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Family Doctor

The Essential Guide to Becoming a Family Medicine Doctor

Family medicine doctors are some of the best primary care physicians who can take care of you and your family. They can treat acute and chronic illnesses, provide preventive care, coordinate care with specialists, and even perform minor procedures. Becoming a doctor of family medicine is no small feat, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Curious how doctors pursue this specialization? Considering embarking on a journey to become a family medicine doctor? Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started:

1. 4-Year Undergraduate Degree

Most medical schools require applicants to have completed an accredited four-year college degree program. An aspiring family medicine doctor’s coursework should include biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. These courses help grasp the fundamentals of medical science. They also increase a person’s chances of being accepted into a medical school.

2. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

MCAT is a comprehensive standardized exam that assesses academic competency in several areas, including:

  • Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
  • Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
  • Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior
  • Critical analysis and reasoning skills

The results of this exam are used as part of the application process for medical school. It is important to note that scores must be competitive to get accepted into a top-tier medical school.

3. Medical School

Aspiring family medicine doctors must complete four years of medical school. During this time, future doctors learn the fundamentals of medicine and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations.

With the clinical rotations, doctors-in-training can specialize in family medicine and get a closer look at the field. They use this time by networking and learning from more experienced family physicians, whom they get to see practice medicine firsthand.

4. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

USMLE is a three-step examination. It evaluates whether the doctor-in-training has the knowledge and skills to practice medicine safely and competently according to set standards. The USMLE is a necessary step for anyone who wishes to become a doctor in the United States.

5. Residency Training

After completing medical school and the USMLE, aspiring family medicine doctors must complete residency training in a hospital or clinic. A family medicine residency usually takes three years. It includes completing rotations in family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology.

During this time, future doctors gain hands-on experience in treating patients and managing their care. Residency is excellent practice and ensures future doctors are fully prepared to practice medicine independently.

6. Board Certification

The next step to becoming a family medicine doctor is taking and passing the American Board of Family Medicine certification exam. Passing this exam allows doctors to become board-certified in family medicine and practice independently. It also shows that doctors have attained a high level of knowledge and experience in the field.

7. State Medical Licensure

Once the board exam is complete, doctors must pass a state medical licensing exam to practice medicine legally. Different states have different requirements for licensure.

These requirements may include the following:

  • Taking additional exams
  • Completing an ethics course
  • Attending a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) courses
  • Providing proof of good moral character

What Does a Family Medicine Physician Do?

Family medicine doctors provide comprehensive care for the entire family, from infants to elderly patients. They manage a wide range of health problems and can also provide preventive care. This includes immunizations, physical exams, health screenings, and more.

Additionally, family medicine providers often coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure their patients receive the best healthcare.

Some of the services that family medicine doctors provide are:

  • Diagnosing and treating acute illnesses, like colds or the flu
  • Managing chronic health issues such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension
  • Performing physical examinations for school, work, or sports
  • Prescribing medications when needed and providing patient education
  • Referring patients to specialists for further care, when necessary
  • Performing minor surgical procedures, such as circumcision, wart removals, and stitches
  • Caring for the emotional and mental health of patients

Family Medicine Near You in Wellington & Royal Palm Beach, FL

Becoming a family medicine doctor is no easy feat. It requires dedication, hard work, and passion for the well-being of others. Family medicine doctors complete four years of medical school, residency training, board certification exams, and state licensure. They provide comprehensive care for the entire family and refer patients to specialists when needed. It is a fulfilling and rewarding career for those who choose to pursue it.

Looking for family medicine near you in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach? You can depend on the best Wellington family practice, Advanced Medical. Our trusted, experienced, and compassionate family medicine doctors are excited to care for you and your family. Call our friendly staff today at (561) 434-1935. You can also submit a secure appointment request form to book a visit with the best family doctors in Wellington.

10 Things to Ask Your Family Doctor

Being open with your family doctor is essential. They can help assess and evaluate you for any symptoms and allow you to understand your body better. The more comfortable and transparent you are with them, the easier it will be to achieve better health.

Here are ten things to ask your family doctor about when you visit them for a consultation or check-up:

1. Questions About Medical Tests And Assessments

Medical screenings are crucial tools for detecting illnesses. Your family doctor may require you to undergo various ones during your check-up.

While assessments and screenings are not uncommon, it’s still good to know what will happen during the procedure. Before you proceed, ask them to explain how you’ll benefit from the medical test.

Your doctor should tell you the procedure’s details, how the findings will help their assessment, and how much it will cost.

X-rays, blood exams, and urine tests can help your physician inspect any abnormalities in your body. Some procedures, such as glaucoma tests, mammograms, and Pap smears,can aid in diagnosing serious illnesses.

2. Questions About Diagnoses

Once you’ve gone through all the needed medical assessments, your doctor will arrive at a diagnosis for your condition. Ask them to provide as much detail about it as possible.

Your family physician should also tell you how they arrived at a conclusion based on your test results. They will then talk to you about the nature of your condition, its treatments, and how to keep symptoms at bay.

You should ask about how long your condition could last, what steps to take, and how to prevent it from worsening.

3. Questions About Medications

If your doctor has given you a prescription for a medication, you can ask them to discuss its dosage and side effects. Your family physician will prescribe the correct dosage, the interval of hours for taking it, and the total duration of treatment.

Ask your doctor for possible contraindications if you take other medications, like over-the-counter drugs, birth control pills, and vitamins, to ensure non negative interactions occur.

4. Questions About Surgery

For patients scheduled to undergo surgery, a visit to a family doctor can help with preparation. Ask your physician what they know about the specific surgery you’re about to go through.

Since your family doctor knows your medical history, they can talk to you about possible side effects or risks. You can also ask them to coordinate with your surgeon to ensure a smooth procedure. If steps need to be taken to make you healthier prior to surgery, your family physician can help with that.

5. Questions About Diet Changes

You can ask your family doctor if you plan to change your diet. Your physician can help you plan a balanced nutrition plan to ensure you’re not cutting out any essential nutrients.

They can also let you know whether or not you need to make a diet change in the first place. Severely underweight or overweight patients will be encouraged to do so. However, your doctor may not recommend it if you’re already at a healthy weight.

Patients with specific conditions like diabetes and high blood cholesterol may need to avoid particular foods. Ask your doctor to discuss in detail what you can include in your new diet plan.

6. Questions About Sleep Habits

If you’re experiencing sleep issues, you can ask your family doctor about safe intervention options to take. They may prescribe aids like sleeping pills or over-the-counter melatonin. Calming teas and hot beverages may also help.

Your doctor can help you plan a nighttime sleep routine, too. Ask them about the science behind getting long, uninterrupted sleep to understand why healthy sleep habits are vital.

7. Questions About Exercise

Your family physician can recommend an appropriate exercise plan for your specific health conditions or state of health.

For example, if you’re an office worker who spends long hours sitting down, your physician may prescribe at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Overweight patients might be encouraged to do more workouts to reach their weight loss goals.

People who suffered from an injury or are recovering from surgery can also consult their family doctor for exercise recommendations. Make sure to ask questions about what specific exercises you should do, and how to prevent injuries when exercising.

8. Questions About Your Family Medical History

Your family doctor knows all about your medical history, including that of your family. Ask them what illnesses and sicknesses you may develop due to being high risk as a result of your family medical history.

Ask them about precautions to take to avoid the same medical conditions your family members have. If you already have them, you can ask your doctor about proper management.

9. Questions About Pain

Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain. Even if it’s just mild pain, it could indicate something going on in your body, especially if it is unexplained or is chronic.

Your physician can help you get to the root cause of the pain and recommend treatment options. Most of the time, they will prescribe over-the-counter drugs or minor lifestyle changes to help you recover.

Your doctor will guide you through a treatment plan for severe cases. Be transparent with them regarding your symptoms, so they may evaluate you accordingly. Ask them what could be causing the pain and what steps you can take to reduce the pain naturally. You should also what signs to look out for that indicate you need medical attention regarding your pain.

10. Questions About Future Visits

Don’t forget to ask your family doctor about what to do until your next visit. They may recommend medications, therapy, or medical tests to do until the next appointment.

Also, ask them about the frequency of your visits. Regular check-ups are essential to staying healthy. People with chronic medical conditions may need more frequent doctor visits.

Family Medicine Near You In Wellington, FL

When visiting a family physician, patients should ask about all things related to their health. These include medical tests, diagnoses, treatment options, surgery implications, possible diet changes, changes to sleep habits, exercise plans, and much more.

We at Advanced Medical Clinic are proud to serve as a family practice in Wellington. Dr. Ishan Gunawardene is happy to answer all your questions about your health. Dr. Gunawardene is a board-certified internist who can help you stay on top of your health. Call us at (561) 434-1935for inquiries. You can also schedule an appointment with the best family doctor in Wellington by submitting an online request form.

Why Do You Need to Have a Family Medicine Doctor?

It would help if you saw a specialist when an issue particular to your body’s organ or system arises. However, what about the times when you aren’t aware of what’s going on with your body that’s causing your symptoms; you want to take care of the overall health of not only yourself but also your family; you need advice specific to your situation? A family medicine doctor is a medical professional who can be an answer for most such healthcare situations for you and your family. A family medicine doctor is trained to provide all sorts of care to patients of all ages for long-term – medical emergencies are an exception.

So, there is no reason not to have a family doctor caring for you (even if you don’t have a family), but there are many reasons why you should have one. Let’s talk about those reasons.

Reason #1 All Primary Care Needs of You and Your Family Can Be Addressed Under One Roof

As a primary care doctor, a family doctor can offer primary health care – providing treatment for common health complaints, the management of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, and prevention of future illnesses through advice, screening programs, and immunization – to people of all ages. A family doctor can also perform minor surgical procedures such as draining abscesses.

Since they master specific skill sets such as women’s health, geriatrics, obstetrics, and more, during their training, their office is the first stop of patients of all ages – from newborns to senior citizens – for primary health care needs. They also keep track of your family life cycle to provide you with comprehensive care.

Reason #2 You Can Connect with Specialists Timely and Easily

Your family doctor can indeed do a lot for you, but they can’t do everything, especially if your problem is related to a particular body system or organ, let’s say the heart. Only a specialist of an organ or system can treat such problems. Finding a trustworthy specialist within your budget and reliable can be stressful for you and your family.

Having a family doctor means your problem will be detected early, and you don’t have to be worried about finding a specialist. Family doctors are likely to have a relationship with many specialists and can refer you to the one you can be comfortable with. Moreover, they can also help you set an appointment with your new doctor without wasting much time.

Reason #3 You Can Get Better Health and Save Money at The Same Time

There’s no secret that healthcare can be pretty expensive, as is evident from the fact that even a short trip to the emergency room can cost you and your family a great deal of money. However, there is ample evidence that having a family doctor can significantly reduce healthcare spending.

A family doctor does so(reduce your healthcare spending)by keeping track of your health and preventing serious issues from developing, which could otherwise make you spend an extreme amount at the hospital or emergency room.

Family Medicine Doctor Near Me in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene provides comprehensive, evidence-based, and personalized care that you need to return your family to health and keep you well. Because of her comprehensive and compassionate care, you or your family members with acute or chronic illnesses can live healthier lives. To make an accurate diagnosis, we also offer on-site conveniences, including pulmonary function tests, EKG, echocardiography, and blood draw.

If you have a question about our services or would like to schedule an appointment with our doctors, call our staff today at  (561) 434-1935 or complete our secure online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!

 

A Checklist in Choosing the Best Family Doctor

It’s important to find the best doctor, whether for routine checkups or a major surgery. By doing so, you can be confident in the care you receive every time.

After all, your health largely hinges on the treatment they recommend and administer for you. Let’s talk about the key factors in finding an excellent family physician, and where you can go in Wellington for top-notch medical care for you and your family.

How to Find an Outstanding Family Physician

Here’s what you should consider when choosing the best family doctor:

Get Referrals and Recommendations

Your family doctor will be your primary care physician, so you can start looking by asking the people you trust. Talk to your family, friends, or colleagues about family doctors they recommend. You can even ask other doctors you’ve worked with for referrals, such as your endocrinologist or your eye doctor.

You can go online and read the doctor’s patient reviews posted on various websites to get a feel for what they’re like. There may also be testimonials from some of their current and previous patients.

Consider Your Insurance

Once you have names of doctors to consider, check your health insurance coverage to make sure they’re covered by your insurance policy. If you’re interested in a doctor who is not on your list, then call that doctor’s office and ask them whether they do indeed accept your particular insurance – and be sure to write down the name of the staff person you spoke to.

Check the Family Doctor’s Qualifications and Experience

When looking for a healthcare provider, the lead doctor in the practice should ideally be board-certified. Board certification means that a doctor is staying on top of the latest in medical technologies and methods, and this involves continuing education at medical conferences and seminars.

Being board-certified indicates career-long learning, so you can rest assured that the doctor continues to hone their skills. You do not want a family physician who continues to perform the same tests and methods they learned in medical school if physicians today are actually using much more advanced methods and technologies for more accurate and beneficial results.

Experience is also crucial. Your ideal family doctor will have spent much of their time caring for patients with similar conditions as you have, because family physicians by nature deal with patients who have myriad health conditions on a constant basis.

If you want to be sure, call the practice and ask them whether the doctor handles patients who have chronic conditions like yours – whether it be arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and so on. Do not hesitate to make that call.

Think About Convenience

Choose a healthcare provider who has a convenient location and has office hours that work with your schedule. You do not want inconvenience to become an excuse not to go to the doctor for a checkup.

Family Doctor for Arthritis in Wellington, FL

It’s important to find a primary care provider in whom you can place your full confidence, especially if you have a chronic condition such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, a neurological condition, or anything else. If you’re looking for a trusted family doctor whose office is conveniently located in Wellington, look no further than Advanced Medical Clinic. We have a team of highly experienced, board-certified providers who can give you the comprehensive care you deserve.

Advanced Medical Clinic is located in the Palomino Park medical complex on the west side of Highway 441, between Forest Hill Boulevard and Lake Worth Road in Wellington. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today at (561) 434-1935 or complete our secure online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!