Family physicians are coming to Nashville. See yours, too | Letters

If you see family physicians around Nashville, let it be your reminder to see yours, too 

Family medicine is having a moment in Tennessee. In a few short weeks, thousands of family physicians will be in Nashville for the American Academy of Family Physicians’ annual Family Medicine Experience conference. 

You may not see them walking around in white coats, but they will be here making connections, sharing ideas and learning how to best serve communities, which includes Tennesseans and patients across the country.  

That care starts with a simple but powerful choice: making an appointment with a family physician. Whether you are staying healthy, managing a chronic condition or have questions you have been putting off, a visit with your family doctor

is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness.

Family physicians care for people of all ages, often over many years. We get to know our patients’ health history, goals and concerns. That relationship helps us catch problems early and keep preventive care on track. 

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With school underway and cold and flu season on the horizon, now is a great time to make sure everyone in the family is up to date on recommended care and screenings.

If you do not have a family doctor, ask around! 

Does your dentist have a primary care recommendation? Who does your friend see? The most important thing is to take the first step.  

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Visits with your family physician are not just for when you are sick. Ask us about immunizations, nutrition, well-being, cancer screenings, mental health and much more. This is also a great chance to bring any questions or concerns about your health and set yourself up for success. 

If seeing family physicians enjoying Nashville reminds you of anything, we hope it reminds you to see yours. 

Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, is the president of the American Academy of Family Physicians 

Katherine Hall, MD, FAAFP, DipABLM is the president of the Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians

Brentwood, TN 37027 

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Family physicians are coming to Nashville. See yours, too | Letters