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Delaware Academy of Family Physicians
About the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians
Historical Notes – The 60 Year Mark
Delaware’s First Chapter
Delaware was granted membership to the American Academy of General Practice (AAGP) on August 16, 1950 due to the efforts of six physicians from DE. They became the 39th state chapter under the first president, Dr. Harold Tarrant. The early goal of the chapter was to provide local continuing medical education. The first course was offered in EKG interpretation, and by 1951 the first annual meeting took place in Wilmington. In 1952 a winter course of ten Wednesday afternoon lectures began, and the first Annual Scientific Session was presented in March 1953. By this time, membership had grown to a total of 13 general practitioners.
Education
The 1960s saw little growth in the number of family physicians locating in DE. A decision was made to support the formation of a residency training program at the Wilmington Medical Center. In 1971 the 73rd Family Practice training program was established under the leadership of Dr. Dene T. Walters. In 1980 a second DE training program began at St. Francis Hospital directed by Dr. Stephen Permut. Today, both residency programs are thriving and boast a strong number of graduates, with a majority of physicians staying to practice in DE.
DAFP Chapter Today
DAFP has become an integral part of most practicing physicians in DE. Our chapter boasts a long line of past presidents who have been integral in the expansion of Family Medicine in DE. The 1990s saw the formation of the David and Ethel Platt Family Physicians Summer Fellowship led by Drs. M. Diana Metzger and Rebecca Jaffe which provides four fellowships awarded per year to first and second year medical students a four-week rotation in family physician’s offices. The DAFP also provides excellent continuing medical education through the Fall and Winter Course, Scientific Assembly, and annual Geriatric, Mental Health, and Sports Medicine Symposiums. We boast a membership of over 300 Family Physicians and offer support in the changing health care climate today. Family Medicine has proved to be just as relevant today as it was 60 years ago, and as we move forward providing a medical “home” to patients, we are excited to be a part of the DAFP for the next sixty years.
