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Family Practice is the
medical specialty which provides continuing, comprehensive health care for
the individual and family. It is a specialty in breadth that integrates the
biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family practice
encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system and every disease
entity.
The family
physician functions as the patient's means of entry into the health care
system. The family physician is the physician of first contact in most
situations and, as the initial provider, is in a unique position to form a
bond with the patient. The family physician evaluates the patient's total
health needs, and provides personal care within one or more fields of
medicine. The family physician's care is comprehensive and not limited by
age, sex, organ system or type of problem, be it biological, behavioral, or
social. The family physician's care utilizes knowledge of the patient in
the context of the family and the community. This care emphasizes disease
prevention and health promotion. The family physician refers the patient
when indicated to other sources of care while preserving continuity of
care. The family physician's role as a cost-effective coordinator of the
patient's health services is integral to the care provided. If the patient
is hospitalized, this role prevents fragmentation and a lack of coordination
of care. This role also allows the family physician to serve as the
patient's advocate in dealing with third-party payers, employers, and
others.
In summary,
the family physician of today is rooted in the historical generalist
tradition. The specialty is three dimensional, combining knowledge and
skill with a unique process. The patient-physician relationship in the
context of the family is central to this process and distinguishes family
practice from other specialties. Knowledge and skills vary among family
physicians according to their patients' needs and the ability to incorporate
new information into their practices. Above all, the scope of family
practice is dynamic, expanding, and evolutionary.
American Academy of Family Physicians
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graduate from
college (4 years)