Barb Doty is running for President elect of the AAFP.

Fellow Alaskan Family docs: It has been 2 years since you nominated me to run for the AAFP Board of Directors. What an amazing education, and what a remarkable time to be on the board! I have been at the forefront of AAFP decision-making on behalf of my Alaska chapter, discussing things like the implementation of the Accountable Care Act, Mobile App development of AAFP materials for ease of accessibility, Improved quality of CME, American Board of Family Medicine changes, Payment Reform for Family Docs, and many, many other issues. We meet as a Board 5 times a year for 1 week, and in addition, I have had the privilege of attending several other state chapter meetings in Delaware, Washington, Idaho, and Tennessee. Lots and lots of travel, but very rewarding.

Next year I will be in my third and final year on the board. After careful thought and discussion with others, I have decided to run for the President-Elect position. The process is to announce this October in Philadelphia with the blessing and support of my chapter, and to give my election speech during the Congress of Delegates meeting in San Diego September 24, 2013. If elected, I pledge to work hard on behalf of Alaska's issues, and foresee an opportunity to bring national attention to our Alaskan family issues on a scale not previously experienced.

How can you help?

1. Plan to attend the Scientific Assembly in San Diego in 2013; come early, and join us at the hospitality suite on Monday night the 23rd.

2. Contribute $100 to my election campaign via the AAFP chapter to cover costs of mailings, hand-outs (est. cost $10,000)

3. Give me advice/direction on where we should be headed as an Academy: What is truly important for today's family docs!

4. Give me honest feedback and advice about how to put my best foot forward as a national representative.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for your help and encouragement; I cannot tell you what it has meant to have your steadfast support. The Future of Family Medicine is getting brighter by the minute, and with dedicated cheerful persistence, payment reform for your hard work and respect for your commitment to the well-being of Alaska's people will be shortly forthcoming!

Barb Doty MD
bdoty@mtaonline.net