Staff Profiles
Family Practice Physicians
What is Family Practice?
Family practice is the specialty of overall health care for the whole person. Family physicians specialize in the basic medical needs of each family member, from newborn to seniors. Family physicians can provide complete care for each individual, of either sex at any age. We have three years of specialty training after earning a medical degree. Beyond this we are required to participate in continuing medical education to maintain our certification. This helps keep us up-to-date in major medical areas including internal medicine, pediatrics, newborn care, obstetrics and gynecology (female exams and pap smears), psychiatry, minor office surgery, and others. That's why today's Family Practice Specialist can take care of most of the medical needs you or your family are likely to have. And like the doctor of old, family physicians try to know each of you as an individual, understanding the facts of your life that have a bearing on health care. Naturally, if a consultation with a subspecialist is needed we will be happy to arrange for this. Staying healthy is even better than the best medical treatment. Family physicians use preventive medicine care to help keep you this way. But if you do need hospitalization, we will admit you and arrange your care while you are hospitalized.What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
We have broadened our health care services with the addition of family nurse practitioners as health care providers in this office.
The nurse practitioners are registered nurses prepared through a formal, organized educational program that meets professional nursing standards. Nurse practitioners are able to make decisions regarding nursing and medically related health care needs. They provide health care to individuals of all ages. They all function as nurses in advanced nursing practice to provide care in addition to the physician in many clinics.
A family nurse practitioner is trained to establish the care for most of the problems that are seen in a Family Practice office. The nurse practitioner knows his/her limitations and will consult with the physician or refer you to the physician when it is appropriate.
All nurse practitioners function in the medical area under protocols. Protocols are guidelines to provide medical care, for common patient problems, that have been developed by the nurse practitioner and the physician. Some of the services nurse practitioners provide include performing physical examinations, pap smears, educating patients about high blood pressure, teaching patients how to take care of their diabetes, counseling regarding weight loss, management of chronic stable diseases, and treatment of common problems.
The family nurse practitioner is also concerned with health promotion
and disease prevention. While treating health care problems, he/she will
encourage you to keep your immunizations up-to-date, have a physical examination
as often as is appropriate for your age, help you to assess your health
risks, and work with you to promote better health for you and your family.
Along with the physician, the nurse practitioner is a vital resource for
health care for you and your family.