The Alabama Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) proudly hosted one of its most anticipated events, the 2025 Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium, from June 19–22, 2025, at the breathtaking Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. With clinicians, residents, and medical students in attendance, the conference offered a robust schedule of workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities for all participants.

This year’s symposium struck the perfect balance between professional development and camaraderie. The event began on Thursday with an electrifying mix of academic enrichment and social interactions. A Value-Based Care session, led by Dr. Beverly Jordan, MD, FAAFP, centered on creating efficient and impactful patient care models. Dr. Richard Rosenthal, MD, presented an insightful update on diabetes and obesity management, followed by Dr. Tom Weida, MD, FAAFP, who delivered an engaging session on E&M coding changes. Later in the day, an exciting immunization and infectious disease update was provided by Dr. Jane Weida, MD, FAAFP. In the evening, attendees, exhibitors, and their families connected at the Get Acquainted Party, creating the perfect introduction to four days of collaboration.

By Day 2, the energy was palpable as the conference expanded to include sessions tailored for medical students, alongside professional development workshops for practicing physicians. For medical students, the Residency Fair facilitated direct connections to residency programs across the country. This was followed by a hands-on Ultrasound Workshop led by TFMRP/Cahaba and a compelling session on Hypertension Updates by Dr. Timothy Mott, MD. During lunch, Dr. Ashley Norwood-Strickland, PHD, delivered a presentation on Whole-Person Care, emphasizing sustainable integrated care for both patients and providers. For physicians, the day included sessions on thyroid nodules and cancer (Dr. Daniel Rocke, MD) and healthcare law (Brandy Boone, JD), followed by training on Collaborative Practice Requirements, as well as optional pre-registered workshops such as Nexplanon Training.

Also on Friday, Tate Hinkle, MD, MPH, HMDC, FAAFP, was officially sworn in as President of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians. A proud family physician from Auburn, Dr. Hinkle brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to this prestigious role. With a deep commitment to rural healthcare, health policy, and medical education, he has dedicated his career to transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.

Dr. Hinkle is a trailblazer in helping practices and rural hospitals transition to value-based care, enhancing the quality of patient outcomes across the state. His expertise in hospice and palliative care underscores his holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring the needs of patients at every stage of life are met with compassion. Drawing on his extensive involvement in medicine at the local, state, and national levels, Dr. Hinkle is poised to lead the Academy toward improving care delivery and education in pursuit of equitable and high-quality outcomes for Alabama’s communities.

Saturday emphasized skill-based workshops and practical learning. For medical students, the schedule included a Rapid OMT for Neck Pain session led by Dr. Byron Berry, DO, showcasing osteopathic manipulative techniques; an interactive OB Workshop conducted by UAB-Huntsville FMRP and TFMRP; and a Dermatology-focused Derm Workshop facilitated by St. Vincent’s/Gadsden FMRP. For physicians, highlights included lectures on Hip Preservation (Dr. Benton Emblom, MD) and a Pediatric Update (Dr. Nola Earnest, MD, FAAP), as well as a discussion on Controlled Substance Prescribing Requirements. The day concluded with the widely anticipated Cesarean Symposium.

The closing day wrapped up the event on a high note. Physicians attended sessions that included an AAFP Update from Dr. Daron Gersch, MD, FAAFP, a New Drug Update presented by Dr. Sean Smithgall, Pharm.D., and an ADPH Update by Dr. Wes Stubblefield, MD, FAAP, concluding the physician agenda. Meanwhile, medical students participated in a leadership focused ‘All About Leadership in the AAFP’ workshop, followed by an insightful FMIG Workshop led by Drs. Chandler and Amanda Stisher, which focused on Family Medicine Interest Groups. The day ended with a final organizational session for new student officers and board members before adjournment.

The event successfully integrated both medical student and physician agendas, fostering mentorship and collaboration across career stages. Hands-on workshops like the Derm Workshop, Ultrasound Training, and the Cesarean Symposium provided attendees with practical skills to implement in their practices. Networking opportunities were abundant across the Residency Fair, exhibit hall lunches, and evening socials.

The AAFP extends its gratitude to all the attendees, speakers, and sponsors who made the 2025 Annual Meeting such an empowering experience. Stay tuned for details on the 2026 Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium—we can’t wait to see you there!