Family practice is a recognized medical specialty that is concerned with the total health care of the individual and the family. Family physicians are trained to provide first-contact care that is comprehensive, competent, continuous, and caring.

Family physicians graduate from four years of medical school and three years of specialty training, called residency. The residency provides intensive training in pediatrics, internal medicine, geriatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, surgery, and psychiatry.

Family physicians demonstrate competent mastery of this broad body of knowledge through the board-certification process. Family physicians are certified by the American Board of Family Practice after passing lengthy written examinations at the end of residency and must renew their board certification by passing additional tests every seven years. In addition, the Board requires each certified physician to complete at least 150 hours of continuing medical education every three years. All physicians at University Family Physicians are board-certified and are committed to retaining their board certification throughout their careers.

Family physicians are uniquely qualified to care for people of all ages – newborns, children, teens, young adults, and mature adults. Your family physician builds a lasting relationship with you and your family and becomes your advocate in all health-related matters, including the appropriate use of consultants, health services, and community resources. A family physician can be your doctor for life and help you live that life to the fullest.

Sources: American Board of Family Practice (www.abfp.org) and American Academy of Family Physicians (www.aafp.org). Visit these Web sites to learn more about Family Practice.