Ohio Academy of Family Physicians celebrates National Family Medicine Week
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes Sunday-Saturday, Sept. 29-Oct. 5, as National Family Medicine Week.
To honor this observance, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) celebrates National Family Medicine Week and thanks the family physicians, residents and medical students in Ohio for their commitment to improving access to primary care for all.
National Family Medicine Week is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of family physicians in Ohio and a reminder of the urgent need for sustained investment in primary care.
According to the Robert Graham Center, Ohio will need an additional 681 primary care physicians by 2030 in order to maintain the current healthcare needs of the state. Policy makers in Ohio should consider strategies to bolster the primary care workforce including reimbursement reform, dedicated funding for primary care Graduate Medical Education, and increased funding for primary care training and medical school debt relief.
Family physicians make up most of the primary care physician workforce and closely mirror the geographic distribution of the U.S. population. Family physicians often serve in rural and underserved urban communities, treating a more diverse population of patients than any other medical specialty.
As leaders in their communities, family physicians have an important role in raising awareness about health disparities, managing chronic and acute conditions, and improving health outcomes while lowering costs.
“This week and every week we celebrate the family physicians who are doing the difficult and rewarding work of improving our healthcare system for all,” said AAFP President Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP. “Family physicians are teachers, coaches, connectors, and trailblazers. They create safe spaces for patients and their communities and are uniquely equipped to advocate for policies that deliver for patients and recognize the invaluable services primary care physicians provide.”
Amid a shifting healthcare landscape and increasing practice challenges, family physicians have continually risen to meet the healthcare needs of their patients and communities. It’s more important than ever for sustained investment in primary care.
Although Ohio boasts 38 family medicine residency programs, six allopathic medical schools and one osteopathic medical school, the OAFP is eager to find new opportunities to advance the specialty of family medicine. With the continued effort to encourage future physicians to pursue a career in primary care, and more specifically family medicine, in addition to the support of policymakers; we can ensure a promising future for Ohio’s healthcare landscape, one where all Ohioans receive the care they need and deserve.
The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians is a statewide, professional association with nearly 5,000 members, including practicing physicians, family medicine residents and medical students. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes and every disease entity. Family physicians provide comprehensive, continuing care to all members of the family. For more information, please visit www.ohioafp.org.
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