As in any business office, a family practice medical office needs a variety of talented professionals. Family practice means just that - family practice. This is the office where a family can go for all of their health care needs. This is the office where a family can go for all of their health care needs. The physicians in these offices are trained in all areas of expertise in the medical field. They are trained to spot specific problems in all parts of the body. If necessary, a family practice physician can refer their patients to a specialist if the disease process is out of their field of expertise, i.e., a surgical consultation.

Most family practice offices treat patients from birth to old age, although some physicians prefer children be treated by a pediatrician, and often, a family practice physician will refer a very elderly patient to a geriatric physician after a certain age.

Job opportunities in family practice are varied and usually are secure. A family practice office will have a staff consisting of nurses, nurse practitioners (depending on how large the practice is), a medical transcriptionist, a medical assistant, and an x-ray tech (also depending on how large the practice is). The medical technician is often trained in phlebotomy (blood drawing). Most offices do not have a lab and blood and other body fluids, specimens, etc., are sent to an off-site lab. However, there is usually a billing clerk and an insurance clerk available to answer questions as needed.

Family practice employment opportunities are vast to say the least. A reception area is the first place a patient visits when he arrives. He will be greeted by the receptionist and a staff member who will take his/her insurance information. The patient will wait in a waiting room equipped with a television and reading material. Some offices even provide refreshments. A nurse will call each patient and take them to a room where the exam will be done. The nurse will take a brief history.

The doctor sees the patient and does a brief physical exam, orders necessary tests or x-rays, and writes a prescription as needed. The physician usually will dictate his impressions about the patient by phone and a medical transcriptionist will type the report and make sure the report is placed in the patient's chart for further review. This is done like clockwork every day in a family practice office. Information is usually available to the physician the same day. Medical reports can also be transcribed off site and sent via computer back to the medical office. Some offices no longer have filing systems. All patient information is in computer files. Confidentiality is a top priority, and only designated personnel have access to these files.

In conclusion, a family practice office has numerous and rewarding employment opportunities for those interested in the medical field. These offices offer part-time and full-time positions, and often, per diem (as needed or temporary) positions. Student physicians can be found working in family practice offices as well as nursing students. Most physicians welcome the opportunity to teach future medical personnel in a family oriented setting. Often, these students return for permanent employment or will become family practice physicians themselves.