Statement Attributable to:
Ted Epperly, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians calls on the Senate to quickly confirm the appointment of Regina Benjamin, MD, as U.S. Surgeon General.
“As a family physician who has brought her medical expertise to providing high quality health care, educating patients about health lifestyles and advocating for the health of all Americans, Dr. Benjamin is eminently qualified to serve America as the nation’s doctor.
“The appointment of a U.S. Surgeon General is unrelated to the current debate on health care reform, and the AAFP is disappointed with a delayed vote that stems from disagreements over legislation that is unrelated to the duties and qualifications of the Surgeon General.
“Quick action will ensure that American patients have an advocate who will work to ensure better understanding of maintaining good health. The nation’s family physicians call for an expeditious vote to confirm Dr. Benjamin as U.S. Surgeon General.”
Editor’s note: To arrange an interview with Ted Epperly, MD, contact Leslie Champlin, at 800-274-2237, Ext. 5224, or lchampli@aafp.org.
AAFP Statement: Family Physicians Call on Senate to Confirm Regina Benjamin, MD, as Surgeon General
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
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Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 110,600 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.
Approximately one in four of all office visits are made to family physicians. That is 240 million office visits each year — nearly 87 million more than the next largest medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.
To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, www.FamilyDoctor.org.
