Implementation of the Principles of Family Medicine in Modern Family Medicine Education Needing System-Specific Approaches

Abstract

Family medicine is a key specialty in primary healthcare worldwide. Medical students and residents learn family medicine in medical schools and hospitals. Modern family medicine education curricula have changed because of the increase in the number of organ specialists. Family physicians have more comprehensive training in patients, medicine, and social issues than in the past. Family physicians need to adapt to changing circumstances, but he needs to practice comprehensive and holistic medicine, as most of the time, family physicians are the first point of contact both in urban and rural setup. In 1979, McWhinney proposed nine principles of family medicine to which family physicians should adhere when providing care to patients in their communities. A review of and reflection on these principles has clarified that the principles should be more emphasized and practiced. Besides, respectful approaches by different family physicians are essential. To adapt to changing healthcare conditions, family medicine education can focus more on person-centered care and healthcare systems as system-specific specialists, respect the differences in healthcare provision between urban and rural areas, and motivate medical students and residents to become family physicians.