[Family physician: problems and realities]

The experience gained in the Soviet Union and abroad with family physician service is reviewed. The scope of his duties is outlined which are to be adjusted for specific conditions of rural and city health care. The family physician is to be neither a particular specialist nor an expert in all fields of medicine, rather a broad-minded and skilled internist informed about social and psychological matters and able to attend both adults and adolescents. The chief goal of his practice should be prophylaxis medicine, regular check-ups. Extensive experimental research is needed to adopt the system of family physician in this country as it necessitates revision of conventional principles of industrial, school, outpatient services, training of medical staff, etc.