Heirs of General Practice is a frieze of glimpses of young doctors with patients of every age—about a dozen physicians in all, who belong to the new medical specialty called family practice. They are people who have addressed themselves to a need for a unifying generalism in a world that has become greatly subdivided by specialization, physicians who work with the "unquantifiable idea that a doctor who treats your grandmother, your father, your niece, and your daughter will be more adroit in treating you." These young men and women are seen in their examining rooms in various rural communities in Maine, but Maine is only the example. Their medical objectives, their successes, the professional obstacles they do and do not overcome are representative of any place family practitioners are working. While essential medical background is provided, McPhee's masterful approach to a trend significant to all of us is replete with affecting, and often amusing, stories about both doctors and their charges.
This study is concerned not with famous doctors, but with the rank and file practitioners of the 18th and 19th centuries. Some common assumptions about the history of the medical profession are challenged in this book, based largely on manuscript sources.
With family doctors increasingly overburdened, bureaucratized, and burned out, how can the field change before it's too late? Over the past few decades, as American medical practice has become increasingly specialized, the number of generalists—doctors who care for the whole person—has plummeted. On paper, family medicine sounds noble; in practice, though, the field is so demanding in scope and substance, and the health system so favorable to specialists, that it cannot be fulfilled by most doctors. In Searching for the Family Doctor, Timothy J. Hoff weaves together the early history of the family practice specialty in the United States with the personal narratives of modern-day family doctors. By formalizing this area of practice and instituting specialist-level training requirements, the originators of family practice hoped to increase respect for generalists, improve the pipeline of young medical graduates choosing primary care, and, in so doing, have a major positive impact on the way patients receive care. Drawing on in-depth interviews with fifty-five family doctors, Hoff shows us how these medical professionals have had their calling transformed not only by the indifferent acts of an unsupportive health care system but by the hand of their own medical specialty—a specialty that has chosen to pursue short- over long-term viability, conformity over uniqueness, and protectionism over collaboration. A specialty unable to innovate to keep its membership cohesive and focused on fulfilling the generalist ideal. The family doctor, Hoff explains, was conceived of as a powered-up version of the "country doctor" idea. At a time when doctor-patient relationships are evaporating in the face of highly transactional, fast-food-style medical practice, this ideal seems both nostalgic and revolutionary. However, the realities of highly bureaucratic reimbursement and quality-of-care requirements, educational debt, and ongoing consolidation of the old-fashioned independent doctor's office into corporate health systems have stacked the deck against the altruists and true believers who are drawn to the profession of family practice. As more family doctors wind up working for big health care corporations, their career paths grow more parochial, balkanizing the specialty. Their work roles and professional identities are increasingly niche-oriented. Exploring how to save primary care by giving family doctors a fighting chance to become the generalists we need in our lives, Searching for the Family Doctor is required reading for anyone interested in the troubled state of modern medicine.
From a leading figure in Australian medicine comes this edition of thi s immmensely user-friendly reference that employs a symptom-based appr oach to clinical practice. For the full range of conditions met in pri mary practice, you'll review approach to the patient, the physical exa m, probable causes, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Throughout, Dr. Murtagh adds his own clinical pearls that are both ins ightful and a delight to read. Superb illustrations demonstrate examin ation technqiue and abundant use of tables and charts makes diagnosis quick and easy. Most importantly, the clinical insights of internation ally recognized authority Dr. John Murtagh make this a unique and usef ul resource for the physician, nurse practitioner or physician assista nt.
Awarded First Prize, in the Primary health care category, at the 2013 BMA Medical Book Awards. Following the familiar, easy-to-use at a Glance format, this brand new title provides a highly illustrated introduction to the full range of essential primary care presentations, grouped by system, so you’ll know exactly where to find the information you need, and be perfectly equipped to make the most of your GP attachment. General Practice at a Glance: Is comprehensively illustrated throughout with over 60 full-page colour illustrations Takes a symptoms-based approach which mirrors the general practice curriculum Offers ‘one-stop’ coverage of musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, urinary, endocrine and digestive presentations Highlights the interrelations between primary and secondary care Includes sample questions to ask during history taking and examination Features ‘red flags’ to highlight symptoms or signs which must not be missed This accessible introduction and revision aid will help all medical students and junior doctors develop an understanding of the nature and structure of primary care, and hit the ground running on the general practice attachment.
This handbook covers practical issues, such as how to deal with confidentiality, compliance, complaints, and referral letters as well as clinical medicine. It also raises issues such as dealing with stress and entering the profession.
This practical clinical manual provides everything the veterinary practitioner needs to know about small animal dental disease commonly seen in practice. Coverage includes diagnostic techniques, step-by-step procedure guidelines, and practical tips. Concentrates on the most commonly encountered dental problems in small animal practice The author is a world authority on small animal dentistry and provides practical tips and unique insights on best practice Color photographs and high-quality illustrations make this an essential consulting room companion Highlights risks associated with various procedures Includes details of how to manage complications Includes the common diseases in the dog and cat, but also deals with dental disorders in lagomorphs and rodents, as these are becoming increasingly popular as pets
Music law involves several key substantive areas of law copyrights, trademarks, and identity rights, to name a few. While traditional entities such as songwriters and record companies have always existed, technological advances in digital distribution have brought important new players into the mix. Concerns about the usage rights of digital music have emerged as well as agreements arising from the use of music in advertising and branding. Inexpensive duplication technology, the portability and ubiquity of mobile music devices, and the ease of transmitting digital files have also become areas of concern. Music Law for the General Practitioner provides lawyers with comprehensive information on the business and legal topics that are likely to be encountered when representing a musical talent, producer, or consumer. Topics include: - Music publishing - Financing of bands - Record companies and producers - Agents - Taxes - Musicians estate
Entertainment law has been rapidly evolving to accommodate the ever-changing world of the digital era. With change, however, comes complexity. For the general practitioner to develop a client base in this area, he or she must be grounded in several areas including contracts, copyrights, trademarks, federal and state statutes, and the customs and practices of the entertainment industry. This book discusses the law which governs the entertainment industry.
The new edition of this best-selling title from the popular 100 cases series explores common scenarios that will be encountered by the medical student and junior doctor when working in the community setting, and which are likely to feature in qualifying examinations. The book covers a comprehensive range of presentations from tiredness to tremor. Comprehensive answers highlight key take home points from each case and provide practical advice on how to deal with the challenges that occur in general practice at all levels.
