North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, Inc.

01/14/2026

We are thrilled to bring you the recording of NCAFP President Dr. Benjamin “Frankie” Simmons’s installation speech! Dr. Simmons delivered this heartfelt, electrifying address during the 2025 Winter Meeting, where he discussed his path to Family Medicine, his conviction to serve his neighbors, and his hope for our specialty. “Defying Gravity is exactly what it feels like to be a Family Physician in America today,” Dr. Simmons said. “We rise for our patients, our communities, and one another.”
Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/909250/episodes/18508840-season-7-episode-1-ncafp-president-dr-benjamin-frankie-simmons-s-installation-speech

01/12/2026

Earlier this week, the NCDHHS issued updated physician fee schedules for Medicaid that will implement the reversal of the Medicaid rate cuts announced in December. As part of NCAFP’s advocacy against the cuts that were implemented on Oct. 1, our organization participated in a lawsuit which ultimately led to the state’s decision to reverse the cuts. Now the state and Medicaid Managed Care plans are tasked with implementing the updated fee schedules and paying the increased rate for claims that were processed while the cuts were taking effect.
https://www.ncafp.com/news/ncafp-advocacy-updated-ncmedicaid-fee-schedules

01/07/2026

NCAFP member Dr. Warren Newton received the 2025 NCAFP Distinguished Family Physician of the Year Award! This annual award recognizes NC family physicians who demonstrate leadership, ingenuity, and commitment to Family Medicine. Dr. Newton earned the award for his unparalleled service to the specialty in North Carolina and far beyond!
https://www.ncafp.com/news/ncafp-member-warren-newton-receives-ncafp-award

12/23/2025

NCAFP President Dr. Benjamin "Frankie" Simmons appears in Queen City News as a key source about the loss of ACA coverage!
“As those medical care costs go up, [my patients] are now choosing between, ‘Do I pay for my housing and living expenses, or am I choosing to pay for my medications or come to see my primary care family physician?” Simmons said. If the subsidies expire, "the average ACA coverage rate in North Carolina will also increase by almost 30 percent," the article states.
Read more:

At the end of the year, Affordable Care Act subsidies that help pay for millions of Americans’ healthcare premiums are set to expire.

12/22/2025

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is now accepting poster applications for the 2026 FUTURE Conference (July 30 – Aug. 1, 2026). This contest is open to all NCAFP/AAFP resident and student members eligible to attend FUTURE. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 1, 2026.
Read more:

The AAFP is now accepting poster applications for FUTURE 2026 Conference, open to all AAFP/NCAFP medical student and resident members!

12/17/2025

From Dec. 4 through Dec. 7, the NCAFP hosted the 2025 Hybrid Winter Family Physicians Weekend at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Over 930 guests participated in the hybrid conference and gained new insights during the continuing medical education (CME) lectures and workshops. “Each year, the Winter Weekend reflects the very best of Family Medicine, and this year was no exception!” says NCAFP Director of CME and Events Kathryn Atkinson, CMP. “The commitment to learning, the generosity in sharing expertise and experiences, and the genuine support among colleagues and peers created an atmosphere that was productive, inspiring, and energizing.”
“This year, the presentations were exceptional,” said one attendee in a post-event survey. “The speakers were engaging, topics were very pertinent to practice. This was by far one of the best NCAFP conferences I have attended. Exceptional job to those who organized this event!”
Here's what you should know:

From Dec. 4 through Dec. 7, the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP) hosted the 2025 Hybrid Winter Meeting for NCAFP members and attendees to receive top-notch CME.

12/11/2025

During a press conference yesterday, Governor Josh Stein and NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Dr. Devdutta Sangvai announced that the state will not submit a State Plan Amendment to reduce Medicaid rates, which would have resulted in an 8% cut to Family Medicine. “NCDHHS is restoring rates because the courts have required doing so, but the $319 million funding gap remains,” said Gov. Stein. “The General Assembly must act to fully fund Medicaid and protect health care for more than 3 million North Carolinians.” NCAFP was one of the petitioners in a suit against NCDHHS seeking to stop the cuts.
During the press conference, NCAFP President Dr. Benjamin “Frankie” Simmons spoke on behalf of family medicine and the medical community describing the adverse impacts of the cuts and the relief that patients and physicians will now enjoy. “The proposed cuts would have been devastating, threatening the stability of primary care practices and limiting access for every patient we serve,” said Dr. Simmons. “We are grateful that the Governor took these steps and we will continue to work with him and the legislature to ensure the Medicaid program is appropriately funded and continues to serve our patients and communities.” The NCAFP has advocated against the 8% cuts to Medicaid rates since before they were implemented Oct. 1.

12/10/2025

We can't wait to see the fantastic pictures that Indulge Images took during the Winter Meeting! Their photographers are our to-go team every year, because they make all the best moments of the event into the best pictures!

12/09/2025

Get ready to see even more of what we got to enjoy at the 2025 Hybrid Winter Family Physicians Weekend! There were so many great things we enjoyed: laughter, community, learning, and top-notch teaching that we'll be sharing this week.
Whether you joined us or couldn't make it, see the full event in the digital albums that include dozens of pictures from the weekend: https://www.ncafp.com/membership/event-spotlight

12/08/2025

Thank you to all who participated in the NCAFP Foundation's Fundraising raffle—your support helps the NCAFP Foundation make a difference in a Family Medicine!

12/07/2025

Our thanks to Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Asheville, DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, and Accents on Asheville. Their hospitality and convenient shuttle service were a big help to our attendees throughout the weekend.