“We are Family Medicine, and we got this”
That was the message from Dr. Renee Crichlow, Chief Medical Officer of Codman Square Health Center and Vice-chair of Health Equity at the Boston University Department of Family Medicine. With stories of practicing in Minnesota before and during COVID-19, George Floyd and a nation confronting structural racism, and murder hornets (remember those?), Dr. Crichlow brought back strong memories for all the students, residents and faculty in the ballroom. But most important to remember was that family physicians were there, and they handled it. “We're Family Medicine. We've been here for you and we will continue to be here for you.” We are trained in the widest spectrum of healthcare; we are in urban, suburban, and rural locations; we provide holistic care for the whole family; and we serve not just the patient in front of us, but the whole community.
As Dr. Crichlow reminded us, as Family Medicine physicians, we know our communities have the capacity to get through crises, together. We know how to take care of each other. “Let us plan AND prepare, NOT panic. Let us be there for each other. Let us choose care, compassion and courage.” The FMEC thanks Dr. Crichlow for her inspiring work and words.
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