The Family Doctor – Meeting Today’s Healthcare Needs

The role of a family practice doctor has evolved into a specialized physician

Hear the phrase “family doctor,” and you may think of an older person with a black medical bag, making house calls to treat a sick child. That Hollywood portrayal of a primary care provider has been updated. The role of a family practice doctor has evolved into a specialized physician.

Family practice doctors treat a wide range of health issues. From chronic illness and acute problems to preventive care for patients of all ages, from pediatrics to elderly adults. Our broad training allows us to treat many things.

The most important thing people should know about a family practice or primary care physician is that we want to build a relationship with our patients and their families. We get to know each patient, their medical history, lifestyle, and health concerns. We can help them stay healthy through routine screenings and by managing existing conditions. We see patients for a wide range of illnesses, whether it’s strep throat, hypertension, common colds, or chronic conditions. A family practice physician can treat most illness or provide referrals to specialists.

How do you choose a primary care physician?

Look for a doctor who can treat a wide range of conditions. Ask friends or family members for recommendations. Does the doctor have access to a network of specialists whom they can work with? Is the doctor’s practice or clinic close to home or work? Something else to consider is whether the provider will work with your health insurance plan. Lastly, do your research. At Saint Alphonsus, our family practice providers have online videos that describe our philosophy of care. Ultimately, it comes down to a relationship and what’s important to that person or family. Everybody practices differently, but that relationship and connection with a primary care provider is important.

Some family practice physicians specialize in other areas of medicine. I’m also a Sports Medicine provider, so I help keep my patients active and performing at a high level, while helping them recover quickly from sports-related injuries to bones, tendons, or muscles. I like to treat people who want to maintain an active lifestyle, whether they play a team sport or are involved in individual activities. So, when choosing a family doctor, consider the physician’s other practice areas to see if they align with your family’s needs.

Medicine has evolved greatly over the decades, and so has the role of the family doctor. But what hasn’t changed is a desire to provide the best personalized care for you and your family.

Begin your search for a Saint Alphonsus family physician here.

Dr. Travis Clyde, MD, is a family and sports medicine provider at Saint Alphonsus – Lake Hazel clinic.