Principles of Family Medicine

A SPATE of textbooks on general practice have recently appeared and have outlined the content and the role of the general practitioner. The terms 'general practitioner' and 'family doctor' are used synonymously, yet this book undoubtedly suggests that the study of family structure and dynamics, and the impact of illness upon the family, adds a new dimension to general practice and justifies the decision in America to change the name of the academic discipline. The socio-behavioural influences of family life on illness are less emphasised in undergraduate education in most British medical schools. These chapters should be useful to all involved in teaching and to students at all levels of education, and to practising clinicians. The book is well written, comprehensive and easy to assimilate. The author quotes widely from World literature on various academic and organisational aspects of primary care and the principles should be applicable in gencral practice in all the developed countries.