NYS Academy of Family Physicians Calls on Montefiore Medical Center to Reconsider Decision to Close Family Health Center in the Bronx
“Today, the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP), which represents nearly 7,000 physicians, residents, and students in family medicine across New York State called on the President & CEO of the Montefiore Medical Center to reconsider and reverse its recent decision to close a critical Family Health Center serving the Bronx at Fordham Plaza.”
“In the attached letter to Dr. Philip Ozuah, NYSAFP raised its strong concerns with the disruption that will be caused by the closure and relocation of this essential health clinic that has served the Bronx community for over three decades, affecting access to and continuity of care for thousands of patients who rely on the center and its trusted clinicians for their health care. While we hear a lot of talk about patient-centered care and meeting patients where they are. This decision does just the opposite, taking much-needed primary care services out of a community that needs high quality and accessible care the most.”
“NYSAFP also pointed to the impact of this decision on the training of primary care physicians since the family medicine residency program would also close there. New York is already facing a severe shortage of primary care physicians which can delay and significantly limit care for patients. New York, and its respected health institutions should be promoting and foster residency programs that train family physicians and other primary care providers, not allowing them to be dismantled.”
“Noting the $8 billion in annual revenue that the Montefiore system has, including significant public dollars from State and federal government programs, NYSAFP strongly urged Montefiore to reverse this decision. Doing so, would restore public trust and confidence endangered by what is perceived to be abandonment of the community, as a time when improving access and quality of care has never been so important. NYSAFP joins with several other organizations, clinicians and community leaders in making this request for Montefiore to do what is best for the Bronx community by allowing the Family Health Center to remain at Fordham Plaza.”
Andrew B. Symons, MD, is the President of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, which represents nearly 7,000 physicians, residents and medical students in family medicine across the state.
