Community: The Heart of Family Medicine

Abstract

Family physicians have the privilege of caring for patients throughout their lifespan and witness the impact all facets of life have on the health of individuals and the health of communities. The importance of engaging the community in the success of population-based initiatives to drive social change has been proven repeatedly and family medicine residencies should include community as the fifth “C.” At a minimum, this includes incorporating the following three recommendations: (1) define community on initial accreditation, at self-study, and whenever major community changes occur; (2) utilize a community needs assessment as part of goal setting of activities with Annual Action Plan; and (3) evaluate residents and faculty on understanding of and cooperation with community needs. We must highlight engagement with the community as a central aspect of family medicine so that all programs focus on this important aspect of our work.

Rol comunitario del médico familiar. Experiencia de trabajo en un modelo docente asistencial e investigación

“…La atención familiar y comunitaria presta el conjunto de servicios profesionales desde una situación de proximidad a la población, enfoca sus actuaciones en lo personal, familiar y colectivo, mediante el abordaje de los problemas y necesidades existentes. «La atención familiar y comunitaria se desarrolla esencialmente en el marco de la atención primaria de la salud (APS) y constituye su elemento nuclear de intervención» 1 .…”