Family physicians have an expert knowledge of the wide range of common problems of patients in the community, and of less common, but life threatening and treatable emergencies in patients in all age groups. Their approach to health care is based on the best scientific evidence available. Family medicine is a community-based discipline. Family practice is based in the community and is significantly influenced by community factors. As a member of the community, the family physician is able to respond to people s changing needs, to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and to mobilize appropriate resources to address patients needs.
Family physicians are skilled at dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty.
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.