Introduction To Family Medicine

Makerere University

The material reviews the historical development of family medicine, highlighting the impact of the 1910 Flexner report and the fragmentation of medical training. It emphasizes the importance of continuous, person‑centred care and the doctor‑patient relationship within families and communities. Core values such as continuity, comprehensiveness, and compassionate care are outlined, along with the distinction between primary and secondary care levels. The lecture also presents epidemiological data on community illness prevalence and the contribution of family physicians to mortality reduction.