Statement attributable to:
Ted Epperly, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians congratulates Kathleen Sebelius on her confirmation as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“In their years of working with her in their headquarters state, family physicians have applauded Sec. Sebelius’ bipartisan approach to solving health care issues such as access to health care for Kansas children, clean indoor air and the patient-centered medical home.
“As the Kansas insurance commissioner, Sec. Sebelius developed a comprehensive knowledge of the needs of patients, the insurance industry and employers who purchase health care for workers. She has advocated universal access to health care for all Kansas children from birth through age five. Moreover, she was instrumental in establishing the Kansas Health Policy Authority, charged with coordinating a statewide health policy agenda that incorporates purchasing and administration with health promotion strategies and works to ensure access to affordable, efficient and high quality, patient-centered health care.
“The AAFP looks forward to working with Sec. Sebelius in shaping health care reform, ensuring access to high quality primary care for all Americans and strengthening the fiscal foundation on which that care is provided.”
AAFP Statement: AAFP Applauds Confirmation of Kathleen Sebelius as HHS Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 105,900 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 Web site, www.FamilyDoctor.org.
