UAB Heersink School of Medicine students can enjoy a week-long celebration of Primary Care Week from October 6-10, 2025. This event-packed week aims to educate physicians-in-training and students across the health spectrum on the pivotal role of primary care in the health care system.
“Research links access to a primary care physician to lower health care costs, longer and healthier lives, and higher patient satisfaction,” said Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine and associate dean of Primary Care and Rural Health. “Primary Care Week is a reminder of these physicians' vital role in their communities—in areas large and small, rural, and urban.”
From a kickoff Research Day to hands-on workshops and informative panels, these events are designed to fuel an interest in primary care while fostering connection and learning. Plus, lunch is provided each day!
Find full details on Primary Care Week festivities and register for events at go.uab.edu/primarycareweek.
Monday, October 6: Kickoff to Primary Care Week & Primary Care Research Day
When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: ALGEN Lobby, Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine & Data Sciences Building, 701 19th Street South
REGISTER HERE by October 1 for lightning talks, poster session or to serve as a judge.
Tuesday, October 7: Hands-On Procedure Workshop
When: 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: Volker Hall, room 202
Wednesday, October 8: Primary Care Faculty Panel
When: 12-1 p.m.
Where: Volker Hall, room 202
Thursday, October 9: Money in Medicine
When: 12-1 p.m.
Where: Volker Hall, room 202
In 2025, 39.5% of UAB School of Medicine graduates matched into a Primary Care specialty. Primary care specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Medicine-Pediatrics, foster long-term relationships between physicians and patients, allowing for comprehensive care over time. Many primary care providers find these relationships to be the most rewarding aspect of their practice, witnessing growth and positive changes in their patients’ health.
“I was drawn to Family Medicine due to the relationship that you form with your patients, as well the variety of things we provide for our patients,” explained Christian Williams Harper, D.O., assistant professor within the Department of Family and Community Medicine. “We have the privilege of having the continuity to see your patients go through various stages of their life. We play a huge role in preventive care, and that is so fulfilling to me. I love having the opportunity of treating the patient as a whole, including their mental, spiritual, and physical aspects of their health.”