A family physician offers the most comprehensive approach to treating everyone. A family doctor may not provide all the care their patient needs. But they’re essential for coordinating their treatment plan. Family doctors understand that certain treatments are better left to specialists. In fact, many of their patients have complex problems that require care from multiple specialists.
But only a family doctor will manage these various treatments as one complete treatment plan. They will track and monitor the progress of all the care the patient is receiving.
Family doctors can:
- prescribe medications
- order/interpret laboratory/diagnostic tests
- refer to specialists when needed
Family doctors work in collaboration with other physicians, specialists and other health care team members such as:
- nurse practitioners
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- dietitians
- Extra Mural Program
- Social workers
- pharmacists, etc.
Family doctors provid unique patient care and advocate on behalf of their patients.
New Brunswick Medical Society
New Brunswick College of Physicians and Surgeons