For Immediate Release: January 29, 2023
The death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis police officers is tragic. Reports of killings at the hands of the police are too common and must stop. The leaders and members of the American Academy of Family Physicians share the complex emotions so many are experiencing: shock, grief, anger, distress, and frustration.
We must address the systems and structures in place that allow senseless killings to continue. As physicians, we owe our patients access to support for the health needs that arise in times of crisis, but more importantly, we owe our patients a community where they can live safe, healthy lives.
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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.