The role of the community-oriented primary care physician

The role of community-oriented primary care is the subject of considerable debate and controversy, leading to confusion for both its practitioners and educators. This paper attempts to clarify this role by applying systems theory to the concept of community-oriented primary care as first-contact medical care for the patient, in the context of the community. Relationships between the primary care physician and the following entities are defined: the patient; the physician's and patient's community, culture, and society; the physician's office; the medical care system; and the physician's and patient's families. The educational implications of the resultant role are discussed.