The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health was created by the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania in 1994 and its first chair was hired in 1996. Since then, the department has systematically built clinical, research and educational programs that have become deeply integrated into the fabric of Penn Medicine's academic and clinical programs, the university and the community.

The department is innovative, academically strong, and community-oriented. We are proud to exemplify the Penn Compact initiated by President of the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Gutmann: Increasing access, integrating knowledge, and engaging locally and globally.

The Department of Family Medicine’s involvement in public health has greatly strengthened their work in communities, with a major focus on partnering with organizations in urban Philadelphia neighborhoods. They have strong link with a broad partnership program at the Sayre High School in West Philadelphia, where the Sayre Health Center, a student-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is located.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver equitable, high quality, and high value primary care by:

• Partnering with patients, families and communities to achieve optimal health
• Applying best evidence in person-centered care
• Generating and disseminating innovative research
• Educating scholars and creating leaders in family medicine and community health

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the leader in promoting thriving communities through advanced primary care for all individuals and families.

Our Values

The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health values partnership, excellence, diversity, respect and social consciousness.