The ABFM research department recently announced a partnership with the Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Washington D.C. to launch a multi-year policy brief series on Examining Equity and Diversity in the Family Medicine Workforce to be featured in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (JABFM). Policy briefs published as part of the Equity and Diversity series will present data about the family medicine workforce using an equity lens to inform opportunities for action and future research. In further commitment to uplift diverse perspectives, the team is actively seeking engagement from family physicians and friends of family medicine of diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and gender identities to lend their ideas and voices to commentaries that accompany each policy brief. If you are interested in contributing as a commentator or would like more information on the Examining Equity and Diversity in the Family Medicine Workforce Policy Brief Series, please complete the volunteer inquiry form.
"“After 10 years in Albuquerque, I was ready to return home to northern California. I missed seeing patients. The part of medicine I’m the strongest at is helping people cope with their illnesses and supporting them in their life,” "
Dr. Wagner
In 2015, Dr. Wagner received an offer to practice preventative medicine for Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo, CA. So, at the age of 72, he happily returned to the front lines of patient care.
“During the last 10 years, I’ve been in the office seeing patients. It’s a world that’s perfect for me,” Dr. Wagner said, “I believe you have to connect with patients to be happy in your practice.”
At the age of 81, Dr. Wagner has embraced a second retirement, spending free time with his wife, Eris, and keeping track of five children and six grandchildren. He still gets asked for medical advice however, as everyone knows his long history with family medicine. “I consult family members, neighbors…everyone who knows me calls if something is going on. I don’t treat anyone, but I still talk to them. That hasn’t stopped,” he said.
“I love family medicine, and my hope is that physicians will keep a personal touch with their patients. It makes a difference,” Dr. Wagner explained. “There are statistics that show patients are often prescribed medicine they don’t take, and I think it’s because they don’t have personal confidence in their physicians. The connections you make can lead to better quality of life for your patients.”
Congratulations to Dr. Wagner on his well-earned retirement, and thank you for your 50+ years of patient care and commitment to the specialty of family medicine.
