Family Medicine

Family Medicine with the Baltimore Family Medicine Lawyer

Family medicine provides comprehensive care for individuals of all ages, from infancy to old age. These physicians act as the primary care provider for many patients, coordinating care with specialists when necessary. Family medicine doctors can commit medical malpractice in a number of different ways. If you have been injured, then you may need the Baltimore family medicine lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Education, Training, and Licensing

To become a family physician, one must undergo certain education and training. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Undergraduate Degree: Firstly, completion of a bachelor’s degree, often in a pre-med or related science field.
• Medical School: Four years of medical school, earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
• Residency: A three-year residency program in family medicine, providing hands-on training in various medical conditions and procedures.

After completing residency, physicians must obtain a medical license from the state in which they intend to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically involve passing a written examination (such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination or COMLEX-USA) and a practical skills examination.

Many family physicians also choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). Board certification requires passing a rigorous examination and demonstrating ongoing commitment to professional development.

Patient Care and Scope of Practice

Family physicians provide comprehensive care for individuals and families across the lifespan. They manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Common illnesses: colds, flu, ear infections, allergies, and digestive disorders
• Chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and arthritis
• Preventive care: vaccinations, screenings, and health education
• Women’s health: pregnancy care, contraception, menopause management
• Child and adolescent health: well-child checks, vaccinations, behavioral health, and sports physicals
• Geriatric care: chronic disease management, preventive care, and end-of-life care

Family physicians diagnose and treating a variety of medical conditions through:

• Comprehensive medical history and physical examination
• Laboratory and diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, electrocardiograms)
• Minor surgical procedures (e.g., incision and drainage, mole removal)
• Prescribing medications

Work Environment and Collaboration

Family physicians practice in a variety of settings, including:

• Private practices: Independent practices or group practices
• Clinics: Community health centers, urgent care centers
• Hospitals: Inpatient and outpatient settings
• Academic settings: Teaching and research

They often collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as:

• Specialists: Internists, pediatricians, obstetricians/gynecologists, surgeons
• Nurse practitioners: Providing primary care services
• Physician assistants: Assisting with patient care
• Other healthcare professionals: Nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Family Medicine Lawyer

Family physicians, like other medical professionals, can be subject to medical malpractice claims. Common allegations in family medicine malpractice cases generally include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions (e.g., cancer, heart disease)
• Medical errors during procedures or treatments
• Medication errors (e.g., prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage)
• Failure to obtain informed consent for procedures or treatments
• Negligence in providing care (e.g., failure to order necessary tests, inadequate follow-up)

To establish medical malpractice, a patient must generally prove that the physician deviated from the accepted standard of care, and that this deviation directly caused harm.

Family Medicine Subspecialties

While family medicine is a broad specialty, there are several subspecialties that focus on specific patient populations or areas of care:

• Sports Medicine: Focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise.
• Geriatric Medicine: Concentrates on the medical care of older individuals.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM): Emphasizes the musculoskeletal system and manual medicine techniques.

These subspecialties require additional training and certification and may involve a narrower scope of practice than general family medicine.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Family Medicine Lawyer

If you have been injured by a family medicine lawyer, then you may have a medical malpractice claim.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact us at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.