Family and General Practice around the World

Abstract

From its origins in North America, the concept of family practice is spreading around the globe. Although in most countries no distinction is made between general and family practice, there is a growing emphasis on developing new roles for primary physicians. Patients, physicians, and health care systems in many countries are experiencing the same evolution that has occurred in the United States and Canada. Furthermore, whether health care is financed by private payment or by a socialized method, personalized health care can be delivered at lesser cost via the family approach.