your health care

What Is Family Medicine?

By Stephen Hill, MD, Bloomington Primary Care

here was a time, not terribly long ago, where every physician was a general practitioner. The Norman Rockwell-esque concept of the do-it-all doctor who took care of your entire family and potentially everyone else in town may be somewhat idealized, but reflects the way medicine was traditionally practiced. The advantages to this particular concept included unparalleled personal care of patients as a whole person in the context of their families and communities. Starting early in the 20th century, medical science began to grow by leaps and bounds. Astounding breakthroughs in technology, surgical techniques, equipment, and knowledge have resulted in the development of specialization in medicine. For instance, in the time frame we are referencing, we have gone from discovering the DNA molecule to mapping genomes. As medicine became increasingly complex, specialties focused on particular organ systems or diseases became an increasingly larger part of medical care. The downside to this evolution was that medical care consequently became more fragmented. The old general practitioner seemed to be a dying breed, and patients were left to navigate the increasingly complex medical landscape unaided. In response to the decline of primary care, in 1969 the new specialty of Family Medicine was established. In contrast to the old general practitioner who undertook one year of post-medical school training, family physicians would be required to pursue a three-year residency. Furthermore, family physicians would be required to take board examinations at the end of residency and every seven years throughout their career, thus emphasizing the importance of continuing education. Residency training includes major focus on integrated inpatient and outpatient medical care in pediatric and adult medicine, community medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, as well as psychiatry and neurology. As medical care has continued to evolve and become more complex, the importance of a primary care physician has been increasingly obvious. Primary care physicians include not only family physicians but general internists and pediatricians as well. Studies have shown that increased primary care coverage is associated with improved health outcomes. The importance of primary care and disease prevention is likely to be further emphasized as our medical system undergoes further changes with health care reform. Family medicine is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive primary care. With a focus on the patient as a whole person, it is beneficial to have a physician who knows you as well as your family. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, family physicians also provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization, and screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Family physicians also manage chronic illness, often coordinating care provided by other sub-specialists. From heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, to diabetes, cancer, and asthma, family physicians provide ongoing, personal care for the nations most

serious health problems. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care model outlined in previous issues by Drs. Pilcher and Houghton is a particular example of how family medicine can provide quality, personal care of individual children, adolescents, and adults. Stephen Hill, MD, and Adam Houghton, MD, are currently accepting new patients at Bloomington Primary Care. For your next appointment, please contact them at 309-663-7642. For more information, visit www.bloomingtonprimarycare.com.
November 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 19