STFM Releases Statement Opposing Recent Texas Legislation

STFM Board of Directors released a statement in opposition to the Texas state law Senate Bill 8, which took effect September 1, 2021.

September 13, 2021β€”In response to serious concern about the Texas state law Senate Bill 8, which took effect September 1, 2021, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Board of Directors released a statement in opposition to the bill, which interferes with the physician-patient relationship, places restrictions on full scope residency education, restricts access to full-spectrum women's health care, and rewards citizens who file suit against those participating in full-spectrum health care. If permitted to proceed, the Texas state law has the potential to be precedent-setting and normalize vigilante interference in patient-physician relationships and procedures.The STFM Board of Directors represents the academic home of more than 5000 family medicine educators, including physicians, researchers, behavioral health professionals, pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, residents, and medical students, dedicated to advancing family medicine and improving health outcomes through a community of teachers and scholars.

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Events

September 14, 2026, 3 pm eastern: Webinar: "Rural Health Government Update with Nina DeJonghe, MPP"

September 17, 2026, 8 pm eastern: Webinar: "Family Medicine AI Centers of Excellence Recognition Program Application Informational Session 1"

October 1, 2026, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "Family Medicine AI Centers of Excellence Recognition Program Application Informational Session 2"

October 2, 2026, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "Tracks and Areas of Concentration in Family Medicine Residencies: History, Evolution, and Impact"

October 16, 2026: POCUS Virtual Workshop for Family Medicine Educators

October 30, 2026, 2 pm eastern: Webinar: "Mind Matters: Integrating Cognitive Health Care and Prevention in Family Medicine"

November 4, 2026, 1 pm eastern: Webinar: "At the Deep End: How Family Physicians Can Build Connection, Community, and Change"

November 12, 2026, 12:30 pm eastern: Webinar: "Building Your Legacy: 8 Smart Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Family and Preserve Wealth"

February 5–7, 2027: STFM Conference on Medical Student Education

May 1–5, 2027: STFM Annual Spring Conference

Deadlines

September 14, 2026: Apply for STFM Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator Fellowship

September 17, 2026: Apply for Task Force to Develop Behavioral Health Scope of Practice Recommendations for Family Physicians

September 18, 2026: Lynn & Joan Carmichael STFM Recognition Award

September 18, 2026: STFM Diversity Award

September 18, 2026: STFM Excellence in Education Award

September 18, 2026: STFM Innovative Program Award

September 23, 2026: Apply to Be Family Medicine Narratives Section Associate Editor

September 30, 2026: Apply for STFM New Faculty Scholars Program

October 1, 2026: Nominate Mentors for STFM 60th Anniversary Mentor Recognition Award

October 4, 2026: Nominations for STFM Advocate Award

October 13, 2026: Apply for CBME Certificate of Distinction: Adaptive Coaching in GME

October 19, 2026: Apply to Serve on STFM Foundation Board of Trustees

October 27, 2026: Apply for STFM Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship

November 8, 2026: Apply for AI Centers of Excellence Recognition Program

November 14, 2026: Apply for STFM Emerging Leaders Fellowship

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STFM's AI Assistant is designed to help you find information and answers about Family Medicine education. While it's a powerful tool, getting the best results depends on how you phrase your questions. Here's how to make the most of your interactions:

1. Avoid Ambiguous Language

Be Clear and Specific: Use precise terms and avoid vague words like "it" or "that" without clear references.

Example:

Instead of: "Can you help me with that?"
Try: "Can you help me update our Family Medicine clerkship curriculum?"
Why this is important: Ambiguous language can confuse the AI, leading to irrelevant or unclear responses. Clear references help the chatbot understand exactly what you're asking.

2. Use Specific Terms

Identify the Subject Clearly: Clearly state the subject or area you need information about.

Example:

Instead of: "What resources does STFM provide?"
Try: "I'm a new program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship. What STFM resources are available to help me design or update clerkship curricula?"
Why this is better: Providing details about your role ("program coordinator") and your goal ("design or update clerkship curricula") gives the chatbot enough context to offer more targeted information.

3. Don't Assume the AI Knows Everything

Provide Necessary Details:The STFM AI Assistant has been trained on STFM's business and resources. The AI can only use the information you provide or that it has been trained on.

Example:

Instead of: "How can I improve my program?"
Try: "As a program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship, what resources does STFM provide to help me improve student engagement and learning outcomes?"
Why this is important: Including relevant details helps the AI understand your specific situation, leading to more accurate and useful responses.

4. Reset if You Change Topics

Clear Chat History When Switching Topics:

If you move to a completely new topic and the chatbot doesn't recognize the change, click the Clear Chat History button and restate your question.
Note: Clearing your chat history removes all previous context from the chatbot's memory.
Why this is important: Resetting ensures the AI does not carry over irrelevant information, which could lead to confusion or inaccurate answers.

5. Provide Enough Context

Include Background Information: The more context you provide, the better the chatbot can understand and respond to your question.

Example:

Instead of: "What are the best practices?"
Try: "In the context of Family Medicine education, what are the best practices for integrating clinical simulations into the curriculum?"
Why this is important: Specific goals, constraints, or preferences allow the AI to tailor its responses to your unique needs.

6. Ask One Question at a Time

Break Down Complex Queries: If you have multiple questions, ask them separately.

Example:

Instead of: "What are the requirements for faculty development, how do I register for conferences, and what grants are available?"
Try: Start with "What are the faculty development requirements for Family Medicine educators?" Then follow up with your other questions after receiving the response.
Why this is important: This approach ensures each question gets full attention and a complete answer.

Examples of Good vs. Bad Prompts

Bad Prompt

"What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's bad: The AI Chat Assistant has no information about your background or needs.

Good Prompt

"I'm the chair of the Department of Family Medicine at a major university, and I plan to retire next year. I'd like to stay involved with Family Medicine education. What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's good: The AI Chat Assistant knows your role, your future plans, and your interest in staying involved, enabling it to provide more relevant advice.

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While the AI Chat Assistant is a helpful tool, it can still produce inaccurate or incomplete responses. Always verify critical information with reliable sources or colleagues before taking action.

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STFM AI Assistant
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