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. 2024 Nov 25;22(6):539-542.
doi: 10.1370/afm.3172.

Family Medicine in Times of War

Jeffrey M Borkan  1
Affiliations

Family Medicine in Times of War

Jeffrey M Borkan. Ann Fam Med. .

Abstract

Wars and conflicts appear to be a fact of life for populations across the globe, often in places where family medicine functions as the backbone of the health care system. In these situations, family physicians are frequently called on to serve in expanded roles and are witnesses to the enormous mental and physical suffering of individuals, families, communities, and populations. This article examines the lessons family medicine can learn from current wars and other terrible conflagrations.Annals Early Access article.

Keywords: Gaza; Israel; Palestine; Ukraine; armed conflicts; communication; delivery of health care; emergency care; medical education; medical ethics; occupational stress; physicians, family; population health; primary care; professional practice; public health; suffering; war.

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