ACOFP Blog

In 2021, more than 80 posts covering a breadth of topics were published on the ACOFP blog thanks to our committed volunteers! Specifically, members of the following committees, work groups and task forces dedicated their time to reviewing and contributing thoughtful, authentic and inspirational content:

• Awards Committee
• Board of Governors
• Executive Council of Conclave of Fellows
• Federal Legislation & Advocacy Committee
• Health & Wellness Committee
• Intensive Osteopathic Update Work Group
• National Student Executive Board
• Practice Management Committee
• Resident Council
• Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Women’s Leadership Committee
• Auxiliary to the ACOFP
• ACOFP Education and Research Foundation

To close out an incredible year of content, we’re taking a look back at the five most-viewed member-generated posts from 2021:

1. Stay Strong: An Open Letter Amid COVID-19

LTC Derrick Sorweide, DO, FACOFP; United States Army Reserve, Medical Readiness and Training Command; ACOFP Governor

Physicians don’t have to know it all. They do have to continue to learn, stay compassionate and provide a safe, calm place for patients to come unload their concerns. Physicians do not have to be able to stomp out all disease. They do have to be committed—body, mind and spirit—to trying. Go be physicians.

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt lives, ACOFP Governor LTC Derrick Sorweide, DO, FACOFP, shares a message of motivation, imploring physicians, residents and students to remain resilient, keep fighting in this battle and ask for help, if needed.

2. I Decided Not to Wait

David J. Park, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP; ACOFP Vice President

Let there be no doubt that systemic ethnocentrism and xenophobia exist in the United States. The social plague of disdain and discrimination against people of non-white European descent is as old as the history of this country. For people of Asian origins, historical records show Chinese immigrant railroad workers being victims of discrimination and exploitation starting in the mid-1800s. This plague continues today, being manifested in a broad spectrum of words and actions at varying levels of intensity.

In a poignant personal account, ACOFP Vice President David J. Park, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP, details his experience as an Asian-American who immigrated to the United States as a child. Read why he decided to no longer wait to tell his story and what you can do to take action against racism and discrimination.

3. Face Masks as a Preventative Measure in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Colleen Maher, DO; 2021 Namey/Burnett Preventive Medicine Writing Award Winner, Second Place*

In the day and age of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are searching for consistent guidance on measures they can take to protect themselves and loved ones. Primary care physicians are often on the front lines of these conversations and, as such, it is vital that a uniform, evidence-based message is being relayed to patients on up-to-date recommendations.

Review the evolution of face masks, their uses and implications in the blog awarded second place in the 2021 Namey/Burnett Preventative Medicine Writing Award competition.

4. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Nicole Bixler, DO, MBA, FACOFP; ACOFP President

When I was elected to the ACOFP Board of Governors in 2013, I “diversified” our Board by being a 39-year-old white female. At that time and until now, there have only been five women elected as Governor to the ACOFP Board in its 70-year history. Similarly, there has only been a handful of female governors under the age of 40, much less anyone with three children under 10.

At the time, my addition to the Board was significant for what it represented as a change in our specialty college’s future leadership. I realize now that it was just one minor step in the direction that was needed—not only for ACOFP but also for our profession, the patients we care for and our collective communities.

Learn what steps ACOFP began taking to embrace the definition of diversity, equity and inclusion in 2021.

5. Food for Your Mood: Nutrition as a Part of the Treatment and Prevention of Major Depressive Disorder

Emily Bilyk, DO; Andrew Goodbred, MD; and Abby Rhoads, DO

In any given year, more than 17.3 million American adults—or about 7.1% of the U.S. population—aged 18 and older are affected by major depressive disorder (MDD). The mainstays for treatment for MDD include cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medications; however, we also have an underutilized opportunity to connect our patients with depressive symptoms to lifestyle modifications that have the potential to improve their mental health, especially in the area of nutrition.

Explore recommendations and evidence for dietary modification as a part of a comprehensive and holistic approach to the management of major depressive disorder in this 2021 Namey/Burnett Preventative Medicine Writing Award competition submission.