Todd Shaffer, MD, MBA, FAAFP
Vision
Committed to Shared Decision-Making for the Optimum Training of Family Medicine Physicians for Rural and Underserved Communities.
#FMXSCOPE
Family Medicine eXtending Scope for the Current and Future generations to widen the services and care offered to their patients no matter what town or community they live in
About Dr. Shaffer
Todd D. Shaffer, MD, MBA, FAAFP, has practiced full-spectrum family medicine for 31 years at University Health Medical Centers in Kansas City, MO. He serves the University of Missouri— Kansas City School of Medicine as a full professor of family medicine.
Dr. Todd Shaffer is an extraordinary leader who has made a lasting impact on the field of family medicine. With over 20 years of dedicated leadership service to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), his journey has been marked by unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy.
Dr. Shaffer’s leadership journey within the AAFP began in 2002 when he joined the Finance Committee, marking the beginning of a remarkable tenure. His involvement expanded to include roles such as serving on the Commission of Professional Development and being a delegate for five years at the COD and has served on many more subcommittees and special task forces. His passion for education led him to the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors Board, where he dedicated seven years and assumed the role of president in 2015. His influence extended further as he took on the elected role of Chairperson for the Council of Academic Family Medicine.
Beyond his involvement with national organizations, Dr. Shaffer’s impact has been felt on a regional level. He has held various leadership positions within his state academy over three decades, culminating in his presidency in 2013. Dr. Shaffer’s advocacy work has spanned 30 years, and he’s been instrumental in mentoring students and residents at numerous advocacy events. Notably, he’s participated in over 20 Missouri Advocacy Days and has attended the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit for the past 13 years, a testament to his dedication to improving patient care and community health.
Dr. Shaffer’s passion for full-scope family medicine is mirrored as a full-time practicing physician. He has cared for patients at Truman Medical Centers- the only safety institution in a 400-mile radius of Kansas City for over 30 years, embodying the essence of continuity in healthcare. At Truman Medical Center he has dedicated his career to minimizing healthcare disparities among every patient regardless of their financial or social situation. As a Program Director for 15 years, he has nurtured future family physicians, equipping them with essential skills to thrive in any practice setting. His unique combination of medical expertise and business acumen stems from his innovative creation of a Physician Leadership MBA program, the first and only of its kind approved by both ABFM and ACGME. Through this program, he has empowered residents with the knowledge needed to excel in diverse practice environments, whether rural or urban, employed or independent.
His commitment to patient care is undeniable, evident in his practice that spans full-scope family medicine, obstetrics, and the performance of over 2,500 deliveries, 18,000 colposcopies, 3,000 LEEPs, and thousands of other procedures. He teaches and performs advanced maternity care procedures to the residents and FM OB fellows including 3rd and 4th Degree perineal repair, forceps/vacuums, and Suction D&Cs for Incomplete Miscarriages. He currently serves as Section Chief of Inpatient Medicine, eICU director, and director of POCUS and procedure simulation while continuing maternity care and outpatient care including home visits. His contributions to medical education extend beyond his program, as he’s presented workshops and lectures at key conferences like the Program Directors and RAP for 15 years and the National Conference of Residents and Students for 25 years.
Dr. Todd Shaffer is a visionary leader whose influence echoes through generations of family physicians. His dedication to education, advocacy, and comprehensive patient care exemplifies the core principles of family medicine. With a loving family of his own, he understands the importance of caring for individuals and communities, striving to unite diverse genres of medical practice into a harmonious future where all patients receive exceptional care.
Academics
15-years FM Residency Program Director Experience
Clinical Excellence
Licensed in Missouri and Hawaii
Leadership and Service
MBA in Physician Leadership at Rockhurst University
Advocacy and Awards
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society Lifetime Member
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Program Director Recognition Awards from AFMRD
Business and Tech Advanced
POCUS and AI Educator
Public Speaking and Media Rep
POCUS at Direct Primary Care Conference
Striving for equity in health care by being actively involved in and impacting local, state, and national policy and programs.
Personal Statement
Throughout my life and career, my unwavering dedication has been to serve others and create a significant impact. Growing up in an underserved rural community exposed me to the harsh reality of preventable deaths. These experiences ignited a deep-seated commitment within me to effect positive change. During my residency, my path was initially set for rural practice. However, my profound love for teaching transformed my trajectory from a small-town physician to one who educates doctors destined for the areas most in need.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and instructing more than 450 family physicians, with over half now practicing in underserved rural regions. My quest is to assemble a diverse group of physicians, channeling their expertise towards those who need it most. My guiding principle, “Serve before you Lead,” reflects my identity as a servant leader. I invest myself in my patients within the safety-net hospital system and advocate for the broader public. I’m firm in the belief that leaders should experience medicine firsthand alongside their patients.
The essence of my journey revolves around team-based care and elevating the standard of care for the underserved. My roots in rural life have cultivated a relentless passion for this cause. The extent of my dedication often moves me to tears when discussing my profound care for the disadvantaged.
Through collaboration, I co-created an MBA Physician Leadership Program during my residency. This initiative endowed me with essential business acumen to ensure our mission’s sustainability. Each day, I tirelessly champion health equity and address the pressing needs of our patient population.
My entire professional life has been an odyssey dedicated to broadening the horizons of family medicine. Training others to meet their communities’ needs has been my driving force. My signature, #FMXSCOPE, embodies my commitment to empowering students, residents, and physicians to expand their purview and deliver crucial services directly within our family medicine offices.
Now, I stand at the precipice of an opportunity I deeply treasure: the chance to serve as the president-elect, fervently invested in the future of family medicine. My expertise, talents and unyielding passion stand ready to enrich the AAFP. Together, let’s forge a path of inclusivity, ensuring no voice is left unheard.
Dr Shaffer with Puerto Rico’s longest active COD member at AAFP Family Fun run at COD/FMX in New Orleans.
Dr Shaffer and Wife Brandy at FMX/COD Washington, DC 2022 at the capitol.
Dr Shaffer with residents and summer MAFP externship awardee student on inpatient rounds.
Dr Shaffer teaching residents central line placement by Mastery in the SIM center.
Dr Shaffer leading TEAM training with residents/nurses with a RObotic delivery Mannequin.
Dr Shaffer with Missouri’s own last AAFP President Patrick Harr, MD at COD.
Dr Shaffer with UMKC student discussing advocacy for all.
Dr Shaffer examining one of his lifelong patients he delivered and continued to care for the past 19 years!
Dr Shaffer teaching residents in ALSO course about should dystocia.
Dr Shaffer with MAFP advocacy Delegation in DC for Family Medicine Advocacy Conference.
Dr. Shaffer with his annual 2nd year residents trip to Jefferson City, Capitol of Missouri, Advocating for Family Medicine and expansion of Medicaid.
Dr Shaffer with student and resident performing ICU Rounds.
Dr Shaffer with his Patient centered Rounds Team always ready for a covid exposure!
Dr Shafffer meeting with US Senator Roy Blunt in his DC office for FM Advocacy.
Dr. Shaffer at a home visit giving COVID update boosters to an entire family with special needs. He has cared for the family for over 30 years.
Dr. Shaffer and Brandy with his 3 Chief Residents at the opening party of FMX 2022.
Dr. Shaffer and his wife Brandy with their 5 children.
Dr. Shaffer baring it all for FMX 2022 main stage slide show about Passion in Life.
Todd’s Favorite Pastime- Skiing in Utah with his Son Alec.
Todd’s Other favorite Pastime- Wakeboarding.
