Family medicine

Doctor examines patient

Family medicine is a medical specialty that provides comprehensive health care for patients of all ages and genders, with an emphasis on the family unit. Family medicine physicians, also known as family doctors or primary care physicians, are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of medical conditions that are commonly seen in everyday life. They are considered generalists who address health maintenance, preventive care, and acute and chronic medical conditions in patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors.

Diagnosis in India

Conditions Treated

Family medicine physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions that may affect individuals in their everyday lives. Some of the common conditions treated by family medicine physicians include:

• Sinus and respiratory infections: Family medicine physicians can diagnose and treat respiratory infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis, and sinusitis, which are common ailments seen in everyday life.
• Intestinal ailments: Family medicine physicians can diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions such as indigestion, gastroenteritis, and constipation, which are common issues that individuals may face in their daily lives.
• Broken bones: Family medicine physicians can provide initial evaluation and management of fractures or broken bones, including setting and splinting, before referring to a specialist if needed.
• Long-term patient care: Family medicine physicians typically have regular, long-term patients who may include all members of the same household. They provide comprehensive care, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and health promotion, to help patients achieve and maintain optimal health throughout their lives.

Seattle physician with patient

Procedures

In addition to diagnosing and treating medical conditions, family medicine physicians also perform a variety of procedures in their practice. Some of the common procedures performed by family medicine physicians include:

• Maternity-related procedures: Family medicine physicians may provide prenatal care, including early pregnancy evaluation and management, and may also attend deliveries and provide postpartum care for both the mother and newborn.
• Family planning procedures: Family medicine physicians can provide counseling and perform procedures related to family planning, such as intrauterine device (IUD) placement and contraceptive implant insertion.
• Colonoscopy and endoscopy: Family medicine physicians may perform colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures for the evaluation and management of gastrointestinal conditions, such as colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Skin biopsy and suturing: Family medicine physicians can perform skin biopsies to diagnose skin conditions such as skin cancer, and they can also perform suturing of lacerations or wounds.
• Vasectomies: Family medicine physicians can perform vasectomy procedures, which are a form of permanent male contraception.
• Abscess drainage and skin tag removal: Family medicine physicians may perform minor surgical procedures, such as abscess drainage and removal of skin tags.
• Cryotherapy: Family medicine physicians may use cryotherapy, a technique that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues, such as warts or precancerous skin lesions.
• Joint injections: Family medicine physicians may perform joint injections for the management of musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis or sports-related injuries.

Doctor takes blood pressure

Top Family Medicine Journals

Family medicine physicians stay updated with the latest research and advancements in their field by following reputable medical journals. Some of the top family medicine journals include:

• The Lancet: The Lancet is a prestigious medical journal that covers various aspects of family medicine, including clinical practice, research, and public health.
• Annals of Family Medicine: Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes original research, systematic reviews, and other articles related to family medicine and primary care.
• American Family Physician: American Family Physician is the official journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians and focuses on providing evidence-based information on clinical topics relevant to family medicine practice.
• Family Practice: Family Practice is a leading international journal that publishes research articles, reviews, and other papers related to family medicine and primary care.

Salary and Income

The salary of family medicine physicians may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of practice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for family medicine physicians was $213,270 in May 2020 in the United States. However, it's important to note that salaries can vary widely based on factors such as years of experience, geographic location, and practice setting (e.g., private practice, academic setting, hospital-based practice).

References

• The Lancet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/
• Annals of Family Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.annfammed.org/
• American Family Physician. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/journals/afp.html
• Family Practice. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/fampra
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Physicians and Surgeons. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm