Why (not) Family Medicine? is a series of posts from health care thought leaders, both inside and outside of Family Medicine. These will be posted every Friday. The participants were asked to focus on whatever they wanted in response to this question. We are glad that so many of these impressive leaders were willing to participate, and we hope that you enjoy their responses!
Because our patients need us.
There are a lot of illnesses, some simple, some deceptively not, and many that are complicated. Health care is complex and getting more so. Our patients need someone who cares for them, provides them with the care they need, avoids the care they don’t, and helps them navigate the system.
Because our communities need us.
Increasingly, the roots of illness lie in our communities, and requires action in the office, and in the community. We make a difference with those we see in our offices – and in the communities in which our patients live. (See the Practical Playbook for examples!)
Because it is a fulfilling career.
We touch the lives of thousands – one at a time, over generations, and across communities.
J Lloyd Michener, MD is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Community and Family Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine
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