by Ronald L. Fong, MD, MPH
In a previous blog, I discussed the “what,” “how,” and “why” of a movement. I neglected to include the “who” in a movement. Although I envision every profession and discipline contributing to #2014yearfp, family physicians will have to plant the seeds. I hope you will incorporate enterprise farmer into your vast and varied identities. Indeed, take inventory of your functions and roles. As a physician, you are: obstetrician, pediatrician, internist, psychiatrist, hospitalist, and geriatrician. As a health care provider, you are: patient advocate, educator, counselor, care coordinator, social worker, and confidant. This movement functions both as a mirror and a lens for us. Reflect and recognize how others see you. Acknowledge and affirm that you:
- Are knights who serve not a master, but the masses.
- Have the power and responsibility to redirect how we discuss and approach health care delivery.
- Open doors and close wounds.
- Stand as beacons of medical care to those lost, ignored, or forgotten by indifference or inequities.
- Provide a voice to visions.
Each moment we interact with others is a precious opportunity to improve the lots of those we serve. Weave these moments together and we have a nascent movement, a wave of change that will be visible and palpable to all. You are the passionate engaged scribes of how #2014yearfp will be chronicled. Will it be a dim blip that leaves no impression? Or, will it be a flashpoint that blazes a trail to a better tomorrow? Turn your dreams into blueprints and be an architect for the future.
Next: Town hall hot spots.
Dr. Fong is director of the UC Davis Family Medicine Residency Network. His opinions are his own and do not represent UC Davis. He can be reached at ronald.fong@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.
