Family Physician

A family physician is a professional doctor whose main concern is his or her patient and their family's health care needs. They build a doctor/patient relationship over prolonged contact, resulting in not only trust but also the patient's complete medical history. When a person has a non-medical emergency such as the flu, stepping on a nail or measles, they see their family physician. They train physicians to distinguish or determine the medical nature of an illness or problem through medical analysis and then treat these conditions or disorders.

A family physician has a varied medical routine, as almost every patient that comes to the office has a different medical concern or problem. One patient may need their flu shot, another might need stitches in their knee while another needs a repeat on their high blood pressure medication. They do physical examinations and combine this with the patient's medical history to give medication or order diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds and blood work. They often recommend treatments such as surgery, medicines, diet-changes or other medical advice, when necessary. Many physicians enjoy that element of their job, as each day is different from the next.

Family physicians receive a wide range of medical training including pediatrics, geriatrics, internal medicine and gynecology. To be certified in any subspecialty requires another year or training. They spend their lives helping and caring for their patients and get great satisfaction from helping their patients stay healthy. Family doctors must be problem solvers and quick thinkers in order to diagnose or determine medical problems.

Common work activities include:

• Meeting with patients to provide examinations, treatments and provide information.
• Coordinating medical staff and ensuring that the clinic or office is up-to-date in using current medical treatment options.
• Treating a variety of medical conditions in patients ranging from emergency procedures through to check-ups.
• Researching various medical treatments and procedures, attending workshops and training sessions, and networking with other professionals in the field.
• Completing all required documentation and paperwork for patient referrals, logs and charts and even for government and health reporting.
• Providing information to various groups, community agencies and organizations on health issues affecting families.

Programs related to Family Physician careers

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