[The Kibbutz physician: family medicine theory in practice]

124 of 251 physicians living and working in 109 of the 194 kibbutzim in Israel answered a 125-item postal questionnaire on their professional and personal characteristics and the special issues affecting a kibbutz physician. Most were specialists in family practice, had had the best of modern medical training, were deeply involved in their communities, and were familiar with all aspects of their patients' lives. They were given the opportunity to express the bio-psycho-social model of family medicine. This study relates to the special encounter of family medicine theory and its practice in the kibbutz system of health care delivery, including the problems of the kibbutz physician and the degree of personal satisfaction derived.