Primary Care for the Underserved Conference: the evolution of an emerging professional culture.

This article presents the background of the Primary Care for the Underserved Conference and traces its evolutionary development over the past 13 years. Definitions of underserved are provided, and challenges in working with underserved populations are identified. The origin and purposes of the conference; geographic locations and conference themes; keynote, clinical, and research presentations; and extracurricular activities are highlighted. Conference sustainability in an era of limited funding for the underserved and conference outcomes are discussed. Future directions for the conference and the emerging culture of health care professionals who serve the underserved are offered.