President’s Message: Giving Thanks to Family Physicians Nationwide

Our hearts go out to the communities in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and throughout the Southeast affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many of us at ABFM have family and friends in these states and know how devastated Asheville, NC, and the surrounding counties remain to this day. Our colleagues—including many of the residents in these areas—responded quickly and creatively to the crisis. Access to electricity, cell phone and potable water has been limited, with repair complicated by damage to many roads. This will take years to recover from, long after the national press fades. As with the fires in California and other national disasters, family physicians, countless rescuers, and other workers have answered the call—including those that lent a hand or helped provide supplies for the affected regions. Thank you! Your service is inspirational.

Thank you also to all our veterans, including the many who have served as family physicians. The dedication you have for our country and the safety and health of our citizens is wonderful. We are grateful for your service.

I also want to thank the hundreds of Diplomates and residents who visited our booth at this year’s FMX conference in Phoenix, Arizona. It was wonderful to talk to so many insightful and interesting physicians! We also sincerely appreciate those who weighed in and asked questions about Certification 2025: the New 5-Year Cycle. Based on your comments, we were able to quickly implement suggested improvements in the MyABFM Portfolio to clarify what we are asking for and make it easier for you to understand what is expected. We also thank those physicians who gave testimonials on the importance of board certification and/or had their photo taken for our ongoing A Higher Standard campaign. It is amazing to us what a difference it makes to have pictures of actual Diplomates on our website!

Lastly, I want to mention my gratitude for the many volunteers who serve ABFM as item writers, with the National Journal Club or Engagement Network, or the numerous residents and Diplomates who have taken part in the National Resident Survey (NRS), National Graduate Survey (NGS), and the Practice Demographic Survey (PDS). Fall is a season of surveys! The information you share helps us do our work, to better understand your practice, your communities, and where the specialty is going. We report this data across family medicine and in publications throughout the year.

Family physicians nationwide are working to improve the lives of their patients, their communities, and the specialty. We are grateful for all you do, as well as your commitment to lifelong learning and professionalism. We at ABFM wish you a safe and festive Thanksgiving.

Warren P. Newton, MD, MPH
President and CEO
American Board of Family Medicine