In March of 2020, at our annual meeting of members (AMM), you asked that we invest in building public awareness of the value of family physicians.
The development of the Heart of Family Medicine program has been a rich experience with multiple facets. It has given us the opportunity to get to know several family physicians through the podcast interviews, we have received a number of stories sent in by patients about their compassionate and caring family physicians, and I have read the responses to the videos through our social media channels.
Family Physicians make such an incredible impact on individuals, families, and communities. In a time when the political leaders in the province appear to minimize the contribution of community-based physicians, the public is showing compassion and support for family doctors and primary care team members. They don’t want them to think that what they do isn’t valued and impactful and neither do we.
The investment in the Heart of Family Medicine Public Campaign has resulted in:
- 12 Podcasts episodes
- 352 downloads
- Listened to in 20 Countries
- 3,755 HoFM Website visits
- 6 Videos
- 889,814 Social media impressions
Some responses to our social media posts also revealed that it is still difficult for all people to find a family physician in the province. There are still parts of the province that do not have enough providers to ensure care close to home. There are patients with complex health needs that find it difficult to find a family physician and a medical home that is willing and able to take them in. We have lots of work to do to build a system that can deliver a well-resourced and supported medical home for every Albertan within an integrated health and social system.
What we do know is that our members – family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students who are brave enough to become a family physician – will always be an integral part of a healthy community. They are the Heart of Family Medicine.
Terri Potter BA, PMP, CAE
Executive Director
Alberta College of Family Physicians
2 Responses
Thank you for your advocacy and recognition of primary care in a time of political upheaval, while we struggle to manage our patients during a pandemic. Family Physicians are grateful to continue our work when so many cannot. We are prone to the same stressors that many families navigate during a pandemic. It’s energizing to know our professional college has our back.
You are welcome, Dr. Smiljic.
It has been a difficult year, to say the least, and we are happy to be able to continue to support our members with this campaign. These are the stories created through your collective actions as a specialty. We are just making sure they are told.
Watch for more videos, stories and podcasts ahead. We are not done yet. Stay safe and stay strong,
Terri