Family medicine practitioners are also known as general
practitioners (GPs). They provide basic medical care for all family
members. They are the primary care physicians in the case of most
illnesses affecting internal organs. They also deal with prevention
and general health monitoring as well as qualify patients for
preventive vaccinations.
During the consultation, a family medicine practitioner:
- takes the patient’s history and
performs a physical examination;
- makes diagnoses;
- provides medical
recommendations;
- prescribes drugs;
- issues medical referrals for
tests and examinations, consultations, and hospital
treatments;
- issues sick leaves.