Not being dependent on a hospital for treating the majority of their patients gives Family physicians far greater flexibility and control of their time. Being Family and community oriented in their practice, most Family physicians find a satisfying balance between personal and professional life. The 1990s have seen a tremendous spurt in earnings for Family physicians. Family physicians led the list for advances in income amongst all primary care disciplines. In addition to this newly graduating Family physicians start at a higher initial earning than more established physicians.
Many underserved communities offer loan forgiveness programs to attract family physicians.
Given the wide variety of practice arrangements available, Family physicians can expect to achieve a comfortable lifestyle and pay off student loans. With the profession of medicine changing ever so rapidly, it appears that Family physicians are faring better than most physicians in the evolving medical environment. The increase in demand for Family physicians is certainly linked to their cost effective care, their ability to coordinate care and their wise and effective use of resources. Opportunities and challenges for Family physicians are perhaps more than for any other specialty. Family physicians are suited for practice in the smallest and largest of communities.