Taking to the Airwaves
On September 9, 1994, the organization found yet another way to serve its members. Family Medicine Television Network (FMTN) broadcast its first program to nearly 200 residency programs throughout the United States.
Chaired and moderated by past president Stephen Brunton, MD, with content development guided by the AFMRD Program Content Committee chaired by Franklyn Dornfest, MD, the network provides interactive programs once a month on topics of value to residents and program directors. The first program, for example, on "Ramifications of Health Reform" featured Robert Graham, MD, Executive Vice President of the AAFP, Daniel Ostergaard, MD, AAFP Vice President for Education and Scientific Affairs, and David Mersy, MD, President of AFMRD at that time. Later programs dealt with headache, several types of gastrointestinal disorders, and other medical topics.
Each medical program features a family physician with substantial experience in the topic under discussion. Viewers, who can earn continuing medical education credit for participating, can ask questions via telephone.
"FMTN provides a unique opportunity for residents and faculty to interact with leaders of our discipline," said Stephen Brunton, MD. "In addition, it provides a mechanism for residency programs around the country to network about other issues of concern."
The network is presented in conjunction with Interactive Medical Network, which provided most of the necessary equipment to the registered sites at no charge. Programming costs are being underwritten by pharmaceutical and medical device companies.