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Medical
Information
Starting in the
1970s, many family physicians in the United States began to
consider the terms "general practitioner" and "GP" as somewhat
demeaning and derogatory, discounting their additional years
of training. It was not until 1969 that family medicine
(formerly known as family practice) was recognized as a
distinct specialty in the U.S.
A family physician is board-certified in family medicine.
Training is focused on treating an individual throughout all
of his or her life stages. Family physicians will see anyone
with any problem, but are experts in common problems. Many
family physicians deliver babies in addition to taking care of
patients of all ages. Family physicians complete undergraduate
school, medical school, and three more years of specialized
medical residency training in family medicine. In order to
remain board certified, family physicians take a written
examination every six, seven, nine or 10 years, depending on
what track they choose regarding the maintenance of their
certification. Three hundred hours of continuing medical
education within the prior six years is also required to be
eligible to sit for the exam.
Between 2003 and 2009 the board certification process is being
changed in family medicine and all other American Specialty
Boards to a series of yearly tests on differing areas within
the given specialty. The American Board of Family Medicine, as
well as other specialty boards, are requiring additional
participation in continuous learning and self-assessment to
enhance clinical knowledge, expertise and skills. The Board
has created a program called the "Maintenance of Certification
Program for Family Physicians" (MC-FP) which will require
family physicians to continuously demonstrate proficiency in
four areas of clinical practice: professionalism, self
assessment/lifelong learning, cognitive expertise, and
performance in practice. |
