Back to the Future: Reflections on the History of the Future of Family Medicine

Abstract

These are historic times for family medicine. The profession is moving beyond the visionary blueprint of the Future of Family Medicine (FFM) report while working to harness the momentum created by the FFM movement. Preparing for, and leading through, the next transformative wave of change (FFM version 2.0) will require the engagement of multigenerational and multidisciplinary visionaries who bring wisdom from diverse experiences. Active group reflection on the past will potentiate the collective work being done to best chart the future. Historical competency is critically important for family medicine's future. This article describes the historical context of the development and launch of the FFM report, emphasizing the professional activism that preceded and followed it. This article is intended to spark intergenerational dialog by providing a multigenerational reflection on the history of FFM and the evolution that has occurred in family medicine over the past decade. Such intergenerational conversations enable our elders to share wisdom with our youth, while allowing our discipline to visualize history through the eyes of future generations. (J Am Board Fam Med 2014;27:839 -845.) Keywords: Health Policy, Medical Education, Primary Health CareThere is an urgent need for a strong and sustainable US health care system. Family medicine is uniquely positioned to lead efforts to help our nation achieve the triple aim of better health care, improved population health, and lower health care costs. [1][2][3][4][5] Reflections on the history of family medicine are central to our dialog about the future, including a critical review of key historical documents, such as the Future of Family Medicine (FFM 1.0) report. [6][7][8][9] Reviewing the history surrounding the creation of the FFM 1.0 report will help our profession prepare for the next wave of transformative recommendations (FFM 2.0).10 This article presents a multigenerational perspective on the historical context of the development and the launch of the FFM 1.0 report, emphasizing the professional activism that preceded and followed it. It is intended to spark continued intergenerational dialog on the evolution that has occurred in family medicine over the past decade as well as to provide historical context for critically interpreting and building an action plan for FFM 2.0 recommendations. Effective change will require the engagement of multigenerational and multidisciplinary visionaries who bring wisdom from diverse experiences. Historical competency is imperative; active group reflection on the past will potentiate the collective work being done to best chart the future.Historical Context, Development, and Launch of the FFM 1.0 Report Family medicine derived from general practice. Before the 20th century, the standard medical practice This article was externally peer reviewed.

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