Looking beyond the presenting problem

General practitioners tend to manage disease within the context of the patient's total life. They also have to deal with illness in its various forms when no overt 'disease' is evident. Looking at the interplay of these two facets of ill health gives a deeper understanding of what general practice is about and how general practitioners deal with the problems of their practice. Two cases are presented from the author's personal practice which display how general practitioners deal with the whole person rather than isolated problems. Analysis reveals that the ability to listen to the patient and the willingness to take adequate time is crucial to successful general practice.