Future of family medicine workforce in the United States

Abstract

In response to the Future of Family Medicine Leadership Committee's recommendations The Ohio State University Department of Family Medicine convened 10 faculty development sessions covering the following strategic objectives: (1) Promoting a Sufficient Family Medicine Workforce, (2) the Role of Family Medicine in Academic Health Centers, (3)The New Model of Family Medicine, (4) Electronic Medical Records, (5) Family Medicine Education, (6) Lifelong Learning, (7) Enhancing the Science of Medicine, (8) Quality of Care, (9) Communications, and (10) Leadership and Advocacy. The focus of this editorial is on initiatives and programs to promote a sufficient family medicine workforce. In comparison to other industrialized countries, the United States ranked lowest in primary care functions and lowest in health care outcomes, but highest in health care expenditures. Despite this fact, the trend for United States medical school graduates to select subspecialty careers continues upward. Through collaboration and advocacy, we can all ensure a continued enthusiasm for the selection and retention of family medicine as a career. © The Author (2005). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.