The Department of General Practice at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam

The philosophy which provides the framework for looking after patients, teaching, and research at the University Department of General Practice in Rotterdam is described and the need stressed that this philosophy should be discussed continually with other departments and with local general practitioners.In particular I believe that young doctors need to be trained in the skill of deciding whether patients in general practice need any treatment at all and who is the most appropriate adviser. Analysis of the doctor-patient relationship is essential in order to train young doctors to develop supportive rather than authoritarian relationships with patients.