National Primary Care Week 2005

National Primary Care Week (NPCW), an annual event supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration and managed by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) highlights the importance of primary care careers and functions as a resource for health professions students interested in generalist medicine.

"Breaking Down Barriers: Health Literacy in Community Health"
October 16-22, 2005

Why is Primary Care important?
Primary care provides services such as health promotion, disease prevention, health screenings, examinations, rehabilitation therapy, and nutritional and psychological counseling.

Who are Primary Care Providers?
PC services require a variety of professionals including family physicians, internists, gynecologists, pediatricians, dentists, nurses, physician
assistants, pharmacists, dieticians, counselors, rehabilitation therapists and social workers.

What is the future of Primary Care?
In the last 5 years there has been a steady decrease of primary care residency matches, which declined by 5.6% in 2002 alone. The need for primary health care professionals is more urgent than ever.

How Can You Make a Difference?
Become a student representative at your school for National Primary Care Week (NPCW)! The week runs from October 16-22, 2005 and provides an
opportunity for student leaders to spread the word and create awareness about primary care and PC career opportunities not only on their campuses but also in their communities.

What are Some Examples of NPCW Projects?
Hold a lecture series, community health fair, conference, health screenings, workshops, language fair, book drive, letter writing campaign, etc. The
possibilities are endless! This year's theme is "Breaking Down Barriers: Health Literacy in Community Health."

**FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FROM AMSA FOR NPCW PROJECTS!**

How to Get Involved:
To become a student leader go to and register today!

For more information on NPCW, visit our site at
or contact Caitlin Phelps, AMSA Project
Manager, at 703-620-6600 x204 & NPCW@www.amsa.org.

Have a great National Primary Care Week (NPCW) event idea, but don't know how to pay for it?

Want to make a real difference in the world through your NPCW event, but don't know where to start?

Then don't wait; apply now for the grant opportunities provided by AMSA!

As a NPCW student leader you are eligible to apply for a $200 grant for your school's project, and if you collaborate with an Area Health Education
Centers or National Health Service Corps Ambassador, you can apply for an additional $100 for your project. (More information about possible collaborators: )

-->Please see for the grant applications.
Special consideration will be given to applications that fit the following criteria: new projects, interdisciplinary projects, collaborative projects
(with AHECs/Ambassadors and other schools), and originality.

Don't wait to apply! Applications must be submitted by September 2, 2005 to qualify for the first funding deadline, or by September 23, 2005 to qualify for the second deadline.

If you have any questions, please contact a NPCW staff member at NPCW@www.amsa.org . Please visit our website for more information about NPCW or to sign up to be a NPCW student coordinator.