Finally, the family physician may provide palliative care to people with terminal diseases. Family physicians see themselves as part of a community network of health care providers and are skilled at collaborating as team members or team leaders. They use referral to specialists and community resources judiciously. The family physician is a resource to a defined practice population. The family physician views his or her practice as a population at risk , and organizes the practice to ensure that patients health is maintained whether or not they are visiting the office.
Family physicians have effective strategies for self-directed, lifelong learning.
Family physicians have the responsibility to advocate public policy that promotes their patients health. Family physicians accept their responsibility in the health care system for wise stewardship of scarce resources. They consider the needs of both the individual and the community. The patient-physician relationship is central to the role of the family physician. Family physicians have an understanding and appreciation of the human condition, especially the nature of suffering and patients response to sickness.