough for us to focus solely on our clinical roles. Now, more than ever, family physicians must extend their influence beyond the exam room and step into advocacy and mentorship.
Advocacy
Advocacy is a cornerstone of our profession, and it’s clear that the voice of family medicine is needed more than ever. In our state, decisions are being made every day about funding, healthcare policies, scope of practice, and insurance regulations. These decisions directly impact our work and, more importantly, our patients. As family physicians, we are uniquely positioned to educate policymakers about the realities of modern healthcare and the vital role we play in maintaining the health of our patients and communities.
Just as it is important to build strong relationships with patients, it is also important to build relationships with local legislators. This is one of the most effective ways to influence policy decisions because when they hear directly from us they better understand the critical issues at stake. Whether we advocate for expanded access to primary care services, fair reimbursement, or improved public health initiatives, our voices can drive meaningful change.
But advocacy doesn’t have to begin at the Capitol. It starts in our own practices, communities, and professional networks. Whether it’s mentoring a resident or medical student, speaking to your local school board about health education, or informing patients about policies that affect their care, your actions make a difference. Each of us has the power to amplify the message of family medicine, ensuring that its value is both understood and respected.
Why Be More Involved in AAFP?
The AAFP is a collective voice for family physicians statewide. By becoming more involved, you gain access to resources, connections, and a platform that strengthens both our profession and your individual practice.
Here’s why every family physician in Alabama should consider becoming an active member:
- Advocacy Support: The AAFP works tirelessly at the state and national levels, providing you with the tools and resources needed to advocate effectively.
- Opportunities for Growth: Whether through CME, leadership opportunities, or mentorship programs, the AAFP is dedicated to helping you thrive as both a physician and a leader in your community.
- Building Connections: The AAFP connects you to a network of like-minded professionals who understand the unique joys and challenges of family medicine. Together, we’re stronger.
As I begin this journey as your president, I want to leave you with a challenge: get involved. Speak up. Mentor. Advocate. Join the AAFP if you haven’t already and encourage others to do the same.
Tate Hinkle, MD, MPH, FAAFP
One of the most meaningful influences in my career was a mentor, Dr. Bill Coleman, who believed in my potential, even when I doubted myself. That encouragement shaped the physician I am today, inspiring me to give back by mentoring others. I challenge each of you to do the same. Take a medical student under your wing; invest your time in nurturing the next generation of family physicians and show them why our field is worth pursuing. By actively engaging with students, residents, and young physicians, you are not only shaping their future but securing the future of our specialty.
As I begin this journey as your president, I want to leave you with a challenge: get involved. Speak up. Mentor. Advocate. Join the AAFP if you haven’t already and encourage others to do the same. Family medicine is the foundation of our healthcare system, and the more united we are, the louder our voices become.
Thank you for entrusting me to serve as your president. I look forward to working alongside each of you as we advocate for policies that strengthen our practices, invest in the next generation, and fuel the future of family medicine in Alabama.
Sincerely,
Tate Hinkle, MD, MPH, FAAFP
President, Alabama Chapter of the AAFP
