Every day, we witness the direct impact of policy on our patients — be it the cost of prescription medications, the availability of affordable health care, or the social conditions that shape their well-being. As family physicians, we not only manage and treat disease; we maintain entire populations' health and reduce the health care system's burden. Yet too many of us remain hesitant to engage in the political processes where the most impactful decisions are made. The urgency of this situation is paramount. We cannot afford to stay silent.
Our role in maintaining population health is critical. Family physicians are the cornerstone of preventive care. Our work, often uncelebrated, cuts hospitalization rates, manages chronic disease, and promotes healthy lifestyles. Studies consistently show that a robust primary care foundation leads to better health outcomes and lower health care costs. According to the Robert Graham Center, regions with a higher ratio of family physicians per population experience lower health care costs, fewer hospital admissions, and better overall health indicators. We are the backbone of a system striving for efficiency and equity, yet we often give up our seat at the policymaking table.
"Politics might seem far removed from our exam rooms, but the reality is that policies directly impact what happens in our clinics. Whether it's Medicaid funding, prescription drug pricing laws, or policies determining access to affordable insurance, decisions in these arenas affect our patients' lives and, by extension, our ability to care for them."
We must advocate for better financial support for our specialty. Compensation significantly impacts the specialties medical students choose, as family medicine often ranks lower in compensation than other specialties despite being the cornerstone of our health care system. This disparity is one reason why fewer medical students choose family medicine. Continuing to underfund primary care harms not only our profession but also our overburdened health care system as a whole.
We must speak up — not just for ourselves, but for the future of health care. It is not enough to care for our patients within the walls of our clinics. If we do not engage politically, we will continue to see policies that undermine our efforts to keep populations healthy. Our voices, as family physicians, are not just important, they are powerful. They have the power to prevent disease, manage chronic conditions, and reduce hospitalizations. Our influence on the policies shaping our health care system is significant.
It's time we use our voices. Advocacy can take many forms, from joining professional organizations like AAFP and TAFP to writing to legislators about the importance of investing in primary care. AAFP's advocacy efforts have led to significant policy wins, such as expanding telehealth and increasing funding for primary care residencies. However, we have much work remaining to do and need to push for policies that better compensate family physicians, support preventive care, and expand access to health care, especially for vulnerable populations. Our experience, expertise, and voices hold weight.
I recall one instance where my voice reshaped the conversation. As a family physician in a rapidly gentrifying community, I saw an increasing number of my patients struggling with anxiety related to rising housing costs. During a meeting organized by our councilman and community leaders to discuss neighborhood stabilization, I shared how housing instability was affecting my patients' mental health. My perspective brought a new dimension to the conversation, broadening the discussion to include rapid gentrification's social and psychological impacts. This experience underscored the importance of advocating for my patients' holistic well-being, a duty that extends beyond the clinic and into their community.
Politics might seem far removed from our exam rooms, but the reality is that policies directly impact what happens in our clinics. Whether it's Medicaid funding, prescription drug pricing laws, or policies determining access to affordable insurance, decisions in these arenas affect our patients' lives and, by extension, our ability to care for them.
Family physicians are uniquely positioned to see the real-world impact of policy decisions. We can help patients navigate complex systems, educate them on how public policy impacts their health, and advocate for necessary changes. We owe it to our patients to use our voices in the clinic and the political sphere to ensure the system we work in supports the health of all.
The time to act is now. If we do not advocate for our patients and the future of family medicine, who will?
Dr. Sarah Ashitey is a dedicated family physician and public health advocate, currently practicing in a thriving group practice, Southwest Family Medicine, in Dallas. She serves on several health committees, including the TAFP Council for the Health of the Public and the DISD School Health Advisory Council, and is passionate about improving community health.