Doc: the role of the family physician in institutions

Abstract

As medicine advances, some areas traditionally run by family physicians are being neglected. This is particularly true of caring for patients who live in institutions, even though they are in particular need of the family physician's global approach and community orientation. This article describes the author's experience running the health care service for a 'high medium' security penitentiary, and the reflections it gives on the role of the family physician in general.