In our most recent web poll, we asked which medical services are most important to you, and more than half of you said "a doctor who helps coordinate my care with other doctors." That's not surprising. A doctor who knows you and helps manage all your care is a valuable asset.

What kind of doctors provide this kind of care? Family physicians.

What is a Family Physician?
Unlike other doctors who focus on just one part of the body or one disease, family doctors care for the whole person - regardless of age or sex.
And family doctors don't just take care of you when you're sick. They help keep you well with screenings and advice about how to prevent health problems.
When an illness arises that requires care from another specialist, family doctors guide you through the health care system and coordinate all aspects of your care.

The Patient-Doctor Relationship
Family doctors know a key to good health is a strong patient-physician relationship. The research back this up: People who have an ongoing relationship with a primary care doctor have better overall health outcomes, lower death rates, and lower health care costs.

Training for Family Physicians
After medical school, family doctors complete three years of residency during which they receive training in several major areas, including:

• Care for patients of all ages from infants to the elderly
• Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease
• Emergency medical care
• Surgical procedures
• Mental health care
• Well-woman care and reproductive counseling

Family physicians are held to the highest standards of medical care. To be certified, they must complete at least 300 hours of continuing education, take part in quality improvement projects, and pass a comprehensive exam every six years.

Do you have a family doctor? Let us hear from you.