A family doctor is a physician specializing in providing wide-ranging and ongoing medical care to all members of a family.  They have been trained to prevent, diagnose and treat a broad variety of ailments and injuries.

Family Physicians have received four years of premed education, followed by another four years of medical school and three years of residency.  Additionally, to become board certified, they are required to take an oral and written examination and receive continuing education.  Board certification must be renewed every 7 years to remain current.

Today’s medical environment offers many choices of specialization.  These highly trained physicians offer services that target specific illnesses or problems, such as allergies or dermatology.  Often times, people begin with these specialists thinking they are more effective and will solve their problem more quickly.  While this may come true in some cases, it should also be understood that the body is a complex system and frequently symptoms are the result of an illness or problem in a different part of the body. 

Family Doctors are specialists in the person as a whole and provide a “medical home” for individuals and families.  Many medical issues can be diagnosed and treated by a family physician in a timelier manner and at a lesser cost than a specialist.  Should the condition fall outside the knowledge of the doctor, he or she will know whom to refer you. 

More importantly, your family doctor provides continuity and stability that ensures you receive consistent care throughout your lifetime appropriate to your condition, regardless of how many specialists you see.  In other words, your family doctor will integrate your care across all your medical needs leading you to optimal health.  A person with a “medical home” has fewer missed diagnoses, misdiagnoses, unnecessary tests and medical errors because one doctor has an entire picture of him/her.

Medical Park Family Care physicians take this role very seriously.  They actively reach out into the community of other providers to learn who they are and how to make a stronger team together for their patients.

For more information, read what the American Academy of Family Physicians says.