It is not a matter of knowing all of medicine, but rather knowing well what the family doctor needs to know. We use no greater number of brain cells and no fewer than other physicians. It is an different and unique set of knowledge and skills. The family physician is expert in breadth rather than depth. Clinical problem solving skills are taught in a manner that allow issues to approached in depth when appropriate to the patient or of special interest to the family doctor.
Family practice is common sense and uncommon perception.
Family practice is hoping, holding, hearing, helping, healing. In a medical milieu dominated by high salaries and narrow specialties, Family Practice requires a strong internal compass, and a willingness to be different. Family Practice is being there as the first doctor to contact regardless of age, symptoms, gender, ethnicity or disease. Being there for a 50 year old man with high blood pressure as he experiences chest pain. There to help him understand how life will change following his heart attack.