Osteopathic Physicians Gather for Disease Prevention Summit

ACOFP convenes 25 family doctors to address vaccine confidence, access, and public health challenges

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image of a syringe and vial of vaccine, revealing the internal structures of the medical equipment in intricate detail against a dark background, conceptually representing the scientific and clinical nature of disease prevention efforts.An X-ray view of the tools of disease prevention, highlighting the clinical expertise required to address evolving public health challenges.Today in Orlando

The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) is hosting a Disease Prevention Summit on April 15 in Orlando, Florida. The three-hour thought leadership session will bring together 25 osteopathic family physicians from across the country to discuss emerging challenges in vaccine confidence, access, and disease prevention in primary care. The summit is being held in conjunction with ACOFP's 63rd Annual Convention & Scientific Seminars.

Why it matters

Evolving attitudes toward vaccines, the spread of misinformation, and persistent barriers to access continue to complicate efforts to protect public health. Family physicians often serve as the first and most consistent point of contact for patients navigating these issues, and their role as trusted advisors places them at the center of conversations about vaccination and disease prevention.

The details

The summit will cover key topics including overcoming vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, cost and coverage as barriers to vaccination, staffing and workflow challenges in vaccine administration, and access and availability of vaccines. Insights from a recent ACOFP member survey will inform the discussions, ensuring the conversation reflects the realities physicians encounter in clinical settings. After small group discussions, participants will collaborate on a report summarizing key insights, challenges, and actionable strategies to support family physicians in promoting vaccinations and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

  • The Disease Prevention Summit will take place on April 15, 2026.
  • The summit is being held in conjunction with ACOFP's 63rd Annual Convention & Scientific Seminars.

The players

American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP)

A community of more than 25,000 current and future family physicians that champions osteopathic principles and supports its members by providing resources such as education, networking and advocacy, while putting patients first.

Sanofi

A pharmaceutical company that is a sponsor of the Disease Prevention Summit.

Merck

A pharmaceutical company that is a sponsor of the Disease Prevention Summit.

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What’s next

After the summit, the thought leaders will collaborate on a report summarizing key insights, challenges, and actionable strategies identified during the session. ACOFP aims to translate these insights immediately, to support the emergent issues family physicians are facing in their everyday practice. The outcomes are anticipated to include promotion of vaccine guidelines and multi-channel educational resources to help family physicians promote vaccinations and address vaccine hesitancy.

The takeaway

This summit highlights the critical role that osteopathic family physicians play in addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting disease prevention in their communities. By bringing together trusted clinicians to share insights and strategies, ACOFP is empowering its members to be stronger advocates for public health and equipping them with the tools to navigate evolving challenges around vaccine confidence and access.