The field of family medicine has been on the rise all around the world during the last few decades. One of the major missions of family doctors is to raise awareness and promote prevention of diseases since prevention is often better than cure. To promote its mission further, the Family Medicine Primary Health Care Center (FM-PHCC) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) held an open house day on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Wassef and Souad Sawwaf Building.
The Family Medicine Open House welcomed members of AUB, AUBMC, and the public community. Visitors were introduced to the center’s services and initiatives that best serve their needs. Several booths, which ranged from a child health booth, women’s health booth, senior health booth, chronic diseases booth, to a wellness booth and many others, showcased the center’s specialties in an amiable atmosphere. In addition, the open house celebrated World Diabetes Day by installing an interactive and informative booth that raised awareness on the topic. Participants received a free health assessment that included measuring blood pressure and blood sugar and giving advice as needed. The free assessment allowed discovering new cases of elevated blood pressure and blood sugar.
Community members including several dignitaries as well as representatives from the Ministry of Public Health visited the different health booths and expressed their appreciation of the different activities organized for the day. They applauded the pivotal role AUBMC has played in the community and the region through providing excellent patient care, improving health standards and lending a helping hand to needy patients.
Dr. Mona Osman, Family Medicine Doctor at AUBMC, said, “We aim to improve the health of our community through building the culture of health awareness, disease prevention, and evidence-based treatment. The open house was an opportunity to introduce participants to such a culture in a practical way. We are deeply proud of our residents who played a crucial role in the organization of this event and realizing its success.”
A leader in primary care education and research, the Department of Family Medicine at AUBMC offers exemplary, comprehensive, and continuous primary care using the biopsychosocial model. It provides excellent community –oriented primary healthcare at the local, national, and regional levels through education, research, and services.
Having a healthcare center enrolled in the primary health care network of the Ministry of Public Health is yet another commitment of AUBMC to enhance the access of all individuals to good quality healthcare.
