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STFM 36th Annual Conference 2003
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Dear Colleagues,
As members of STFM, we have committed to an ambitious mission and vision. We have declared that we are dedicated to improving the health of all people through education, research, patient care, and advocacy. But how can we actually accomplish that as individuals or collectively? At this year’s conference in Atlanta, we will examine and struggle with the issues raised by the theme “Healthy People, Healthy Communities: Defining Family Medicine’s Role.” The events in Toronto that led to the rescheduling of this meeting only serve to reinforce how important it is for us to carefully address the health of the public.
This is a critical time for us and for the people and communities we serve. We continue to read new headlines, articles, and national reports that underscore what we already know—there is much wrong and much to be done in a health care system that is increasingly dysfunctional, where disparity, quality, and access are very real issues, our poor health habits contribute to significant morbidity and mortality, the struggling economy is forcing cutbacks in state-supported services, our environment is vulnerable and under siege, new infections can travel quickly through the global village, and information overload and new technologies challenge us all.
Where should we focus our energy and attention? What can we as teachers of family medicine--with a diversity of roles, locations, and realities--do to move us closer to making our vision a reality? This year’s conference program will help us all engage in these difficult and necessary questions, and I am tremendously excited about what will occur. We will hear from national leaders who will challenge us to become more informed about the evolving science linking human health and the environment, incorporate the objectives and leading health indicators of Healthy People 2010 into our curricula and clinics, practice medicine that is patient centered, and adopt optimal, state-of-the-art office practices to better meet individual and community care needs. Theme days will examine issues around student interest in family practice, strategies for implementing ACGME competencies and for teaching evidence-based practice. As always, there will be a rich variety of sessions to add to the mix and the wealth of knowledge and experience that will be shared.
You are the final necessary ingredient to make the STFM 2003 Annual Conference one of the best ever! This is where the most important professional sharing and networking occurs for most us and where we connect with valued and beloved colleagues from around the country and internationally. Atlanta is an ideal setting for this year’s annual reuniting of dedicated family medicine teachers and for the renewal and reinvigoration that I know will occur. See you there!
Betsy A. Garrett, MD, MSPH
STFM Immediate Past President
Presiding President for 2003 Annual Meeting