About WAFP
Programs
For the Physician
For the Patient
News and Publications
WAFP Foundation
Members
site map
•
contact us
Roster
Example Resolutions
Resolutions Archive
Writing a Resolution
Submitting a Resolution
Communications & Member Services Manager
2011 Leadership Elections
Officers
Trustees, Delegates, and Special Officers
Local Chapter Information
WAFP Committees
House of Delegates
Contact Us
WAFP Bylaws (Members Only)
WAFP Employment
Position Descriptions
Become a Member
2010 Leadership & Scholarship Opportunities
Student Activities & Events
Scholarships & Grants
The Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
Student Contacts
Position Descriptions
2010 Leadership & Scholarship Opportunities
Resident Activities & Events
Scholarships & Grants
Other Mentorship Opportunities
Pre-Med Interest Form
Advocacy Tools
WAFP Advocacy Now
2009 Bill Tracker
2009 Legislative Priorities
Academy in Action Videos
Advocacy Efforts
Talking Points
Application for Schools
Application for Physician Speakers
Washington State Tar Wars Coordinator
PCMH-IPIP
Students
Residents
Mentorship
Public Policy/Advocacy
Tar Wars
Volunteer Medicine
Foundation Board
Endowed Family Medicine Scholarship
Foundation Bylaws (Members Only)
ALSO Instructor Course
ALSO Provider Course
Statewide Parenting Resources
Women's Resources
Scribner Courage in Health Care Award
2010 ALSO Courses
Why Become a Member?
Classified Advertising
Continuing Medical Education
Family Medicine Educator of the Year
Family Physician of the Year
Immunization Updates
NCSC
Physician Recommended Resources
Events
RSS Feeds
Information and Publications
Medical Organizations
Statewide Parenting Resources
What is a Family Physician?
Find a Doctor
Patient Resources
Current Issue
Previous Issues
News
CMS News
Washington Family Physician
Find a Member
Board of Directors Meetings
Committee-Commission-Task Force Minutes & Reports
WAFP Bylaws
My Profile
Forums
Members Only Resources
About WAFP
Home
Programs
WAFP Foundation
For the Physician
For the Patient
News and Publications
Members
For the Patient
What is a Family Physician?
Find a Doctor
Patient Resources
What is a Family Physician?
The Family Physician is a physician who is educated and trained in family practice -- a broadly encompassing medical specialty. Family Practice provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and the family. It integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system and every disease entity.
Family physicians possess unique attitudes, skills, and knowledge which qualify them to 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, be it biological, behavioral, or social. These specialists, because of their background and interactions with the family, are best qualified to serve as each patient's advocate in all health-related matters, including the appropriate use of consultants, health services, and community resources. The specialty of family practice is the result of the evolved and enhanced expression of general medical practice and is uniquely defined within the family context.
Member Login
Login
Password