What does a family physician do?
Family physicians are physicians educated and trained in family practice—a broadly encompassing medical specialty. Family physicians provide continuing and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance and preventive services to each member of the family, regardless of sex, age or type of problem—biological, behavioral or social.
What might a family physician do in a workday?
Family practice is a three-dimensional specialty, incorporating the dimensions of knowledge, skill, and process. While knowledge and skill may be shared with other specialties, the family practice process is unique. At the center of this process is the patient-physician relationship. It is the extent to which this relationship is valued, developed, and nurtured that distinguishes family practice from all other specialties.
Family physicians:
- teach patients about their own health and wellness needs, as well as those of their children. Also, they track children’s growth and development.
- treat patients suffering from common acute health problems such as respiratory infections, flu, sports injuries, back pain, and minor trauma (lacerations and sprains).
- examine and diagnose patients using clinical skills, medical equipment, instruments, and tests.
- prescribe and administer drugs and treatments.
- immunize patients against preventable and communicable diseases.
- provide ongoing treatment for those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, arthritis, or cardiac conditions.
- care for patients with complex medical problems, either alone or in consultation with medical or surgical subspecialists.
- perform outpatient procedures, such as dermatological procedures, minor surgeries, etc.
Developing a Career as a Family Physician:
Most family physicians work in private offices, hospitals, and clinics. They may work alone or with other physicians and are usually aided by nurses, technicians, and other support personnel.
How much does a family physician earn?
- $145,000 - $180,000
How do I become a family physician?
Students interested in becoming a family physician should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses.
To enter medical school, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a premedical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.
Upon completion of medical school, students enter a three-year postgraduate training program in family medicine (internship and residency), during which they receive training specific to family practice.
Where else can I learn about becoming a family physician?
Virginia Academy of Family Physicians
1503 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 207 / Richmond, VA 23229
tel: (804) 968-5200 / web: www.vafp.org
Medical Society of Virginia
2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300 / Richmond, VA 23294-3746
tel: (800) 746-6768 / web: www.msv.org
American Academy of Family Physicians
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway / Leawood, KS 66211-2672
tel: (913) 906-6000 or (800) 274-2237 / web: www.aafp.org
State License Requirements for Family Physicians:
A license is required to practice as a Physician in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.
Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4600 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov