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 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.