The week of March 21-27, 2021, is being recognized by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians as Family Medicine Week in Michigan.

The weeklong observance highlights family physicians’ dedication to providing comprehensive primary care to Michiganders across the state to help them maintain health and wellness, and to reduce costs to the healthcare system. Research shows that adults and children with a family physician as their regular source of care have lower annual costs of care, visit the doctor less, are prescribed fewer medications, and report less difficulty accessing care.

“Primary care is the foundation of our healthcare system and so critical to promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities. Family medicine providers understand the importance of prevention and how to best approach health from a holistic viewpoint,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “Visiting your family physician for regular check-ups can help you stay healthy and prevent illness. I am proud of how our family medicine physicians have stepped up during this pandemic to take care of their patients.”

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, eight out of 10 people are likely to rely on the advice of their personal primary care physician when deciding to get immunized. This makes family physicians key partners in helping the State of Michigan reach its goal of vaccinating 70% or more of its residents aged 16 and older against COVID-19.

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians collectively represent more than 5,000 family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students statewide. Together they are hosting Michigan Family Medicine Advocacy Day on March 23 to provide an opportunity for family medicine advocates to discuss legislative and policy issues impacting healthcare access and delivery in the state.

Contact your local healthcare system if you need a family physician.