Fast Talks with Family Docs

In a conversation with Dr. Tomás Owens, we explore the evolving role of family physicians in caring for an aging population. Dr. Owens shares his perspective on balancing treatment with quality of life, navigating conversations about independence, and the importance of listening as patients' needs change. He also reflects on his work with Oklahoma City's Latino community, discussing how...

Family medicine often requires physicians to find the best possible answer when the textbook answer is not accessible to their patients. In Part Two, Dr. Ashten Duncan takes us inside his work at a federally qualified health center, where limited resources, transportation barriers, medication costs, and gaps in specialty care shape everyday decisions. He also discusses leading an antimicrobial ste...

Prescriptions and Pages: Medicine, Meaning, and Storytelling with Dr. Ashten Duncan (S3:EP7 TWO) Family medicine often requires physicians to find the best possible answer when the textbook answer is not accessible to their patients. In Part Two, Dr. Ashten Duncan takes us inside his work at a federally qualified health center, where limited resources, transportation barriers, medication costs, an...

Dr. Ashten Duncan’s experiences in medicine gave him both the perspective and the story he needed to become a writer. In Part One, he shares how he developed writing as a skill alongside his medical training and why storytelling can help physicians communicate in ways that research and clinical expertise alone cannot. We also explore his award-winning novel, Journey of the Broken Vessels , and how...

What happens when physicians step beyond the exam room and into the places where policy, strategy, and organizational decisions are made? In Part Two, Dr. Lee Mills takes us behind the scenes of the AAFP Congress of Delegates and explores the growing need for physician involvement in companies, state organizations, health systems, and medical practices. We discuss how clinical training shapes the...

What makes family physicians uniquely prepared to lead beyond the exam room? Dr. Lee Mills joins us to reflect on a career spanning full-scope patient care, military service, healthcare executive leadership, and organized medicine. We talk about the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership, what he has learned from serving in a variety of roles and practice settings, and why family physi...

Fertility awareness methods can reveal much more than whether a patient is ovulating or trying to conceive. In Part Two, Dr. Alyssa Penick, DO, explains how cycle tracking can help identify concerns such as irregular periods, PMS, insulin resistance, and endometriosis. We also discuss referrals, resources and training available to physicians who want to incorporate fertility awareness methods into...

Family physicians talk with patients every day about contraception, menstrual cycles, and fertility, but how much do we really know about what the cycle can tell us? Dr. Alyssa Penick, DO, joins us to break down fertility awareness and how tracking the body’s natural biomarkers can offer important clues about reproductive and overall health. We talk about fertility, infertility, hormone tracking,...

The 2026 Oklahoma Legislative Session is in the books. Join host  Dr. Veer Vedala and OAFP Legislative Consultant Dawn Watson as they recap the biggest wins, key challenges, and what the session means for family medicine in Oklahoma. www.fasttalkswithfamilydocs.com

In Part Two, we explore the science and practice of Mindful Self-Compassion. Dr. Schumann explains how these tools move beyond “just giving yourself grace” and can actually reshape physician wellbeing, patient interactions, and clinical behavior. We also discuss therapeutic yoga, coaching techniques, and practical changes any family doctor can start using tomorrow. www.fasttalkswithfamilydocs.com

Family medicine physicians spend their careers caring for everyone else — but what happens when they forget how to care for themselves? In Part One, Dr. Sarah-Anne Schumann shares her journey from traditional clinical medicine into mindfulness, therapeutic yoga, and health coaching. We talk about burnout, identity, and why evidence-based mindfulness practices are becoming increasingly important fo...

In Part 2, the conversation shifts to emergency medicine, mentorship, and the importance of investing in future healthcare leaders. We discuss what it’s like practicing emergency medicine within the Cherokee Nation health system, the unique challenges faced by the patient population, and the rewards of serving Native communities. The episode also explores the YMS program, the value of early mentor...

In Part 1 of this conversation, we explore the often misunderstood world of immigration medicine and the important role civil surgeons play in helping individuals navigate the immigration process safely and successfully. We discuss what immigration physicals involve, what patients can expect during a visit, and the barriers many families face when seeking care. The conversation also highlights how...

In Part Two, Dr. Tomás Owens and Dr. Thomas Owens continue their conversation, focusing on what it means to practice medicine across generations. They discuss mentorship, teaching, and how the field of family medicine is evolving — along with the lessons they’ve learned from each other along the way. Blending thoughtful reflection with a few lighter moments, this episode captures the unique dynami...

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Dr. Tomás Owens and Dr. Thomas Owens III — a father-son duo in family medicine — reflect on the paths that led them to a shared calling. Together, they explore leadership, purpose, and the early influences that shape a career in medicine. From decades of experience in education and organized medicine to growing up with a front-row seat to it all, this con...

Recent vaccine recommendation changes are creating uncertainty for clinicians nationwide. In part two of this episode, we continue this conversation with Dr. Steve Crawford to further discuss what’s changing, what it means for primary care, but mostly how physicians can rebuild trust with patients in today’s evolving vaccine landscape. Our patients are asking questions, and they want to do and kno...

Season 3 is kicking off strong with a major topic of conversation! Recent vaccine recommendation changes are creating uncertainty for clinicians nationwide. Dr. Steve Crawford joins us to break down what’s changing, what it means for primary care, and how physicians can rebuild trust with patients in today’s evolving vaccine landscape. www.fasttalkswithfamilydocs.com

The 2026 Legislative Session has begun and the OAFP is tracking over 400 bills! Which ones do you need to know about today? How can you help make a difference? Join our hosts in a discussion with OAFP Legislative Consultant, Dawn Watson, and OAFP Executive Vice President, Kari Webber, to tell you just that! www.fasttalkswithfamilydocs.com

In Part Two, we step outside the exam room and into life on the farm. Dr. Saladin tells the story of building Firefly Farmstead with her husband, what she’s learned from being part of the Norman Farm Market community, and how their work has expanded into the creation of Firefly Homes. We also talk about life beyond medicine—baby goats, staying active, avoiding burnout, and balancing multiple roles...

In Part One, we welcome Dr. Elizabeth Saladin, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine whose approach to health is deeply shaped by life beyond the clinic. Dr. Saladin shares what inspired her focus on obesity medicine and how it integrates seamlessly into family medicine and primary care. We explore how living and working on Firefly Farmstead influences the way she talks with patien...

In Part Two, Dr. Michael Kouandjio dives into the realities of being a family medicine–trained physician in the emergency department, addressing perceptions from patients, colleagues, and hospital systems—and how credentialing for FM-trained ER physicians looks today. He offers practical advice for family medicine residents interested in emergency care, sharing concrete ways to prepare during resi...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Michael Kouandjio , a family medicine–trained, emergency medicine fellowship–trained physician whose unconventional journey spans aviation science, military service, accounting, and medicine. He shares what drew him from family medicine into the emergency department, the training and mentorship that supported his transition, and how FM uniquely prepares physicians...

The studio is currently under construction but only for a couple more weeks! Until then, we wanted to reach you outside the studio. This special episode is all about some of our favorite moments from a couple of our second season episodes. From Hawaii to the hockey rink and the gym we are reflecting on some really great moments from our guests - join us! www.fasttalkswithfamilydocs.com

In this episode, we continue our discussion with Dr. Christopher Klouzek, OU Family Medicine faculty, on his passion for wilderness medicine. From the backcountry to the garage, Dr. Klouzek shows how problem-solving and resilience fuel every part of his life. www.fasttalkswithfamilydocs.com

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Klouzek, OU Family Medicine faculty, to explore his passion for wilderness medicine, unforgettable adventures in Alaska, and even his hobby of building cars. From the backcountry to the garage, Dr. Klouzek shows how problem-solving and resilience fuel every part of his life. www.fasttalkswithfamilydocs.com