There are a number of important aspects relating to family medicine spring hill fl residents should know if they are considering medical careers. The speciality has traditionally been referred to as family practice. It is concerned with the prevention of diseases and the promotion of health. A specialist known as family doctor or physician is trained in this area. There is no age limit of patients that are treated.

A family physician is capable of providing treatment for acute and chronic diseases and medical conditions. Apart from diagnosis and treatment of different conditions, these specialists also facilitate preventive care. This includes but is not limited to immunizations, screening, personalised counselling and routine check-ups among others. They frequently have to consult with subspecialists especially when managing chronic conditions. In the United States, many of them are trained to provide obstetric care as well.

If planning to work in the United States, you need to be a holder of MD or DO degree. In addition to the degree, one must do three years of accredited residency in this field. At the end of the residency, the board administers an examination whose results are required by most hospitals. Diploma holders are required to undergo continuous medical education so that they can remain certified. Medical knowledge is also reviewed every so often.

As a way of advancing their studies, the physicians may enrol in a number of fellowships. These include, for example, geriatrics, adolescent medicine, hospice and palliative care and sports medicine. Once they complete these fellowships successfully, they are awarded with what are referred to as Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQs) by the governing body. There are many international fellowships that have come up in recent times.

Over the years, there has been reduced interest in this field by medical students undergoing specialisation. This is attributable to a number of factors. Generally there is less prestige associated with this training and this is one of the biggest factors that have resulted in the dipping numbers. Other possible reasons include poor pay and a frustrating working environment. This problem can be solved in part, by reducing the debt of medical students who choose this field.

There are significant differences when one compares one country with another and one region with another. In the United States, physicians have varied options; they may work on their own or in groups of private practice. Hospital employment is another option that can still be considered. The fact that one can subspecialise in one of the many areas in this field is a big advantage. Possible subspecialties include urgent care, sports, research and public health.

In India, things are a bit different. The speciality is less than 20 years old because it was recognised as a separate entity from general practice in the late 1990s. A practitioner must hold a mediacal degree, MBBS and must also undergo post graduate training in family medicine. The government continues to encourage more specialists to come up due to their important role.

An important thing to regarding family medicine spring hill fl residents should have in mind is that it has lots of potential. There are many subspecialties that one may choose from. More importantly, one is exposed to a wide range of conditions that make working as a doctor interesting.