by Brian Bertsche, MD
Future Medical Professionals,
As you continue on your journey through medical school, the choice of your medical specialty is a pivotal decision. The allure of more high-profile specialties may seem appealing at first, but the ever-evolving field of family medicine should not be overlooked. In this blog, I want to share a handful of compelling reasons why you, as a medical student, should seriously consider family medicine as your specialty. I want to emphasize its incredible opportunities to connect with diverse populations, specialize within the field, and attain further training to pursue your goals in private practice, academia, or any other aspect of medicine.
- Diverse Patient Populations:
Family medicine opens a gateway to the hearts and minds of a multitude of patients, across the spectrum of age, gender, and backgrounds. From helping parents navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood to assisting seniors in their golden years, family physicians have the privilege of building long-lasting relationships with families, allowing you to witness and support the growth, development, and aging of your patients.
- The Art of Comprehensive Care:
If you’re passionate about providing holistic care, helping improve population health as a whole, and treating the entire individual family medicine is for you. This specialty goes beyond just treating isolated symptoms; it’s about understanding the whole person, their family dynamics, and their social context. It is about helping them understand their health and prevent complications long before they happen. You’ll be equipped to address preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute issues, all while taking into account the emotional and psychological aspects of your patients’ well-being.
- Tailored Specialization:
Some may wrongly believe that family medicine lacks opportunities for specialization, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, family medicine offers an ideal platform for you to delve into various sub-specialties or areas of interest. Whether you’re drawn to sports medicine, women’s health and obstetrics, LGTBQ+ care, addiction medicine, or geriatrics, family physicians can further tailor their practice to focus on what truly ignites their passion. Family medicine has the option to work in hospital, clinic, or emergency room settings. This flexibility ensures you can make a significant impact in your chosen niche while maintaining the broad-based knowledge and skills that you acquire during your family medicine training.
- Nurturing Academic Aspirations:
If you are driven by the desire to teach and contribute to medical knowledge, family medicine offers unique opportunities for academic medicine and research. By working in family medicine, you can actively contribute to the development and improvement of primary care. You may choose to teach medical students and residents, conduct research on pressing healthcare issues, or develop innovative care models. This intersection of clinical practice, teaching, and research can be profoundly fulfilling for those with an academic inclination.
- Serving Underserved Communities:
Family medicine is the field of medicine most capable and necessary to properly serve those who need it most. Many areas often lack the resources and healthcare infrastructure found in wealthier, urban centers, making family physicians indispensable in areas where highly specialized physicians can see everyone. By choosing family medicine, you can make a profound impact on the health and well-being of these communities, bridging healthcare gaps and improving access to care.
- Maintaining Work-Life Balance:
Family medicine offers a more achievable work-life balance compared to many other medical specialties. While the demands of medical practice can be intense, family physicians often have more control over their schedules, allowing them to prioritize their personal lives and well-being. This balance is essential for maintaining a fulfilling, long-term career while enjoying this one precious life we are given.
So, medical students, I implore you to consider the rich and rewarding path of family medicine. By choosing this specialty, you embark on a journey that enables you to connect with diverse populations, specialize in areas close to your heart, and further your training to pursue your dreams in the healthcare world. Family medicine offers you the chance to become a compassionate, knowledgeable, and flexible physician who can make a profound difference in the lives of your patients and your community.
Brian is from Chicago, Illinois. He completed his undergraduate degree in economics and pre-health studies, as well as a Master’s of Education degree at the University of Notre Dame. After two years of teaching middle school math, he completed his medical degree at Texas A&M Health Science Center. His medical interests include sports medicine, medical education, and preventive care. He enjoys all sports, especially basketball, mountain biking, cooking, and taking care of his dog Finni. He chose University of Utah for residency because of the exemplary faculty and the opportunities for personal and professional growth the program and area provide.
Family Medicine Vital Signs 