Transforming Training to Build the Family Physician Workforce Our Country Needs

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• The Affordable Care Act has significantly altered the US healthcare landscape, expanding insurance coverage.
• This necessitates a larger and more skilled family physician workforce to meet increased demand.
• Family Medicine for America's Health is a strategic initiative addressing these workforce needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline necessary reforms across the medical education continuum for family physicians.
• To enhance the recruitment, training, and continuing education of family physicians.
• To align family physician education with new practice environments and public expectations.

Main Methods:

• Strategic planning and collaborative efforts among eight US family medicine organizations.
• Development of new educational standards and interprofessional training models.
• Focus on social accountability in family physician education programs.

Main Results:

• Identification of critical areas for reform in family physician education.
• Establishment of a framework for leading change in primary care workforce development.
• Positioning the discipline to improve educational quality and meet societal needs.

Conclusions:

• Reforms in recruitment, training, and skill refreshment are essential for the family physician workforce.
• Educational programs must adapt to new practice models, interprofessional collaboration, and social accountability.
• Family Medicine for America's Health is poised to lead advancements in primary care education and workforce development.