NATIONAL WEEKGENERAL

National Primary Care Physician Week

From October 5 through 11, National Primary Care Physician Week honors the family doctors, pediatricians, and internists who are our first resource to a healthier life. These are the physicians who know our family history, our habits, and our worries, and who guide us through every stage of life.

WHEN

October 5-11

Roots: Sponsored annually by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA); proclaimed by the National Day Calendar Registrar for the first full week in October.
Hashtag: #NationalPrimaryCarePhysicianWeek

Send a card Email a friend

3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Take charge of your care

Call your PCP's office to book an annual physical or catch up on screenings. Ask what services your PCP offers that you have never tried.

WITH FRIENDS

Share a recommendation

Share your doctor's name and a kind word with friends who are looking for a good physician. Recommendations build healthier communities.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Nudge a friend

Post a thank you or a health tip with #PrimaryCarePhysicianWeek, and remind classmates or coworkers to schedule their annual visits.

Fast facts

Almost one third of all physicians practice in primary care (AMSA).

There is one primary care physician for about every 1,429 people in the United States (AMSA).

The story

Your primary care physician is often the first doctor you ever meet and the one you keep the longest. From first checkups to annual physicals, from a child's first cough to a parent's chronic condition, PCPs walk alongside their patients year after year, learning family histories, lifestyles, and everyday needs. They perform routine screenings, treat minor illness and chronic conditions, manage medications, and coordinate with specialists when serious illness occurs.

Read the full story

During the first full week of October, primary care physicians across the country come together to focus on improving care for their patients. Sponsored annually by the American Medical Student Association, the week showcases new approaches to healthcare, celebrates progress in the field, and explores new avenues for underserved populations.

The week is also an invitation to look at your own health with fresh eyes. Learn what services your PCP offers, share tips on choosing the right doctor for your family, and take a moment to thank the physician and staff who care for you. Good health often starts with a single, familiar name on a door.