Abstract
In its mission statement, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine declares that it will promote, protect, and support breastfeeding by means of the “encouragement of the exchange of information among organizations.” I cannot think of a better way to fulfill our mission than by holding the kind of meeting in which all of us are participating today.
It occurs to me that the Summit is a reflection of the Medical Home model. The Medical Home is defined as “primary care that is accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family centered, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective.” 1 Looking at the agenda, I think it is quite clear that we are going to touch on every characteristic of the Medical Home, particularly as it relates to addressing disparities growing out of cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
The Medical Home concept embraces the notion that physicians cannot address these disparities and other critical issues solely within the confines of their respective practices. They need help: Help from other healthcare professionals, from public health agencies, from community resources, and from nonprofit organizations. In a similar vein, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine acknowledges that all of us sitting in this room today must work closely together as partners in order to ensure that breastfeeding becomes the national cultural norm in the years ahead.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for attending, and to welcome you to what promises to be a very exciting Summit.