In the early 1970s the Academy was very concerned about the physician shortage in Florida, particularly the shortage of family physicians. According to a 1972 special report on education and training for family practice, the Academy held as its NUMBER ONE PROJECT the development of more family physicians for the state. In response the Academy launched its Medical Student Orientation Program. One important component of the program was the Family Practice Weekend seeking “to acquaint each medical student in Florida with the true nature of family practice so the student could make an informed decision for his own future in medicine.” The first Family Practice Weekend took place January 22-23, 1972, at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Forty-four physicians and 32 medical students rubbed elbows, exchanged ideas and attended orientation and scientific discussions during the Weekend. Lunch, cocktails and dinner for all participants provided further opportunity for student-physician conversation. Thanks were extended to Dr. Lynn P. Carmichael, Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at the University of Miami, FAFP Director Dr. Charles A. Dunn of Miami, and the University of Miami Student Director Robert Hoff for their efforts in helping to arrange this first-of-a-kind presentation. Throughout the ‘70s, Family Practice Weekends continued and were held at locations at or near Florida’s three medical schools—University of Miami, University of Florida and University of South Florida. Initially there were many more students in attendance than physicians. Leaders encouraged more physicians to participate to provide the one-on-one conversations between physicians and students considered to be the most effective tool of the student orientation program. In 1977, a committee was charged with studying previous Family Practice Weekends and making recommendations for the future. They found the Weekends to be useful as a quarterly forum for practicing physicians and the promotion of family practice to medical students. They recommended their continuation with some modifications. They suggested meeting sites other than in the academic centers and the inclusion of at least six to 12 CME hours of AAFP Prescribed, FMA Mandatory, and AMA Category 1 accreditation. Interestingly, fees at the time were $2 for medical students, $5 for residents, and $15 to $25 for practicing physicians and guests. In 1971 and 1972, activities of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians gave promise of fruition. The Florida Legislature, at the urging of the Academy, mandated the creation of departments of family practice at all medical schools in Florida which received state funding. In November 1979, an Institute on Florida Government brought together 25 Florida government executive and legislative leaders for informal discussion with 50 selected medicine leaders. This seminar signaled the beginning of a legislative program in support of State of Florida funding for family practice and resulted in the appropriation of $1,500,000 in categorical funding for family practice residency programs for fiscal year 1974-75. In 1976, legislation amended the Community Hospital Education Act to assure that a minimum of $10,000 per resident per year would be allocated for family practice residents in the State of Florida. Three Student Directors, one from each medical school, and three voting family practice residents were added to the Board. Active membership dues were increased to enable the establishment of a full-time administrative office in January 1974. The end of the 80s found FAFP with a budget of $227,600 and a membership of 1,553.