Family physicians
Family physicians
Family physicians (pronunciation: /ˈfæmɪli fɪˈzɪʃənz/), also known as general practitioners or primary care physicians, are medical professionals who provide comprehensive health care for individuals and families across all ages, genders, diseases, and parts of the body. They are often the first point of contact for patients within the healthcare system and coordinate other specialist care that the patient may need.
Etymology
The term "family physician" is derived from the Latin words "familia" meaning family, and "physicus" meaning physician. The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe doctors who treated the whole family.
Role and Responsibilities
Family physicians are responsible for a wide range of medical services, including:
- Preventive care: This includes routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Chronic disease management: Family physicians manage common and complex illnesses in adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
- Diagnosis and treatment: They diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, provide prenatal care and baby wellness, provide care for minor injuries, and perform minor surgical procedures.
- Patient education: They educate patients about their health and guide them through the decision-making process regarding their treatment options.
Training and Education
Family physicians must complete a Bachelor's degree, usually in a science field, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from a medical school. After medical school, they must complete a three-year family medicine residency program where they receive training in all major medical areas, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and geriatrics. They also receive training in community medicine, geriatric medicine, and emergency medicine.
Related Terms
- Primary care: The day-to-day healthcare given by a health care provider.
- General practitioner: A medical doctor who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients.
- Internist: A doctor who specializes in internal medicine.
- Pediatrician: A medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases.
- Obstetrician: A doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
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