Family physicians understand and appreciate the human condition, especially the nature of suffering and patients response to sickness. Family physicians are aware of their strengths and limitations, and recognize when their own personal issues interfere with effective care. Family physicians respect the primacy of the person. The relationship has the qualities of a covenant a promise, by physicians, to be faithful to their commitment to the well-being of patients, whether or not patients are able to follow through on their commitments. Family physicians are cognizant of the power imbalance between physicians and patients, and of the potential for abuse of this power.
Family physicians provide continuing care to their patients.
They use repeated contacts with patients to build on their relationship and to promote the healing power of their interactions. Over time, the relationship takes on special importance to patients, their families, and the physician. As a result, the family physician becomes an advocate for the patient. These four principles of family medicine have major implications for the nature of postgraduate family medicine residency programs. The College believes unequivocally that experience in family practice must form the basis for any residency program.