Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
IAFP News Room
AAFP Responds to Removal of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Members
June 10, 2025
IAFP MEMBERS: As you may have seen in the news, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was eliminated by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In response, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) issued a statement addressing the removal of ACIP members.
Just hours ago, the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates adopted an emergency resolution calling for the reinstatement of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee members and urging a Senate health committee investigation into Secretary Kennedy’s actions. Michael Hanak, MD, Chair of the AAFP Delegation to the AMA, and IAFP Delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates, played a key role in drafting and rallying support for this resolution. This strong stance from the AMA reflects the unified voice of the house of medicine, including the AAFP, American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
IAFP echoed AAFP’s sentiments on social media and will continue to report any developments provided by AAFP.
IAFP Opposes HHS decision to not recommend COVID vaccine for children and pregnant people. IAFP President Elect Corinne Kohler, MD, FAAFP was interviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times with our reaction and concerns generated by this ruling.
Federal Spending Bill Sparks Major Concern for Cook County Mark Loafman, MD Chair of Family and Community Medicine at Cook County Health appears in this May 23 WBEZ story investigating the threats to County Care with the proposed federal bill that will cut billions from Medicaid funding to states and also programs in Cook County. “I think this feels more harsh and more certain that there’s going to be an almost devastating level of cuts coming for some of our patients,” Loafman said.
Celebrating the Match: Carl Lambert, Jr., MD, and past IAFP student board member Haley Bylina from the Rush Family Medicine Leadership program were featured on the WGN-TV 5pm news on March 21 with Match Day celebrations, including Haley’s match to the Advocate Lutheran General Family Medicine Residency program in Park Ridge. They also focused on the need to bring more physicians in to family medicine. Watch it here.
Our IAFP Letter to the Editor from President Kate Rowland supporting the residents and urging ownership to provide the financial support needed for them to continue their training ran in the Oak Park Weds Journal and Austin Weekly News
IAFP member Chidinma Osineme, MD will be the next president of the medical staff at West Suburban Medical Center as reported March 10 by the Austin Weekly News and Wednesday Journal.
Thomas Huggett, MD was featured by the University of Chicago on March 14 as one of their graduates making a difference through Street Medicine and health care for those experiencing homelessness.
Joyce Johnson, MD was included in a WIFR-TV Rockford March 17 story reflecting on how the community came together back at the start of the COVID outbreak five years ago.
|
Newcomb Named ISMS Physician Leader of the Year
IAFP Class of 2025 board member, Aaron Newcomb, D.O., is the recipient of the 2025 ISMS Physician Leader of the Year award that honors physicians who demonstrate exceptional leadership in healthcare delivery, advocacy, and community engagement. Dr. Newcomb has been a pivotal force in addressing the opioid epidemic—pioneering the use of buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder in the Southern Illinois region, delivering continuing medical education on controlled substance prescribing at local, state, and national levels, publishing advocacy articles in national peer-reviewed journals and working tirelessly to dismantle stigma through partnerships with organizations like ISMS to drive healthcare reform. Dr. Newcomb’s invaluable service has extended well beyond Shawnee Health Services, a rural Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where he has practiced for many years and serves as the medical director for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program. He is also IAFP’s subject matter expert on addiction medicine and lead faculty on our Opioid Safety CME series that meets state licensing requirements.
Click on the photo above for the press release from Shawnee Health
|
PBS Documentary includes IAFP Member
Carl E Lambert, Jr. MD, FAAFP – the 2020 IAFP Family Medicine Teacher of the Year contributed to a PBS/NOVA featured documentary called “Critical Condition: Black Health Care in America” where he spoke about the historical and socioeconomic factors that continue to perpetuate inequities in health access and outcomes in Chicago and nationwide. As director of the Rush Medical College Family Medicine Leadership Program is a leading voice and champion for bringing more physicians of color into physician careers. The film debuted on PBS on April 30 and you can watch the full film by clicking on his photo above.
For media inquiries, please contact Ginnie Flynn, Vice President of Communications and Member Engagement gflynn@iafp.com or 773/754-1185
Do you have news regarding an IAFP member? If so, e-mail us or use the form below
Are you a member willing to field requests from the media?
Contact Ginnie Flynn or submit this simple form to tell us more!
