The Illinois Pulse: Family Medicine Insights

This episode highlights how family physicians can advance birth equity in Illinois through preconception counseling and perinatal mental health care. Our guests discuss practical ways to support patients before, during, and after pregnancy, including managing chronic conditions, addressing mental health concerns, and coordinating care across the continuum. Learn how family physicians can use their long term relationships with patients to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and promote health equity in their communities.Guests:Kristina Dakis, MD, FAAFP – Rural Full Scope Family Physician, Gibson City, Illinois.Rahmat Na’Allah, MD, MPH, FAAFP – Professor of Clinical Family Medicine and Director, Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.Hosts:Syed Mustafa Alavi, MD, FAAFP, First Vice President, Illinois Academy of Family PhysiciansChristina Wells, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAFP, Second Vice President, Illinois Academy of Family PhysiciansResources:AAFP Preconception Counseling and CareAAFP Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Resources for Family Physicians  AAFP Neighborhood NavigatorACOG eModule - Addressing Perinatal Mental Health Conditions in Obstetric SettingsCDC Hear Her Campaign HRSA National Maternal Mental Health HotlineIllinois DocAssist IAFP Family Physicians Delivering Babies Member Interest Group NIH Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)  Share Your IdeasThe Illinois Pulse is designed to serve Illinois family physicians, and we want to hear from you.  Have a topic suggestion? Know an expert who would make a great guest? Want to share feedback on a recent episode?Click here to submit a podcast suggestion.Share Your IdeasJoin Us as We Explore the Pulse of Family Medicine

Welcome to The Illinois Pulse: Family Medicine Insights, the podcast of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians. Join hosts Christina Wells, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAFP, and Mustafa Alavi, MD, FAAFP, for conversations on clinical care, advocacy, public health, physician wellness, and the issues shaping family medicine in Illinois. Stay informed, connected, and inspired wherever you listen.Share Your IdeasJoin Us as We Explore the Pulse of Family Medicine

Episode 1: Advocacy in Action: A Family Medicine Advocacy Summit DebriefIn the inaugural episode of The Illinois Pulse: Family Medicine Insights, hosts Christina Wells, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAFP, and Mustafa Alavi, MD, FAAFP, discuss their experience at the 2026 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., with special guest David Tully, Vice President of Government Relations for the American Academy of Family Physicians. Together, they explore why advocacy matters for family physicians, what happens at the summit, and the key federal issues currently shaping the future of primary care. The conversation highlights legislative priorities affecting family medicine, including chronic care management, Medicare Advantage reform, and physician workforce challenges. The episode also features Amro ElSharoud, MD, who shares his personal experience navigating the H‑1B visa process and the important role international medical graduates play in serving communities across the country. Whether you are already involved in advocacy or are looking for ways to get started, this episode offers practical insights into how family physicians can use their voices and experiences to influence healthcare policy and improve patient care.Guests:David Tully, Vice President of Government Relations, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)Amro ElSharoud, MD, Congress Observer, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians; Family Medicine Physician, OSF HealthCareHosts:Christina Wells, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAFP, Second Vice President, Illinois Academy of Family PhysiciansSyed Mustafa Alavi, MD, FAAFP, First Vice President, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians Episode ResourcesAAFP Advocacy Ambassadors Program AAFP Speak Out Advocacy Center2026 Clinics to Congress: August Recess Advocacy Campaign August Recess Advocacy ChallengeDuring the episode, guests discuss opportunities for family physicians to engage with lawmakers during the congressional August recess. Key DatesJuly 21, 2026: Begin requesting in district meetings with members of CongressJuly 27, 2026: August Recess Advocacy Challenge opens in the Scavr appJuly 29, 2026 (8:00 PM ET): Official August Recess Campaign Kickoff MeetingJuly 27 to August 31, 2026: Complete Advocacy Challenge activitiesSeptember 2, 2026 (8:00 PM ET): Advocacy Ambassador Meeting and Challenge winners announcedWays to Get InvolvedSchedule or attend an in district meeting with your member of CongressComplete an AAFP Speak Out advocacy actionRecord a Video Ask for lawmakersParticipate in social media advocacy activitiesShare your story as a family physicianJoin the August Recess Advocacy Challenge  Share Your IdeasJoin Us as We Explore the Pulse of Family Medicine