HWN Suggests

I Am the Problem with Family Medicine

Family Medicine unites a diverse group of physicians and allows them to become who they want to be. This is a big tent specialty, and just as we advocate for our patients’ goals, we cannot be upset when colleagues follow their interests. In some cases, we willingly choose to narrow our scope of practice. But there will always be a place for full-spectrum family doctors. That said, had I persisted in becoming one, neither I nor my family would be happy. I unapologetically declare that I do not owe it to colleagues, faculty, or my community to persist in a path that does not bring happiness.

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Featured

 Why Family Medicine Is at the Bottom of the Hierarchy

Fifty years ago, most doctors were generalists. Today, sharing your dreams of becoming a family doctor with medical school classmates or residents generates looks of confusion. Some call me “brave” while others call me “crazy.” Truthfully, pursuing primary care in today’s health system doesn’t make much sense. Much of the allure of family doctoring no longer exists. The era of the trusted doctor who knew your name, family, and history has given way to faceless specialist networks operating out of distant corporate health systems. Sometimes, this shift toward specialization seems like progress, but Americans are sicker than ever, with record rates of preventable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Articles of Interest

The History of Family Medicine and Its Impact in US Health Care Delivery

The birth and growth of Family Medicine was the result of the work of many generous physicians who worked tirelessly and sacrificed a lot in the process. To some degree many of the old conflicts and distrust are still part of our experience. As Dr Geyman states: “ The three primary care specialties remain distinct tribes on parallel but separate courses”. The conflicts between generalists and specialists in regard to “turf battles” and the economic disparity in reimbursement between specialists and generalists continue to prevent us from achieving a bigger and more fundamental goal: to provide affordable, high quality and personalized health care to all people. We must overcome old conflicts and resentments within primary care and with our specialist colleagues. We all have an important role to play in taking care of our people. We need to begin to break walls and barriers and work together toward this common goal.

The Role of a Family Medicine Physician: Why Every Family Needs One

Your family’s health is not something you can entrust to anyone. Ideally, the medical professional monitoring your family’s health is someone with the requisite experience and expertise. What your household needs is a family medicine physician.

The Truth About Family Medicine: Why It’s the Most Versatile Specialty in Medicine

Family medicine is often misunderstood. Some believe it’s just about treating colds and administering vaccines, while others assume family doctors refer everything to specialists. But the reality? Family medicine is one of the most challenging, diverse, and rewarding specialties in medicine. Read more at: https://forum.facmedicine.com/threads/the-truth-about-family-medicine-why-its-the-most-versatile-specialty-in-medicine.

The value of family medicine

Family medicine physicians manage the highest complexity of conditions in their practices. Family physicians must actively stay up to date on new advances and recent evidence; care for patients of all ages and throughout many stages of their lives; share patients’ struggles and triumphs; diagnose undifferentiated diseases; advocate for their patients at all levels of the health care system and coordinate complex treatment regimens; and help patients balance their care options with their values

What Is it Like to Specialize in Family Medicine?

Between intrusion by insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies, there are many people who are vying for your attention as a new doctor. We must remember to focus on what is truly important – the patient. Do that and most of the noise will fade on its own.

Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Our mission is simple: Strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for. Built on decades of proven representation, leadership, and advocacy, we support our members and the specialty with high standards and dynamic opportunities.

American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation

The AAFP Foundation focuses on improving health for everyone, and your support makes an immediate impact on the good work we do—from leadership development and education scholarships to funding social and health care services.

American Board of Family Medicine

Established by physicians, ABFM Board Certification is a voluntary credential that exceeds state medical licensure requirements. Physicians who choose to take the extra step to achieve and maintain certification are committed to a higher standard of care and professionalism for their patients and communities.