Response: Re: Wide Gap between Preparation and Scope of Practice of Early Career Family Physicians

To the Editor: I read with interest Dr. Frey’s comments spurred by my recent article1 on differences between preparation for and provision of different clinical activities seemingly central to the core of family medicine. Like many people, my refrigerator door has many magnets, among my favorites is one the American Academy of Family Physicians sent me that says, “PROUD FAMILY DOC.” Lately I have been wondering what it means to be a proud family physician. Our specialty still holds the archetype of the proud family physician as one who is long standing in their community, provides cradle-to-grave care, and will care for their patients when and where they need them. This phenotype is becoming the rare exception to a growing list of “-ists” who care for one part of a patient or only care for them in limited settings.

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