A family of four laughing together

What is a Family Physician?

There is a term of endearment used in the medical profession for Family Medicine Physicians and that is they treat patients from “crib to coffin, “birth to death,” or “womb to tomb,” there really is no better way to describe the practice of the Family Medicine doctor. Family Medicine physicians provide comprehensive prenatal care, deliver babies, care for children and adolescents, provide men’s, women’s and senior health care and offer guidance and support to families finding their way through the difficult times of end-of-life care.

Family Medicine physicians are trained in all areas of medicine to treat the whole person. Family physicians are rooted in the community and make it their personal mission to put you, the patient, at the center of your health care. Family physicians diagnose and treat a full range of problems and provide complete care through all stages of your life – often considered Health Care Life Partners. If necessary, they will refer you to another trusted specialist and will oversee your care with that specialist.

Family Medicine physicians are considered vital to the well-being of the community. They take care of the physical, mental and emotional health of both their patients and their patients’ families and they know your family’s health history and how it can affect you.

Family physicians deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, they also provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunizations and screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Family physicians are experts in managing chronic illness and they are specially trained in preventive medicine. They believe that preventing a health problem is better than having to overcome one. They help you make the right health choices to keep you and your family healthy. So even if you don’t have an immediate need to see a doctor be proactive and take charge of your healthy future today.