Choosing Family Medicine as a Specialty

"When I decided I wanted to do Family Medicine a half century ago, my 'more learned brethren' assured me that Family Medicine was on its way out. The only ones who knew this was not true were the patients. The fierce loyalty of those patients to their family doctor is remarkable."   -- Harry Stagaman, M.D.

History of Family Medicine

Family Medicine is a primary care specialty that is as old as medicine in its concept. In modern terms, Family Medicine evolved from General Practice. In the past, all medical students did an "internship" year following medical school. It was essentially a repeat of third-year but with added responsibility. After the intern year doctors went into practice as GPs or specialized with further training.

By the 1960's, medical knowledge increased to the point where it became clear that, to be an effective primary care physician, more post-graduate work was needed. At the same time, patients expressed displeasure with medicine and its biomedical approach. They wanted to be treated as patients with an illness and not just a disease. Problems with uncoordinated specialist care also became evident. The biopsychosocial model of medicine was born and General Practice evolved into Family Medicine.

By the late 1960's and early 70's, Family Medicine residency programs were created and required three years of post-graduate training. The Family Medicine Specialty Board was created and required family physicians to pass a test to become Board Certified. Family Medicine was the first specialty to require regular re-certification. Also during this time most medical schools created departments of Family Medicine and required a clerkship in the "new" specialty during the third year.

Everything you wanted to know...

On the left is a navigation panel with links answering many of the questions you may have about choosing Family Medicine as a specialty. If you have a question that is not answered please contact the Department of Family Medicine at 513-558-4021.