The Family Physician

Abstract

This chapter is about the personal and professional experience of being a family physician as that special role has evolved within the medical care system of the United States. Family practice is a growing specialty throughout the world, and there is increasing international communication and cooperation among national professional organizations comprising the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA). There are more similarities than differences in the general characteristics of family physicians, wherever they practice, but this chapter reflects data and opinions derived from experience in the United States since the mid-1960s.