What is Family Medicine?

Our family physicians possess unique attitudes, skills, and knowledge which qualify them to provide continuing and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance and preventive services to each member of the family. These specialists, because of their background and interactions with the family, are best qualified to serve as each patient's primary healthcare advocate in all health-related matters, including the appropriate use of other specialists, consultants, health services, and community resources.  As your primary care physician, family medicine physicians serve as your advocate by coordinating the use of the entire health care system to best benefit you. A family medicine doctor takes care of the whole patient, as well  as the family. They get to know your family’s health history and  how it can affect you. They are trained to care for the physical, mental and emotional health of their patients through all the stages of life diagnosing and treating a full range of problems. They know when to treat you, and, if necessary, when to bring in another specialist you can trust.

Not only does Memorial have a dedicated staff of family medicine physicians, we also serve as the teaching facility in southwest Louisiana and Lake Charles for new family medicine practitioners . The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans Family Medicine Residency Program at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital provides the teaching foundation for resident physicians to complete their three years of specialty training in Family Medicine.  Many of the family physicians in southern Louisiana began their training and careers in our residency program. 

Get Healthy. Get Checked.
Visit the above link for information about finding a primary care physician and also guidelines for screenings, check-ups and self-examinations.