A family physician is trained in the full breadth of family medicine, the specialty which provides continuing, comprehensive care for the individual and family. Specialists in family medicine integrate healthcare services using biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system and every disease entity.

Family physicians provide comprehensive health care services including health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education and diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of healthcare settings.

Family physicians provide scientifically based primary care healthcare services, and often collaborate with other health professionals utilizing consultation or referral to subspecialists.