STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, the Empire State places a high priority on quality health care for all New Yorkers and recognizes the thousands of dedicated physicians who ensure the delivery of primary care and medical treatment for the families of this State; and

Whereas, the availability of excellent health care services is the goal of physicians who work in one of the most demanding professions that requires selfless commitment, human compassion, and respect for life; and

Whereas, the annual observance of Family Physician Week provides an opportunity for New Yorkers to recognize the vital contributions of those who represent the cornerstone of our health care system as primary care providers for families and through their work in specialized areas including emergency care, surgical care, intensive care, inpatient and outpatient care, community health education, and other facets of medicine; and

Whereas, the New York State Academy of Family Physicians represents more than 4,000 family physicians, residents and medical students in this State who are dedicated to the primary care of individuals and families, to maintaining high standards of practice, and to advancing public health on behalf of society as a whole; and

Whereas, faithfully upholding its mission to advance the art and science of medicine, the Academy promotes the best in medical treatment by developing a health care system that continuously expands and grows as mankind makes historic progress through research in all areas of medical science and biotechnology; and

Whereas, the Academy provides effective leadership for the greater medical community and the family physicians who make such outstanding contributions to people’s lives, and its visionary work has been key to the success of an exceptional system of health care in this State; and

Whereas, the ability of physicians to provide continuous, high quality care is benefited by the activities and support of professional organizations such as the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, which holds its 60th Annual Congress of Delegates May 9-10, 2008 in our great Capital City of Albany, and it is fitting to recognize members of the Academy as they gather to further pursue a course of human progress by focusing on the work of family physicians and the health care needs of people today and in the future;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 4-10, 2008 as FAMILY PHYSICIAN WEEK in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-fifth day of April in the year two thousand eight.