The Family Physician’s Responsibilities

Abstract

I grew up in a small rural community in the Southeast, the oldest son of a poor family. From the beginning my interest in education was stimulated by my teachers and friends. After completion of my rotating internship I returned to my childhood hometown and established a solo practice. For many of the townspeople their paperboy became their physician. From the beginning I was attracted to teaching. After seven years I left my practice for additional training to prepare for a second professional vocation. In that process I have had a variety of experiences, including training in internal medicine and neurology. Since 1970 I have taught and handled administration in the area of family practice. I have experienced more variety than most people in my professional life.