NYS Family Physician Academy Praises Governor Hochul’s Appointment of Mary T. Bassett, MD MPH as State Health Commissioner
Statement by NYSAFP President Dr. James Mumford, MD FAAFP
“The New York State Academy of Family Physicians commends Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to appoint Mary T. Bassett, MD MPH as New York’s next Commissioner of the State Department of Health. Dr. Bassett has the skillset and experience we need at this critical time, as we work to put an end to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, relying on science and overcoming obstacles to widespread vaccination. We greatly appreciate Dr. Bassett’s commitment to public health and social justice, and being forward-thinking which is essential given the paradigm shift that is needed in the way that our healthcare system operates. We must move away from the institution-focused, reactive manner with which policies and funding determinations are made. Instead, under Dr. Bassett’s leadership we must shift our focus to preventative measures which prioritize public health, access to primary care and address the serious health disparities that are pervasive in the current system.”
“ We welcome the opportunity for this “new day” in New York and look forward to partnering with Governor Hochul and Dr. Bassett to make the needed system reforms which will place individuals at the center of their health care. We believe this must include investments in our community-based health care workforce and primary care services in particular, and we must address the waste and obstacles to care through administrative simplification across our system beginning with how we provide insurance coverage. For this reason, NYSAFP is a longstanding supporter of the New York Health Act to give all New Yorkers access to high quality healthcare as a basic right.”
“On behalf of the 7,000 family physicians and students we represent, we are very encouraged by Dr. Bassett’s appointment and are excited to collaborate with Dr. Bassett and the new Administration to make significant reforms and improvements to our healthcare system in New York.”
NYSAFP represents over 7,000 physicians, residents and students in family medicine across the State. NYSAFP Family Physicians are board-certified and specialize in family medicine. Family physicians focus on the whole patient providing care throughout their lifetime. They provide comprehensive healthcare services to treat diseases and injuries in all age groups from newborns to the geriatric population and across all medical fields. Family Physicians focus on prevention, wellness and overall care coordination for patients and family medicine is the only specialty to focus on the care of the entire family unit. Family Physicians are also a main source of primary health care in New York and across the country.
