Press Release for Fam Med Week

Family Medicine Week Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Family Medicine Week Proclaimed in Olympia

Amid the drama and dismay of increasing medical costs, decreasing access to care, and declining American population health, some 2,600 people play a vital role in easing the strain for Washington residents. Who are they? They’re family physicians, and today Governor Christine Gregoire recognizes their important role in family health with a proclamation naming November 12-18, 2006 as Family Medicine Week in Washington.

In today’s medical world of specialties and specialists, family physicians are the premier specialists in general medicine for the whole family. According to Dr. Jerry Yorioka, board president of the Washington Academy of Family Physicians, “Family medicine is – or should be – the first line of defense in family health care. There is no one better trained and dedicated to help individuals get a handle on their health and their medical care needs than a family doctor.”

In addition to expertise in the widest range of health issues and care options, family doctors are hands-on patient advocates in a variety of ways, including helping patients establish a personal medical home, delivering preventive care and medicine, and managing complex patient health problems.

In naming Family Medicine Week, Governor Gregoire acknowledged that family doctors are sometimes the least-appreciated in the medical profession, but they are the most integrated within the larger community and in the best position to champion, encourage and support better health outcomes for all our residents. Governor Gregoire said, “Across Washington State, we salute our family doctors and we appreciate their commitment and compassion. I am honored to proclaim Family Medicine Week; I encourage everyone in Washington to take a moment to thank their family doctor for the healing gifts they share so selflessly.”

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