FFFM | Advocacy in Action: Dr. Alex McDonald's Path to Public Service

In this Fighting for Family Medicine episode hosted by AAFP Vice President of Government Relations David Tully, you will hear from Alex McDonald, M.D., FAAFP, about his path to public service.

Dr. McDonald is a family physician who specializes in sports medicine and is a passionate advocate for family medicine. He shares his journey into advocacy, describing it as a way of 'showing up' for patients. From an initial all-member advocacy meeting to his recent election to the Claremont Unified School District Board of Education, Dr. McDonald has found ways to advocate for family physicians and the patients they serve. In this interview, he shares his perspectives on advocacy and how the advocacy process is fulfilling for him personally and professionally.

Find out what the AAFP is doing to protect and promote the specialty of family medicine on our website. Keep track of the progress the AAFP is making in the fight for family medicine at Advocacy: Recent Family Medicine Wins | AAFP.  Learn about our 2023 Advocacy Wins. Start exploring ways to get involved at Grassroots | AAFP.

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Topics by Timestamp

• 00:00 Introduction to Fighting for Family Medicine
• 00:15 Highlighting Dr. Alex McDonald's Advocacy Journey
• 01:34 Understanding Advocacy: Dr. McDonald's Perspective
• 02:22 Dr. McDonald's Advocacy Journey and Experiences
• 05:03 Running for School Board: The Decision and Experience
• 10:36 Balancing Act: Juggling Roles as a Physician, Parent, and Public Servant
• 13:39 Advice for Aspiring Advocates and Public Servants
• 16:54 Closing Remarks and Final Takeaways
• 18:16 Disclaimer and Copyright Information

Disclaimer: Copyright 2024. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise.  AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.