Satcher outlines priorities for public health
U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., opened the AAFP's 50th Assembly with a list of evolving priorities for his office and the public health of America.
"We stand in the face of a critical challenge," Satcher, an AAFP member and assistant secretary of health, told a capacity crowd during the opening ceremony in the Moscone Center. "We offer the world's best medical care and spend almost a trillion dollars a year on health care. But as a nation, we haven't figured out a way to provide health care to everyone regardless of ability to pay.
"As Robert Frost said: We still have promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep."
Satcher said that as surgeon general, he and his staff will focus on five priorities to help him keep his confirmation promise of not only speaking to America, but also listening to America.
First, Satcher's office is committed to seeing that every child in the United States has a chance for a healthy start to life and a safe childhood.
Second, Satcher would like to see a critical examination of the nation's attitude and approach to mental health. "We need to create an environment where mental illness is treated with the same dignity and respect as physical illness," he said.
For his third priority, Satcher wants to promote healthy lifestyles encompassing physical activity, good nutrition, toxin avoidance and responsible sexual behavior. "Half of all deaths in the United States each year are related to human behavior like smoking, poor nutrition and violence," he said. "We need to put prevention into practice. As family physicians, you should take the time to talk to your patients (about their risky behavior)."
As his fourth priority, Satcher said he wants to see a more global approach to public health, especially regarding issues such as blood supplies.
And for his fifth priority, Satcher said he wants to work toward eliminating the disparity in health care based on race and ethnicity. "We don't believe we have to take anything away from anyone to improve the health of everyone," he said.
Satcher thanked the Academy for all its help and support throughout his career, especially the nomination and confirmation process to become the U.S. surgeon general.
"I feel a very special sense of appreciation for this Academy," he said. "It was with your help that America finally has a surgeon general who is a family physician."
