Family Medicine
What is a Doctor of Family Medicine, or General Practitioner?
Family Doctors are medical practitioners who take a personalized approach to healthcare, offering comprehensive medical supervision. They differ from specialists in that they provide a full range of healthcare services, treat all genders and age groups and build long-term patient relationships. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, interpret diagnostic tests to carefully treat injuries or illnesses. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.
Family Medicine Physicians have demanding education and training requirements. Almost all physicians complete at least 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.
There are two types of physicians, with corresponding degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they can be found in all specialties.