More importantly, they demonstrate the commitment of the osteopathic profession to serve communities most in need. These statistics demonstrate the AOA's success in producing primary care physicians. Section 747 of Title VII is the only Federal program that supports the training of primary care physician and dentists. It authorizes the Primary Care and Dentistry cluster, which supports programs for family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, physician assistants and general and pediatric dentistry. Section 747 is an essential element in the training of the physicians most needed in America, primary care physicians.
Numerous studies demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of primary care physicians.
They are fiscally responsible and tend to have lower utilization rates of hospital services, tests and procedures. Osteopathic primary care physicians continue to be highly successful in preventing patients from needing costly hospitalizations and treatments by practicing preventative medicine and stressing wellness and prevention to their patients. The nation needs more primary care physicians. Title VII is an important program that produces results. These efforts should be continued and increased.