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The Family Doctor's Role in Your Health Care

Author: John Vukelich, M.D.
Clinic: Inver Grove Heights Clinic

View more Articles by this Physician

 "I see you are a Family Practice doctor. Does that mean you are just PRACTICING on me?"

This was a real question a patient threw at me one day! Perhaps he isn't the only patient out  there who wonders just what "Family Practice" means, and what services are available at a family practice medical clinic.

After World War II, medical knowledge expanded and technology advanced, and many physicians chose to limit their practice to specific, defined areas of medicine. They became "specialists" in such areas as orthopedics, surgery, cardiology, etc. The public became increasingly dissatisfied with the shortage of personal physicians who could provide initial, continuing and comprehensive care. The concept of "family medicine" grew out of this concern, and "family practice" became medicine's twentieth specialty.

The family doctor functions as the patient's means of entry into the health care system. As the doctor of first contact in most situations, they are in a unique position to form a special bond with the patient. The hallmark of family medicine is an emphasis on caring for a patient not as an isolated entity, but within the context of a family. Family doctors take great pride in really getting to know their patients, their family or family situation, and then developing a warm and long-term relationship.

Family doctors see both male and female patients, and take care of their physical, mental and emotional health through all life cycles. They emphasize and counsel on disease prevention and healthy life styles, and also diagnose and treat illness.

When consultation with a specialist is indicated, the family doctor refers, but remains the coordinator of the patient's health care. Family doctors serve as the patient's advocate in dealing with other medical professionals, employers, insurance companies and others. No matter what the disease process, or where care is being delivered, they remain involved with any decision making. Because of their personal and long-term relationship with the patient, they are eminently qualified to partner with patients to make the very best health care decisions.