Doctors and other medical professionals are being hailed as the world’s new heroes.

Yet some might be wondering, why are they being recognized only now? Isn’t it true that physicians and other healthcare workers have always helped saved lives? Doesn’t that make them everyday heroes?

Of course, the pandemic has a lot to do with this, but the importance of doctors in society has never been in doubt. Here’s the thing though, recognize them or not, they will continue to help patients.

And speaking of helping patients, do you know the role family physicians play in easing the burdens on America’s healthcare system? Let’s talk about that right now.

First Things First: What Are Family Physicians?

Family practitioners or family physicians are doctors trained in family medicine. This means they provide health maintenance and preventive care services to each member of the family. 

This is why some adult patients get confused when they need to see a doctor. They don’t know which primary care physician they should go to. Should they see a doctor of internal medicine (internists) or their family doctor?

Here’s what you need to keep in mind. Most family doctors work in outpatient settings. Their training covers pediatrics, adolescent medicine, adult medicine, and geriatrics. 

Meanwhile, many internists work in hospitals. They only treat adult patients, but they receive extra training in rheumatology, endocrinology, and other subspecialties.

If you can’t decide which one to consult, go to the one you’re most comfortable with. For some people, that means the doctor they’ve been seeing since they were little.  

Essential Roles Performed by Family Doctors

Patient education is one of the most important tasks local family physicians perform. Don’t forget, your family doctor can give you advice on stress relief techniques, fertility testing, weight control, and so on. This helps reduce hospital stays because patients know more about taking care of their health.

Another thing family doctors do really well is diagnosing emerging conditions. This is because they see their patients over long periods of time and are familiar with their medical histories. They immediately notice new or unusual symptoms that could indicate a serious health condition.

Let’s not forget how a family physician helps his/her local community. After all, a medical practice is a business, which requires hiring staff, renting or buying office space, etc.

The more family doctors in an area, the more jobs they help create, which also help to support other local industries. Remember, family physicians also work with other healthcare workers such as nurses, pharmacists, and so on. The services they provide all have a positive impact on the economy.

Need Help Finding a Family Physician?

Now that you know why family physicians are the first stop for a lot of patients seeking medical help, do you need tips on finding a good family doctor?

If yes, don’t forget to check out our other posts. We also have articles on a range of interesting topics including fitness, home improvement, business, marketing, technology, and loads more.