FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 15, 2021
Statement attributable to:
Ada D. Stewart, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a transformational leader in the civil rights movement. He fought for equality for all Americans and sought to end racial discrimination and segregation.
“As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, the American Academy of Family Physicians recognizes that there is more work to do.
“COVID-19 has exposed the health disparities that have long existed in our health care system. Sadly, Black and brown people in the U.S have been disproportionately affected by this virus. Family physicians are the cornerstones of their communities and are uniquely positioned to identify barriers to achieving health equity.
“One of the AAFP’s strategic goals is to take a leadership role in helping our members address health disparities and social determinants of health in their communities. The AAFP’s Center for Diversity and Health Equity equips family physicians with tools and resources to take action and confront health disparities head on. We also join with our members in opposing and taking action to dismantle institutional racism in our health care system and in our communities.
The AAFP recently launched an effort to identify what more we can do to support our members in these important efforts.
“Further, the AAFP recognizes and celebrates the diversity of thought across our nation. Just as Dr. King did, we strongly value and support the right for everyone’s voice to be heard. As our country grapples with significant divisions, we call on everyone to come together to heal and listen to and respect one another, even when we don’t agree.
“Together, we can and must continue Dr. King’s important work.”
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 124,500 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.