Family medicine physicians provide a personal medical home for people of any age. Family medicine physicians complete at least three years of specialty training, learning how to deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, managing chronic illnesses and coordinating care with other specialists, family physicians also provide routine check-ups, health risk assessments, immunization and screening tests and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From heart disease, stroke and hypertension, to diabetes, cancer and asthma, family physicians provide primary care for the nation’s most serious health problems.
While most medical specialties tend to cluster in urban areas near academic health centers, family medicine physicians are more likely than other physicians to work in areas with the greatest need, for example rural areas and health professional shortage areas – federally designated areas with the lowest ratios of health providers to the population.
Dr. William Willard
In addition to the health care services they provide, family medicine physicians are significant generators of economic activity in local communities. Family medicine physicians provide employment, purchase goods and services and generate income for other health-care organizations, such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Dr. Julia Boothe, 2005 graduate, practices family medicine in Pickens County, Alabama.
Drs. Frank and Daveta Dozier, 1985 graduates, practice family medicine in Thomasville, Alabama.
Dr. Bob Pieroni (ret.), one of the founding faculty members of the College, provides family medicine and primary care at the Good Samaritan Clinic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
