Dr. Magle Attends National Medical Education Meeting

Patricia Magle, MD of Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa attended the Annual Scientific Assembly of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) held September 28 – October 2, 2005 in San Francisco.  More than 5,000 physicians from across the country attended the continuing medical education meeting.

As part of the meeting, Dr. Magle attended numerous continuing medical education forums.  Nearly 300 courses designed to keep family physicians abreast of the latest developments and treatment options for a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, asthma, depression, pain management and many more, were offered.

“I learned so much at the conference this year that I can bring back to Decatur County to share with my patients and staff. I think it is very important to attend national conferences and expand my knowledge and understanding of the newest developments in patient care,” Magle said.

Physicians could earn up to 48 hours of continuing medical education at this year’s Scientific Assembly, making it one of the largest medical education meetings held for primary care physicians.

Headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, the 94,000-member AAFP is the national medical association representing family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students from across the country. To maintain membership, AAFP members must complete a minimum of 150 hours of accredited continuing medical education every three years.  It is the only medical specialty dedicated solely to primary care.

“Nearly one in four of all office visits are made to general and family physicians,” Dr. Magle said. “That is why belonging to the American Academy of Family Physicians and attending seminars like this are so important.”