The Evolving Role of the Family Physician
Abstract
The universal role of the physician has been outlined and generally recognized for centuries. Codified most clearly in the Hippocratic Oath (5th Century B.C.), the World Health Organization (1948) succinctly defined the role of the physician as the promotion of the health of an individual, health being defined as the absence of disease and infirmity, and the presence of physical, mental and social well-being. Added to that, however, and within that general framework, the family practitioner has a specific and recognized set of skills. Skills now necessary to fufill the emerging role of the family practitioner include problem differentiation, chronic disease management, preventive care, education (peer and patient), and research As medical technology and therapeutics develop at an exponential rate, it is essential that family practitioners participate in this development to assure appropriate application to the patient populations they serve.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA338320
Entities
People
- Joel L. Dickerman
- William J. Cairney