ABSTRACT
General practice emerged in America in the 18th century, when those trained as physicians, apothecaries or surgeons gradually encompassed the skills of the others to become generalists. This chapter addresses the question of how doctors can be trained to practise the discipline of family medicine in their unique clinical setting. Education and training are needed at all three levels: undergraduate, vocational and continuing. Clinical disciplines evolved as consensus was reached amongst members of the discipline about the main medical problems that those disciplines could address, and the knowledge needed to deal with them. The academic status of departments of general practice, family medicine, community medicine and community practice has been rising steadily, albeit slowly, in many countries. Departments of community medicine or general practice traditionally arrange community-based experiences in the form of attachments to general practitioners and other community health services. The clinical knowledge required for general family practice is determined by the health needs of the community.
