Medical Specialist: Family Med... Health Article

Medical Specialist: Family Medicine

The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes Family Medicine as a distinct discipline requiring an additional three years of training for doctors who wish to become Board Certified in this field. Family Medicine doctors are usually primary care providers (PCPs) [formerly general practitioners, or GPs] for the entire family. The Family Physician (FP) provides comprehensive care and treatment to families and individuals throughout their life spans. FPs are skilled at preventive health care and behavioral medicine. In a managed care system, they are often referred to as "gatekeepers," because they may be required to coordinate referrals to other specialists.

Associated Diseases and Procedures

• Routine physical examinations
• Preventive health
• Birth control
• Weight management
• Immunizations
• Patient education
• Anxiety
• Warts
• Impetigo
• Lice infestation
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
• Atherosclerosis
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Acne
• Conjunctivitis
• Upper respiratory infection (URI)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Cystitis
• Sinusitus
• Sinus infection
• Influenza
• Alcohol abuse disorders
• Substance abuse disorders
• Eating disorders
• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia
• Obesity

Reference:

American Board of Medical Specialties, 2006-2008.