Ten years' experience in a British casualty department staffed by general practitioners

Ten years' documented experience in a British Casualty Department shows that the family physician has a potentially large role to play in the accident and emergency services of his community. It is clear that a well-trained family physician in a properly equipped hospital department can care for the great majority of his patients' injuries, minor surgical operations, and anesthetic needs. This is especially so where group practice and helpful specialist colleagues provide a supportive framework for problem sharing. A case is made for education of all family practice students and residents in this large and important area of medicine.