Family physicians are qualified to treat an array of ailments and provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages and gender through the different stages of life, unlike other medical specialists who focus on a particular type of disease or organ. Family physicians offer care to people suffering from different ailments.
The name ‘family physician’ doesn’t mean you need to be married or have children before you can see a family doctor; you can be a single person and still need the help of a family physician. Here are the basic roles of a family physician.
- Family physicians oversee preventive care
One of the main roles of a family physician is to educate patients in health maintenance and disease prevention. They care for your emotional and mental needs; they do this by helping with stress relief, weight control and nutritional counseling, anger management techniques, fertility testing, counseling, and suggesting the best forms of exercise to boost your fitness level.
- They diagnose emerging conditions
Family physicians provide treatment for you and your family over extended periods, which is why they are best suited to know your medical history and offer a diagnosis. They know your normal and are usually the first people you confide in when you experience new symptoms. The doctor is familiar with your medical records, so they can quickly decipher when there’s a significant change or a hidden condition.
Family doctors are usually the first to check you for early signs of diseases such as cancer, which is why they are usually the ones to detect emerging conditions. They request tests and interpret the test results to arrive at a diagnosis; they then explain the results to you and monitor your progress.
- They specialize in managing common complaints
Whenever you feel you’re coming down with an infection or your child has a flu virus, your first call will be to your family doctor. Family doctors are our go-to medical resources for the right diagnosis and appropriate prescription.
- Family physicians offer care for chronic illness
The most common degenerative and chronic illnesses managed by family doctors include stroke, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and asthma. They offer personalized care for the most challenging times of your life.
To find the best family medicine in Amherstburg, check out local hospitals in the area and ask for referrals. Also, if you feel you aren’t getting the best out of your current pharmacy, consider making an easy transfer to a new pharmacy.
