Outstanding Program of the Year: Oregon Academy of Family Physicians 

In the face of adversity, innovative solutions often emerge. The Oregon Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP), recipient of the AAFP Foundation’s 2023 Outstanding Program of the Year, exemplifies this spirit. The OAFP earned the recognition for its groundbreaking initiative, Primary Care Beyond Clinic Walls in response to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued growth to everyday practice care throughout the state of Oregon.

When COVID-19 swept through the state of Oregon, the initial response was hospital-centric, focusing on the immediate needs of patients. However, Betsy Boyd-Flynn, the executive director of OAFP, and chapter members noticed an unmet need within the community clinics. These clinics, often the first point of contact for community members, were facing health-related questions they couldn't answer. 

This realization led to a significant shift in approach. OAFP decided to center its response around community-based organizations (CBOs), with a focus on serving vulnerable communities. The aim was to bridge the gap between doctors and community organizations, fostering better connections to address various health and social needs. 

OAFP's vision took shape through a program that paired members of their organization with a CBO. Together, they set out to address health care and social needs within the community. In the program's first year in 2022, OAFP’s initiative was funded by seven organizations, including the AAFP Foundation. With funds secured, the OAFP felt its vision was validated while emphasizing its commitment to this innovative approach. 

The success of the program's first pilot, which included five physicians from different areas across the state, increased the vision as they moved into year two mentoring additional program participants. Although COVID-19 was still a significant health threat, initiatives continued to grow to everyday health care needs within CBOs. Here's a closer look at how some of their initiatives have impacted communities: 

Gina Miller, M.D.: Miller focused on raising awareness and providing support for suicide prevention in rural Oregon. Her partnership with the Lebanon Area Mental Health Alliance resulted in the establishment of a grief support group and support for a suicide awareness walk. 

Eva Galvez, M.D.: Galvez addressed vaccine accessibility issues within the Latino community. By leveraging her network, she connected her colleagues with organizations, expanding the network's educational efforts and reinforced relationships within the Latino health network. 

Kyle Kurzet, M.D., M.S., FAAFP: Kurzet's work with Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon aimed to expand gender-affirming care and reproductive health access in Lane County. He shared how the work has brought a revived importance to his work in health care bringing joy and excitement while pursuing additional ambitious goals to help others.

Robert Law, M.D.: Law's initiative extended medical care coordination beyond the clinic walls. Partnering with Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, he focused on community behavioral health agency care coordination. 

Anna Tubman, M.D.: Tubman's project aimed to develop health care workforce pathways in partnership with Clackamas Volunteers in Medicine and Clackamas Community College. "Ultimately, it brings it back to why I became a family physician and this project really reinvigorates that [feeling]," said Dr. Tubman. 

The impact of OAFP's program extends far beyond the state of Oregon and evolved past the original intent to help communities answer COVID-19 questions. The stories are an inspiration for change, showing that innovative thinking and dedication can lead to transformative, collaborative solutions in health care. As OAFP continues its mission, it is actively seeking funding for 2024, ensuring that its vital work can flourish.