A
:
Understanding whether
to choose a family medi-
cine or internal medicine provider
requires understanding just what
family medicine is and how it dif-
fers from internal medicine.
W H A T I S F A M I L Y
M E D I C I N E ?
For decades the specialty of family
medicine has meant fondly caring
for patients for their entire lives.
All family physicians have been
trained in prenatal care, pediat-
rics, care of the adolescent, adult
medicine and geriatrics. As the
culture of medicine changes, many
doctors have chosen to focus on
their interests in their field. Family
medicine is no exception. Many
family medicine doctors enjoy the
lifestyle and continuity of care
that an outpatient clinic provides.
Others prefer the high acuity of
inpatient medicine, while some
family doctors prefer the speed and
excitement of urgent care. In rural
areas many family physicians still
practice full-scope medicine, per-
forming all aspects of medical and
even surgical care for their commu-
nity. Overall family medicine is the
Shaun Brancheau, M.D.,
Family Medicine
Q
:
I’m confused as to
whether I should see
a family medicine
provider or an internal
medicine provider. What’s
the difference?
most diverse field of medicine with
the widest scope of practice. We
can care for anyone at any stage in
their life or health.
H O W I S F A M I L Y M E D I C I N E
D I F F E R E N T F R O M I N T E R N A L
M E D I C I N E ?
Family medicine and internal medi-
cine have many similarities and
differences. Both specialties follow
the same guidelines in the diagno-
sis and management of illness and
chronic medical conditions. Family
medicine physicians care for pedi-
atric populations and are typically
more comfortable with women’s
health, while internal medicine
physicians have more experience
and training in caring for higher
acuity patients.
Internal medicine doctors
focus on adult medicine and have
completed special schooling and
training focusing on the prevention
and treatment of adult diseases.
Although internists may act as
primary care physicians, they are
unique. At least three of their years
of medical school and postgraduate
training are dedicated to learning
how to prevent, diagnose, and treat
diseases that affect adults.
The main difference for
me is family medicine has always
meant caring for the entire family.
I just love collecting families and
getting to care for several genera-
tions of the same family. It is very
rewarding to have a young mom
trust you with the care of her child,
or a middle-aged son asking you
to help care for his rapidly aging
father. For me the difference be-
tween family medicine and internal
medicine is not in the
medicine
—
it’s in the
family
.
H O W D O I K N O W W H I C H
T Y P E O F P H Y S I C I A N I
S H O U L D S E E ?
I have always felt the relationship
between a doctor and a patient
is the most important factor in
maintaining excellent care. A good
relationship will promote mutual
trust and respect. This will lead to
better communication and under-
standing between the health care
provider and the patient. I encour-
age patients to find a provider with
a personality and style that makes
them enjoy being proactive in their
health and wellness.
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