FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Statement attributable to:
Michael Munger, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians applauds the FDA’s decision to gather information on how to best implement a regulation that would reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes.
“This is an important step toward cutting the addictive power of cigarettes and holds the potential for helping smokers quit. With such information from stakeholders in hand, the FDA can move forward with a proposed rule that will limit the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, a move that can make a huge difference in Americans’ health.
“Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and illness in our nation. Every day, family physicians see the devastating impact that smoking has on our patients. We welcome the FDA’s commitment to reducing the number of Americans who smoke, thereby improving their health.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Munger, contact Leslie Champlin, 800-274-2237, Ext. 6252, lchampli@aafp.org.
About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited 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 and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.