The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) is making significant strides in bolstering family medicine across the state, offering numerous benefits and opportunities for Harrisburg Family Physicians. Through strategic initiatives and newly secured funding, PAFP is actively working to enhance the family physician workforce, support resident training, and provide valuable resources for practicing physicians in communities like Harrisburg.
One of the most notable developments is the record-level funding awarded to PAFP by the Commonwealth in 2024. This funding is specifically dedicated to advancing family physician workforce development programs. For Harrisburg family physicians, this translates to a stronger pipeline of future colleagues and enhanced recruitment and retention efforts within the region. PAFP, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), is channeling this funding into five groundbreaking family medicine recruitment and retention projects. These projects build upon the existing Family Medicine Residency Expansion Program and place a strong emphasis on engaging medical schools to increase the number of family medicine physicians graduating and practicing in Pennsylvania, including in Harrisburg and surrounding areas.
For those in residency programs, particularly in the Harrisburg region, the PAFP Resident Community Health Impact Grants offer substantial opportunities. For Fiscal Year 2023-24, these grants were made available to ALL Family Medicine Residency Programs in Pennsylvania. This means residency programs in Harrisburg can access grants up to $25,000 for resident-led community health scholarly projects. The current application cycle, Cohort 3, has a deadline of April 30, 2025, with project timelines running from May 2025 to May 2026. Both new and ongoing projects are encouraged, representing a fantastic avenue for Harrisburg residents to make a tangible impact on community health while gaining valuable experience.
Students interested in family medicine in Harrisburg should also take note of the PAFP Student Scholarship program. This program now offers $1200 scholarships to support student participation in AAFP FUTURE 2025 (formerly AAFP National Conference). These scholarships are generously supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania FM Residency Programs, further highlighting the collaborative effort to strengthen family medicine. Applications open February 15, making it a timely opportunity for aspiring family physicians in the Harrisburg area.
Furthermore, PAFP is committed to keeping family physicians informed and equipped with the latest resources. The new G2211 Infographic, developed by the AAFP, is a valuable tool to clarify the appropriate use of the G2211 add-on code for office/outpatient E/M visits. This resource is directly relevant to the daily practice of Harrisburg family physicians, helping to navigate coding complexities and ensure accurate billing.
For continuing medical education and networking, Harrisburg family physicians have excellent opportunities through PAFP conferences. The Spring CONNECT Conference, a five-in-one event at Lancaster’s Eden Resort and Suites on April 4-5, features the FM Essentials Summit, Research Day, Annual Business Meeting, RIG Summit, and Excellence in Family Medicine Awards. While POCUS workshops are currently full, a waitlist is available, and the conference offers a wide range of valuable sessions for professional development. Looking ahead, the 2025 Summer SEA-M-E Conference in Dewey Beach from June 8-12 provides another excellent option for CME credits, hands-on workshops, and networking in a family-friendly environment. Additionally, the 2nd Annual Procedures Day on May 10 at LVHN’s Center for Healthcare Education offers a full day of practical procedural training, with limited seating available.
Finally, PAFP’s advocacy efforts, including the PAFP-PAC, play a crucial role in supporting family medicine in Pennsylvania. By contributing to the PAFP-PAC, Harrisburg family physicians can directly support candidates for the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives who understand and champion the issues facing family physicians and their patients. This political engagement is vital for creating a favorable environment for family medicine practice in Harrisburg and across the state.
In conclusion, PAFP is dedicated to empowering family physicians throughout Pennsylvania, and Harrisburg family physicians stand to benefit significantly from the academy’s diverse initiatives, resources, and advocacy efforts. From workforce development grants to continuing education conferences and political action, PAFP provides comprehensive support for family medicine professionals in Harrisburg and beyond.
