Episode 1: Advocacy in Action: A Family Medicine Advocacy Summit Debrief

In 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 HealthCare

Hosts:

• Christina Wells, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAFP, Second Vice President, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians
• Syed Mustafa Alavi, MD, FAAFP, First Vice President, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians

Episode Resources

AAFP Advocacy Ambassadors Program

AAFP Speak Out Advocacy Center

2026 Clinics to Congress: August Recess Advocacy Campaign

August Recess Advocacy Challenge

During the episode, guests discuss opportunities for family physicians to engage with lawmakers during the congressional August recess.

Key Dates

• July 21, 2026: Begin requesting in district meetings with members of Congress
• July 27, 2026: August Recess Advocacy Challenge opens in the Scavr app
• July 29, 2026 (8:00 PM ET): Official August Recess Campaign Kickoff Meeting
• July 27 to August 31, 2026: Complete Advocacy Challenge activities
• September 2, 2026 (8:00 PM ET): Advocacy Ambassador Meeting and Challenge winners announced

Ways to Get Involved

• Schedule or attend an in district meeting with your member of Congress
• Complete an AAFP Speak Out advocacy action
• Record a Video Ask for lawmakers
• Participate in social media advocacy activities
• Share your story as a family physician
• Join the August Recess Advocacy Challenge

Share Your Ideas

Join Us as We Explore the Pulse of Family Medicine