Keep Tabs on TransforMED's Progress Via Its New Web Site

Family physicians interested in practice redesign should take some time to explore a new Web site recently launched by TransforMED, the Academy's not-for-profit practice redesign initiative.

"We wanted a robust, vibrant Web site to represent a robust, vibrant project," said TransforMED President and CEO Terry McGeeney, M.D., M.B.A.

TransforMED was established in 2005 to help put into practice the recommendations of the Future of Family Medicine report that called for the creation of a new model of care for family medicine. In April 2006, 36 family medicine practices were chosen to participate in a 24-month national demonstration project; June marked the launch of that project.

"The Web site is a valuable tool for physicians who visit because it provides information about the national demonstration project and will serve as a resource for practices wanting to apply some of the same changes to their practices," said McGeeney. He advised visitors to return to the Web site often to find out what practices are learning on a "real-time basis."

One function of the Web site not open to casual visitors -- but key to the success of the project -- is the message board that's been set up to enable practices involved in the national demonstration project to easily communicate with one another.

"We are most excited about the message board for the participating practices and the opportunities it will create for shared, real-time learning from the TransforMED experience," said McGeeney.