A Crisis for Family Medicine? Number of Primary Care Physicians Isn't Keeping Pace with a Growing Need for Them

Batteh-Freiha, Joy, The Florida Times Union

Byline: JOY BATTEH-FREIHA

Most students enrolled in medical school today have never even heard of Marcus Welby, the beloved, ever-caring, attentive television doctor.

"Marcus Welby, M.D.," which aired from 1969 through 1976, was set in a busy suburban general practitioner's office, with the older mentor physician working alongside his younger counterpart. Interaction between the family physician and his patients was reminiscent of a time when life was less hectic, a time when there were enough primary care physicians to meet the nation's health care needs.

"Most medical students enter medical school today believing in that Marcus Welby, M.D., persona," said Tim Davlantes, a family physician with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and president of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. "They may not be familiar with the TV series, but they care deeply for people and truly want to help ease their pain. That's the reason why most of them go to medical school in the first place."

Primary care and family care physicians, who must complete a three-year residency program after graduating from medical school, treat and diagnose 90 percent of all patient problems, according to the academy. Because of their extensive training, family physicians are qualified to treat most ailments …

Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information: Article title: A Crisis for Family Medicine? Number of Primary Care Physicians Isn't Keeping Pace with a Growing Need for Them. Contributors: Batteh-Freiha, Joy - Author. Newspaper title: The Florida Times Union. Publication date: August 9, 2009. Page number: Not available. © 2007 The Florida Times-Union. COPYRIGHT 2009 Gale Group.

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