Family medicine: the challenge of maturity

In this paper, adapted from the Keynote address to the 30th Annual Scientific Assembly of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, May 1988, in Montréal, Quebec, it is pointed out that family medicine has been successfully establishing itself as a distinct academic discipline since the early 1950s. Yet family doctors have not fully accepted and integrated its status. We continue to behave as if we don't believe in ourselves. Several reasons are suggested to explain why we have been slow to accept the remarkable progress of our discipline. A greater research effort is needed for family medicine to reach its potential. Family physicians in private practice and in community health centres must play a major role if this research effort is to succeed. Some practical examples of how private practitioners can be involved in research are presented.