FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Statement attributable to:
Ada D. Stewart, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians applauds the introduction of the Doctors of Community (DOC) Act which, if passed, will permanently authorize and expand funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program. This program currently plays a vital role in training the next generation of primary care physicians and addressing the physician shortage.
“Evidence shows that patients who have access to primary care, which includes family physicians, have better health outcomes. Despite the benefits, the U.S. faces a critical shortage in the family physician workforce, in part because of underinvestment as well as a lack of opportunities and resources in medical education.
“The THCGME program trains primary care physicians and provides care in medically-underserved and rural communities. By ensuring this program receives permanent funding and future growth, we can build a stronger pipeline of future family physicians which can ultimately improve health care access and health outcomes.
“The AAFP has long advocated for permanent authorization of the THCGME program, and we would like to thank Rep. Frank Pallone and Sen. Patty Murray for introducing this important bill. We urge Congress to act swiftly to pass the DOC Act.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Stewart, contact Janelle Davis, (913) 912-0377, or jdavis@aafp.org.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 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.