Do you have a trusted healthcare professional who you can turn to when you or someone else in your family isn’t feeling well, or gets injured? If you do, you probably have a good relationship with this provider, and they probably know a lot about you.
If someone asks you who your “doctor” is, this is the name that comes to mind. You may not realize it, but this is exactly the way primary care is supposed to work, and you have a family physician. When an unexpected medical problem arises, having a family physician who knows your unique situation and healthcare needs greatly improves the quality of healthcare you receive and reduces unnecessary emergency room visits and unwanted outcomes.
However, acute illness or injury is not the only reason to see a family doctor. They are also your greatest resource in living your healthiest life. So, what does it mean to say you have a family physician?
Family Medicine Is a Specialty
In the past half-century, the U.S. healthcare system has become very complex. Many doctors specialize and subspecialize, often leaving potential patients wondering where to begin when they have a health problem. As someone goes from specialist to specialist, their care can become fragmented, which opens the door to missed opportunities and miscommunication.
In contrast, a family physician places the doctor-patient relationship at the forefront of practice and values all aspects of the patient – including past medical history, family history, individual challenges and preferences, occupation, family unit, and even the surrounding community. In other words, a family doctor treats the total patient and not just illnesses.
Family Doctors Have Comprehensive Medical Training
Family medicine physicians are specialized to diagnose and treat patients in the context of their total environment as it relates to their health. They follow the same educational path as all other physicians, including an undergraduate college degree with a focus on science plus four years of medical school. After graduation, they receive three years of specialized training in a family medicine residency program.
While some aspects of a family medicine residency include inpatient hospital settings, the majority of their time is spent in an outpatient environment. This is where these doctors gain experience in a wide variety of health issues for patients from the day of birth and throughout the lifespan. Consequently, they are capable of providing total medical care to infants, children, adult men and women, pregnant women, and older adults; and they can address physical issues as well as mental health needs.
It is also important to note that throughout a family medicine residency, proactive health maintenance and disease prevention are emphasized so that these physicians are ideal primary care providers with a comprehensive approach to health. They will address all of your healthcare concerns, treat acute illness, help you manage any chronic problems, counsel you on ways to improve your health and prevent illness, and refer you to specialists when necessary.
Why Would I See a Family Physician?
First and foremost, a family physician will be your partner in making sure that you are the healthiest that you can be. They will be someone who you can trust to have your best interest at heart, and they will provide you with the latest information, guidance, and treatments that medical science has to offer while understanding your unique circumstances.
If you’re healthy and want to stay that way, a family physician will review your health history – including your family’s health history and social history – so that a complete picture of your health needs can be created. They will advise you on ways to stay healthy by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding harmful activities. Screening tests such as bone density tests, pap smears, and ultrasounds might be ordered based on your age, gender, or history. Vaccines will also be recommended as necessary. If you are feeling sad or anxious, you will have a professional who is ready to listen. And if you do get sick, you’ll have someone who knows you well enough to give you the best medical care.
If you have one or more chronic illnesses, a family physician will be able to help you manage your chronic conditions so that you can continue to enjoy your healthiest life. High blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, acid reflux, and asthma are just a few of the many chronic illnesses this specialist is qualified to treat, and the treatments will likely be the best for your own body because your doctor knows you best. In addition, family physicians are very adept at coordinating care between providers so that everyone involved in your care, including you, is on the same page. This will only lead to better outcomes for you.
If you have health challenges that you find difficult to overcome, your family physician can be your advisor, coach, and cheerleader with unwavering support. Losing weight is one of the greatest challenges many people face, but a family physician can help you devise a plan that is right for you, can offer you tips or suggest programs, can refer you to weight-loss experts, and can help keep you accountable on your journey to a healthier weight. If you smoke, they will help you find ways to quit. If you suffer from addiction to alcohol or drugs, they can counsel you and refer you for treatment. If you need advice for a problem with a child or your spouse, the doctor is willing to listen and counsel. Your family physician is always there to help you achieve both physical and emotional health.
Family Doctor in Midlands
Whether you are looking for a provider to help keep your family healthy, or for someone to turn to when something is wrong, having a family physician as your primary care provider always puts you in the right place at the right time. If you want one doctor to care for the needs of your family, you’ll find exactly who you’re looking for here at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation. Our doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, and our practice puts a strong emphasis on preventive care.
Our family physicians, along with all of our providers, believe in empowering our patients with education and the tools they need to live their healthiest life. We strive to ensure that every appointment is a positive experience.
Let the medical team at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation help you live a healthy lifestyle and plan for a healthy future. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (803) 749-1111 or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
