Who is a family physician?
A family physician can cater to a family's medical needs since they provide skilled and comprehensive medical care to all ages and genders. They can care for you at all phases of your life and evaluate, treat, and prevent a wide range of common injuries, illnesses, and ailments.
A family physician offers holistic care to patients from infancy to late adulthood, unlike other medical professionals who concentrate on a particular medical issue or region of the body. They can help diagnose and manage chronic conditions, acute injuries, and illnesses.
The career path of family physicians
Medical students can take up a wide range of specializations after completing their basic science, medical, and clinical education. Family medicine, which incorporates aspects of adult and pediatric medicine, is one such specialization. Most family medicine doctors complete seven years of medical school, three years of residency training, and four years of internship.
However, some may spend an additional year or two pursuing a fellowship to practice their skills in a particular area, such as geriatrics, women's health, sports medicine, or obstetrics.
Although not compulsory, some family physicians get certified by organizations such as the American Board of Physician Specialties, the American Board of Family Medicine, and the American Board of Medical Specialties. These organizations award certifications to doctors who pass their tests and complete the continuing education requirements to keep their licenses valid.
Subspecialties of family physicians
Some family medicine doctors pursue extra fellowship study after finishing their residency program to become subspecialists in one of the following fields:
- Adolescent medicine: It includes examining and treating common physical, psychological, social, and health concerns affecting people aged 10 to 19.
- Geriatric medicine: Geriatric medicine focuses on the research and treatment of older adults, focusing on the aging process and its changes.
- Hospice and palliative medicine: It involves examining and treating people with terminal illnesses.
- Pain medicine: Pain medicine centers around the study/care of patients with acute/chronic pain, including that caused by cancer.
- Sleep medicine: Sleep medicine examines and treats illnesses that interfere with or develop during sleep.
- Sports medicine: Specialists in this field analyze, diagnose, and care for injuries sustained during sports and exercise.
How does internal medicine differ from family medicine?
Family medicine and internal medicine serve different patient populations and medical needs. Family medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. In contrast, internal medicine specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases affecting adults.
Family medicine covers various subspecialties, including acute illness management, chronic disease treatment, and preventive care. On the other hand, internal medicine emphasizes general medical and health needs with a specific focus on adult patients.
Additionally, internists (specialists in internal medicine) primarily provide inpatient care. While family doctors can also offer inpatient treatment, their primary training focuses on outpatient care, and they often refer patients to specialists for hospital-based services when necessary.
How do general practice and family medicine differ?
With numerous medical specialties, it can be challenging to determine which doctor to consult. While you may know which specialist to visit for heart conditions or joint pain, what about general or unexplained symptoms? Should you see a family physician or a general practitioner? Let’s explore their differences.
Family physicians provide comprehensive primary care, addressing various health concerns for individuals of all ages. In contrast, general practitioners (GPs) offer primary care without specializing in a particular field. Their role is similar to that of urgent care providers, diagnosing and treating various conditions while referring patients to specialists when necessary. GPs work in urgent care centers, hospitals, and clinics, managing diverse health issues, maintaining medical records, and offering minor suturing and wound care services.
Many general practice clinics have labs and diagnostic tools, enabling them to conduct medical tests on-site. Their primary goal is to provide effective treatment and reduce the need for hospitalization whenever possible.
What are the advantages of having a long-term relationship with a family physician?
There are several ways in which family physicians can be beneficial. They offer various medical services throughout your life and are well-equipped to deal with many illnesses and conditions. Some benefits of having a family physician in your healthcare network are:
- They are reliable confidants: It is comforting to meet a friendly face who is acquainted with your medical history if you are feeling unwell, battling discomfort, or coping with an uncomfortable health situation.
- They understand you: When you visit the same physician repeatedly over a long period, they truly get to know you, your lifestyle, your routines, and your general health and, as a result, can diagnose and treat you well.
- They care about your overall well-being: Family physicians perform regular examinations. They can help manage several chronic and acute medical disorders.
- They enhance your health and longevity: It is easier for them to guide you in choosing the best course of treatment when a member of your medical team is well-versed in your history.
How do you prepare for your first appointment with a family physician?
A typical appointment with a family physician lasts 15-20 minutes. However, you can be allowed more time at the doctor's discretion. Preparing for an appointment with a family physician near you can help you make the most of your consultation. Here's what you need to know and bring to your first appointment:
- Make a list of questions that you would like to ask your doctor. Try to sort the questions from most important to least important, as you will have a limited time.
- Gather your medical records, including diagnoses from previous doctors and medical tests, if any. Try to bring as much information about your medical history as possible. It should also include a list of your current medications or supplements.
- Reach the clinic beforehand to avoid waiting in lines and understanding any prerequisite requirements.
- Talk to your doctor openly during your appointment. Show them your medical records and medical history and ask about your concerns regarding your symptoms. Follow the list and tell them about your lifestyle, such as your diet and physical activities. You may also need to share your personal or professional lifestyle to make them understand your current situation better.
- Taking a family member or a friend with you is a good decision. They will help you be comfortable during your first appointment and listen to the doctor with you. They can also help ask relevant questions you may overlook if you were to be alone. You should also notify the doctor if you need an interpreter or have a particular disability, such as hearing or speech impairment. They will carry out their duty to do what is needed.
You should consider many factors when choosing the best family doctor. It is good advice to seek a physician who provides care after hours. It will help to know that they will be there if you have an emergency, and they can guide you to get the appropriate medications or help when you need it.
Family physician or emergency room: where should you go?
Whether you need primary or emergency care will depend on what symptoms you are currently experiencing. You must learn how to identify an emergency so that you can get the proper care at the right time and help save a life. Correctly interpreting an emergency will also help you distinguish between situations that do not require immediate attention versus those that do.
Family physicians provide care for ongoing medical needs, including chronic illness management, medication adjustment, and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. Family physicians or other primary care practitioners are the best option for a routine checkup or annual physical. This also helps to detect diseases in their earlier stages and start treatment before disease progression.
See your family doctor/physician or primary care provider if:
- You need your care coordinated with other specialists.
- You need to change your medications, check for interactions with other medicines you are taking, or get prescription refills.
- You need a doctor's guidance on the proper diet and exercise plan.
- You have a mild cold, fever, or cough.
- You need diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram to evaluate your heart health.
- You need mental health resources in your community.
- You have an ear infection or urinary tract infection.
- You need a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure managed.
- You have to get vaccinations, immunizations, or other preventive care services
- You experience a sudden change in mood or think you might have mental health issues like depression or addiction.
- You have suffered minor injuries like a muscle sprain or strain.
- You require wound care for a small injury.
- You have a stomach ache or are experiencing nausea or dehydration.
Specific symptoms can be a sign of life-threatening conditions. Do not hesitate to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department if you experience the following warning signs:
- Moderate or severe allergic reactions.
- Cuts or severe burns.
- Choking or difficulty breathing.
- Fractures or head injuries.
- Excessive sleepiness, irritability, and feeding or eating difficulties in babies or children.
- Any sudden or severe pain.
- Chest pain, upper abdominal pain, or pressure that lasts for two minutes or more
- Loss of blood
- Signs of a heart attack such as cold sweats, pain in the shoulder, chest tightness, and lightheadedness.
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Decreased responsiveness or alertness in babies or children.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Inability to stand up or unsteady walking.
- Unconsciousness, disorientation, or inability to stay awake.
- Sudden numbness in the feet, arms, or legs.
- Seizures
- Fever with a rash or neck stiffness.
- Confusion and changes in mental status or display of unusual behavior.
Locate a good family physician near you in Saint Petersburg, FL
The doctor-patient bond is the backbone of clinical treatments and a good relationship between your family doctor and you is crucial. However, finding a reliable and experienced family doctor in your neighborhood may take time and effort. With the help of Zocdoc, you can locate and make appointments with some of the best family doctors in Saint Petersburg, Florida, within minutes.
Enter your disease, specialty, location, preferred appointment time, and insurance plan to start searching. You will see a comprehensive list of top-rated specialists based on the criteria you have entered. You can filter the healthcare professionals based on their gender, hospital affiliations, languages they speak, and whether they treat children. You can also use the insurance detector to identify in-network providers if you need clarification on your policy's coverage. You may add a photo of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc. It will help you accurately select your insurance plan and find an in-network provider. However, uploading a photo of your medical insurance card is not mandatory. If you do not wish to upload a photo, add your insurance information to your account by manually picking your plan from a list. For other insurance-related queries, head over to Zocdoc's patient help center or contact Zocdoc's service team, which is available 365 days a year via email or chat.
Each physician has a detailed profile on Zocdoc that includes an overview of their educational background, practice locations, visitation details, accreditations, awards, and, most importantly, verified patient reviews and ratings. You can find the best family physicians in your vicinity by reading their reviews to see how they treat their patients individually. Once you have chosen the most suitable family physician for your specific needs, you can schedule an in-person or online appointment based on their availability.
With Zocdoc, you can schedule appointments before, during, and after office hours based on the family physician's availability. You may also book appointments on weekends and holidays if their schedule allows.
Booking appointments with family physicians near you on Zocdoc is easy, free, and secure!
Family physician statistics for Florida
According to the Florida Department of Health’s 2025 Physician Workforce Annual Report, 62,209 physicians were providing direct patient care in Florida, based on the 2023–2025 physician workforce survey. Among primary care physicians, 8,585 practiced family medicine, 7,570 practiced general internal medicine, and 3,172 practiced general pediatrics. Together, these specialties accounted for 19,327 primary care physicians, with family medicine representing approximately 44.4%, internal medicine 39.2%, and pediatrics 16.4% of the primary care workforce.
According to data synthesized by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, a component of the metro statistical area of Florida, had 840 active family physicians as of May 2021. It assessed the location quotient for the place to be 0.89. The location quotient is the proportion of local occupational employment concentration to the average concentration throughout the country. A location quotient of less than one implies that the occupation is less prevalent in the area.
Sources
Texas Medical Institute
American Academy of Family Physicians[1]
Medical University of the Americas
Pomona Valley Health Centers
Florida Department of Health
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Academy of Family Physicians[2]
Washington State Health Care Authority
Healthline
UnityPoint Health
EmergencyPhysicians
Mayo Clinic
University of Florida Health Jacksonville
New Horizon Family Health Services
Matthews Internal Medicine
Advanced Medical Clinic
