Podcast & Video Production • Strategy • Live Event Activation
Podcasts, Vidcasts: How AAFP Scaled Its Voice with Three Shows and 100,000+ Downloads
The Challenge
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is one of the largest medical organizations in the U.S., representing over 130,000 family doctors and medical students nationwide. As a member-driven association, they provide ongoing education, advocacy, and resources to support physicians throughout their careers.
But while AAFP had a strong presence through conferences, publications, and member communications, they were not yet leveraging podcasting and other content marketing efforts to extend their reach. A podcast offered a new way to connect with members — especially busy physicians who needed information delivered in a format that fit into their on-the-go lives.
AAFP knew that podcasting could be a powerful channel for education, advocacy, and community-building, but launching a professional-grade program from scratch posed challenges:
- No existing shows or production infrastructure
- A need to serve diverse goals (continuing education, advocacy, and member communication)
- A built-in but high-expectation audience of tens of thousands of members
- The desire to eventually expand into live and video formats
They needed a partner who could design, produce, and grow a podcasting ecosystem that delivered measurable value to their members and amplified their thought leadership in healthcare and policy.
The Solution
Sparkcade partnered with AAFP to build their podcasting presence from the ground up — conceptualizing, producing, and distributing three original shows:
SCOPE OF WORK
Building and Maintaining Podcast Infrastructure
From day one, Sparkcade handled full production, including show design, editorial guidance, recording, editing, and publishing. We created workflows that allowed AAFP leaders and subject-matter experts to focus on content while we ensured professional polish and consistency.
Expanding Channels and Formats
Making Education Accessible
The CME on the Go podcast was especially transformative, giving physicians a more convenient way to stay licensed and informed. By integrating CME credit claiming with podcast listening, Sparkcade helped AAFP modernize one of its most valuable member benefits.
The Results
In just a few years, AAFP went from having no podcast presence to running a multi-show network that is now a core part of its member communications strategy.
3
Distinct Podcast Series Launched
Each show serves a unique purpose — education, advocacy, and professional connection — while together reinforcing AAFP’s role as the voice of family medicine.
100+
Episodes Produced Across Three Shows
Between CME on the Go, Inside Family Medicine, and Fighting for Family Medicine, Sparkcade has produced more than 100 professional, polished episodes that continue to expand AAFP’s podcast footprint.
100,000+
Downloads and Subscriber Growth
The shows have built consistent momentum, engaging AAFP members and extending reach beyond traditional communication channels.
Today, podcasting has quickly become one of AAFP’s most effective channels for member engagement. Whether it’s turning a commute into CME credit, delivering timely advocacy updates, or sharing insights from peers in the field, the shows give physicians access to valuable information in the moments that fit their lives best. Together, they’ve built a stronger connection between the Academy and its members.
Looking ahead, AAFP’s podcast network is positioned to keep expanding in both reach and impact. With live recordings, video distribution, and a growing listener base, AAFP now has a dynamic platform that supports education, advocacy, and community — ensuring its voice remains strong and accessible in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
