Exposition Hall = Games, Prizes, and...oh yeah...Residency Programs

Center for the History of Family Medicine (Booth#1010)

Like many conferences, the AAFP NC has an exposition hall that's filled with a constant hum of "shmoozing" conversations, the flash of cheap give-away gadgets, and, every once-in-awhile, a jewel. Booth 1010 is one such jewel. The Center for the History of Family Medicine's booth does not seem to get much action, but something from their table catches my eye. I walk closer and discover the shiny objects in the picture below.

Past & Present Tools of the Trade

After some time gazing at these historical instruments and chatting with the CHFM's representative, I discovered that there is a rich history of how Family Medicine got to be where it is today - poised to become a unique source of quality primary health care - and there are people actively working to document and preserve that shared story of our profession.

If you want to better understand the future of Family Medicine by better knowing its past, explore the Center for the History of Family Medicine's website. Answer questions like...

• When the first Family Medicine Residency program was introduced to Massachusetts?
• Why is Dr. John Willis considered to be the "Grandfather of Family Practice"?
• How old is the specialty of "Family Medicine?

...and once we know where we've been, what's been tried before, what's succeeded and what hasn't, then we will be best suited to face the uncertainty of the future practice of medicine in the United States of America.

Oh...and if you can guess what the instruments were used for, you get a prize! On to the next booth!!