A little inspiration

After spending the last four weeks in the hospital, I confess that I returned to my office this week a bit disilusioned, wondering whether the current health reform will actually create real change in the system to support people's healthier choices. The level of illness and care needs in the hospital is so severe, it can be a bit overwhelming. It's difficult to contemplate a healthier community within the four walls of an acute care facility like a hospital. Needless to say, I missed being an active member of my community, and I have to admit I was feeling rather un-inspired.

So I flew to Denver, Colorado this week to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians' annual Scientific Assembly, and opportunity to do continued medical learning and to network with family docs across the country regarding best practices, quality improvement, and community health work. Dr. Regina Benjamin, "America's Doctor" as the current US Surgeon General, gave our keynote speech. She herself is a family physician, and her speech got me right back where I needed to be: inspired about change, and excited to work towards that change. How many times in the last 5 years have we heard a cabinet member speak the phrases "social determinants of health," "poverty as a health indicator" and "food desert"? I am particularly excited to hear what my colleagues are doing in their own medical offices to address these issues during this conference, and Dr. Benjamin got us off to a great start.

I hope to share some of my experiences at the AAFP conference on this blog in the next few entries. In the meantime, for more information about Dr. Benjamin's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation, visit the website of the Office of the Surgeon General, or read the report.