Family Medicine: Getting to Know Patients Bruce is a general practitioner from central Florida who's been running his own solo practice ever since he completed his residency 15 years ago. When asked what he loves most about family medicine jobs he does not hesitate; Bruce loves getting to know his patients. Being in a solo practice gives him that opportunity in a way he says would be difficult in a group practice or in an institutional setting. It's something he would not trade it for anything. Bruce's feelings about family medicine jobs are not all that unusual, especially in the areas of solo practices and limited partnerships. The doctor-patient relationship might even be one of the strongest motivating factors keeping such doctors in their practices rather than switching to a group setting. Doctors like Bruce are willing to put up with the business aspects of medicine because it still allows them control over their practices and the ability to build relationships with their patients. Starting Young

It should be obvious that family medicine jobs deal with entire families, including parents and their children. That said, one of the things family practitioners find most enjoyable is working with the same family throughout multiple generations. For example, treating a father, mother, and two children brings with it the rewards of seeing those children grow from infancy to adulthood, and eventually onto marriage and children of their own. In a medium-sized town like the one Bruce lives in, it's not uncommon for children to grow up and remain nearby after they finish their educations and enter the workforce. In rural communities it's even more likely that adult children will

stick around. This gives doctors the opportunity to guide parents through the process of making sure their children remain healthy throughout their lifetimes. In addition to routine medical care, that may involve counseling about weight issues and exercise, proper diet, and how to prevent future health issues. Continuing in Middle Age When adults reach middle age they have a whole new range of things to worry about. Family medicine jobs give general practitioners the opportunity to help their middle-aged clients ease into their older years by keeping them on track with diet and exercise. They're able to monitor cholesterol levels, the potential for hypertension, and many of the other things that come with age. Being able to guide those clients through those years is made easier when a doctor can develop a long-term relationship with the patient. The Senior Years The senior years are where long-term family medicine jobs really pay off. Seniors tend to trust doctors whom they have been with for a long time, rather than those they meet at the hospital or clinic. And because seniors are often not fully cognizant of their failing health, it’s important for the doctor to earn each patient's trust. When the family doctor has that trust he is in a much better position to help his older patients enjoy their golden years to their fullest. Search for Family Medicine Jobs and General Family Medicine Employment Opportunities at Weatherby Healthcare. New Healthcare and Locum Tenens Job Listings are Posted Daily.