A multidisciplinary approach in family practice

The author has joined in many community case conferences for several years. In some instances it has been possible to keep records and thereby conduct long term follow-up study. The results of such follow-up indicate that this type of conference can be useful in providing assistance to multiproblem families which would be impossible without the cooperation of many nonmedical and medical professionals. In addition to this, there are many benefits to be gained by increased familiarity with various health workers and their roles.

The patient with homosexual problems

Homosexual behavior is seen as a symptom of disturbed psychosocial and psychosexual development. Such behavior frequently leads to somatic and emotional disturbances which bring the patient to the family physician. Accordingly, the patient must be seen as an individual with a unique constellation of problems which may only be relieved consistent with his total human needs. The author suggests approaches to the assessment and counselling of patients with such problems.

The adolescent, the family and the physician

The family physician is the ideal medical practitioner to treat the adolescent, since he has to retain a holistic concept of the person in his family and in society. We have to remember that each person has his or her own rate of development, so that what might be obnoxious to one teenager is still acceptable to another. An understanding of the psychological and social aspects of separation from the parent is necessary in treating the conflicts that arise within the adolescent. There is no point in attempting to use teenage jargon to gain confidence, because the young will find this phoney and the physician will not be able to keep up with the rapid rate of change in slang.