Opening session celebrates AAFP history, future
The 1997 Scientific Assembly kicked off with a bang -- or at least a loud crackle -- as sparks shot from "candles" on an oversized cake and the audience sang "Happy Birthday" to the AAFP during the Assembly's formal opening session.
A celebratory atmosphere dominated the gathering.
Board Chair Douglas Henley, MD, introduced the 24 founding members of the American Academy of General Practice, AAFP's predecessor, to a standing ovation. (Following the opening session, founding members were asked to meet in the 50th Anniversary Room, and as they walked through the convention center, FPs and their guests bowed in homage.)
The session wrapped up with a light-hearted video illustrating the last five decades in music and photos from the AAFP archives.
In his keynote address, President Patrick Harr, MD, reminded the crowd that this was "not just your ordinary Scientific Assembly." As the AAFP celebrates its 50th anniversary, he recalled the group of general practitioners who met in June 1947 in Atlantic City, NJ, to form the AAGP. "Frustrated by changes in the medical environment following World War II," Dr. Harr said, "our predecessors banded together to address four critical issues: loss of status in medical schools, failure to receive hospital privileges, lack of public image, and the need for continuing education.
"All through 1997, we have been celebrating this milestone anniversary -- our 50th, our golden anniversary of when a few courageous, skillful leaders seized the opportunity to change things for the better."
Dr. Harr described AAGP President Paul Davis' report at the first Congress of Delegates. Dr. Davis discussed hiring the first executive director, establishing a headquarters in Kansas City, encouraging universities to start training programs, and publishing a clinical journal.
"To some, President Davis may have sounded overly optimistic," Dr. Harr said. "But I think, to the true believers, he must have sounded right on the mark when he said that the AAGP was 'a mighty force which has arisen from a sleeping lethargic giant to protest the chaotic changes which were taking place in the practice of medicine.'"
Today, there are 486 accredited family practice residencies, and family practice is the only specialty with at least one program in every state, Dr. Harr noted. Also, in its 50th year, the AAFP is celebrating another milestone: the total number of graduates from family practice residencies since 1969 has surpassed 50,000, he said.
Dr. Harr then issued a new challenge -- to work to restore:
- health care access and insurance to those who have been denied it or can't afford it;
- personal care from a family physician for those who can't find it; and
- continuity to a fragmented health care system.
"Now, like the true believers of family medicine from 50 years ago -- and like those of every year since then -- let's make it happen," he said.
It's "not just your ordinary Scientific Assembly," AAFP President Patrick Harr, MD, said at the opening ceremony. Dr. Harr is backed by his own video-screened image.
- FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.