What Family Medicine is NOT

Family doctors are not specialists in every field.  We know a good deal about many fields of medicine but depend upon collaboration with our specialist colleagues to help with the care of our patients.  Primary care doctors can treat about 90% of problems presented in their office, but it is essential to work well with specialists.  To be an effective family doctor you must check your ego at the door , keep an open mind, have a broad differential diagnosis, know when to ask for help, be excited and willing to learn each day.