Derek Southwick, MD

From patient care to policy discussions, the work continues. Strengthening primary care requires engagement at every level. Representing family medicine in DC. #FamilyMedicine #PrimaryCare @futurefamilymed @aafp @AAFP_advocacy

Encouraged by Senator Young’s enthusiasm for strengthening independent physician practices and supporting small business pathways in healthcare. Primary care thrives when independent practices thrive. 🇺🇸 @SenToddYoung @aafp #CapitolHill #Advocacy #FamilyMedicine

The AAFP BOD is back in DC advocating for immunization access, Medicare copayment fee reductions, and rural Family Physcian workforce development. Thankful for the AAFP to create these opportunities! The day starts with good preparation...@AAFP_advocacy

Proud of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the incredible committee work happening right now. Strong leadership, thoughtful discussion, and real collaboration at a very productive meeting in Dallas. This is how we build the future of family medicine.

Ranking opens Feb. 2 for #medstudents and graduates participating in #Match2026. Applicants have until Mar. 4 to finalize their rank order lists. With those dates approaching, we asked #fammed residents to share insights from their Match experiences. bit.ly/3WbJu35

Vaccines come with a lot of noise right now. That is exactly why conversations with your family physician matter. They know your family, your values, and your situation, and can help you make thoughtful, individualized decisions. #FamilyDoc #AAFP #Vaccine

One of the most encouraging parts of Winter Cluster was starting the AAFP Cross-Commission Work Group on Resident & Student Issues. Real collaboration across commissions to better support learners and the future of family medicine. #AAFP #FamilyMedicine

Finding reliable information quickly is an important part of being a family physician. The pace of new research and updated guidelines can bog down even the most dedicated readers. That’s why I’m excited to share a new partnership between the @aafp and @EvidenceOpen—an AI-powered platform used by more than 500,000 health care professionals each month. Through this partnership, American Family Physician and FPM content will now be available within OpenEvidence, alongside leading journals like JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association and The New England Journal of Medicine. This partnership is about meeting family physicians where they are and supporting clinical decision-making at the point of care. When used thoughtfully, AI tools like OpenEvidence can help cut through information overload, save time and reinforce high-quality, evidence-based care. As medicine evolves, the AAFP will continue to invest in partnerships that help family physicians focus on what matters most: caring for patients and communities. Read the full press release: openevidence.com/announcements/…

Grateful for the experiences that shaped me this year. Mistakes taught me humility. Challenges pushed me to grow. Time abroad shaped how I serve and listen. Thankful for the chance to keep learning and becoming better for my patients. #FamilyMedicine #Gratitude

Grateful for AAPCE Boise. Hands-on learning, expert teaching, and renewed inspiration to keep growing in procedural medicine.

Leadership in medicine isn’t always about doing more — sometimes it’s about stepping back and letting others grow.

An unforgettable moment addressing the AAFP Congress of Delegates on behalf of residents nationwide. I spoke about the impact of showing up, leading with purpose, and keeping people at the center of our work in family medicine. #AAFP #FamilyMedicine #ResidentLeadership

When independent practices thrive, patients win. They deliver personalized, community-rooted care with lower costs and higher satisfaction. Protecting independent physicians means reforming payment systems that reward value, not volume.

Heading home from Anaheim after an inspiring week at #AAFPFMX and the Congress of Delegates. Grateful to begin my term as Resident Director on the @aafp Board of Directors and excited for what’s ahead in family medicine. #FamilyMedicine #Leadership

Wrapping up an incredible week at #AAFPFMX and the Congress of Delegates. Inspired by the people and purpose that drive family medicine forward. #AAFP #FamilyMedicine

Honored to meet former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. @vivek_murthy at #AAFPFMX. His message in Together about connection and community echoes what we strive for in family medicine, and what I hope to amplify as Resident Member of the @aafp Board of Directors.

Congratulations to Dr. @DerekSouthwick, a second year resident at Family Medicine Residency at IU Health Ball Memorial, who will be installed as the Resident Director to the @aafp Board of Directors tomorrow!

Balance isn’t about time — it’s about presence. Wherever you are, be all there.

Filming today with @Medscape at #AAFPFMX! Excited to talk about work–life balance as a resident and dad of two — and how family, wellness, and purpose all fit into life as a new physician.

Dr. Steven Furr providing everyone with laughs at his Farewell Address. Yet, one should never underestimate his intellect and service to our Academy. Well done, sir. Blessings to you and Jackson, AL. #AAFPCOD