What is Family Medicine?

Family medicine is a primary health care specialty in which individuals and families are provided continuing and comprehensive health care.

Family physicians see people in their own communities, and treat men and women and children of all ages, races and economic circumstances.

Though family practitioners represent only about 7 percent of the state's physicians, they care for nearly a third of all Rhode Island children and more than one third of all Rhode Island adults.

Why is Family Medicine so important to
Rhode Island?

Primary care is an important but neglected approach in the United State. As a result, the equity and effectiveness of our health care system is compromised.

Rhode Island's health care system has fallen victim to these national trends. We have a hospital and specialty dominated health care system, though we are a relatively low income state, and lack the means to support the excess costs that a hospital and specialty dominated medical culture incur.