Family Medicine at Fort Bragg

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the background at the busy clinic you go to visit. Frustration abounds with long waiting times, and rushed care. Welcome to the world of the most under appreciated doctors on the planet, the Family Medicine doctor. They deal with the common cold, a hurt knee, and high blood pressure in a single hour. (Sometimes in one 20 minute appointment.)

The doc doesn't get a break. He or she sits in the office in front of the computer writing notes as fast as possible before the next patient walks through the door. They cringe at the patient with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipedemia, avascular necrosis of the right hip, and peripheral neuropathy. The patient pulls out the bag with 15 medication in it saying I need them refilled. The 20 minute appointment passes and drags on as a history of chest pain and dyspnea is uncovered. Miraculously after 35 minutes the patient is out the door, meds refilled, and tests set up to save the poor soul from an early demise. Then another patient comes in frustrated at having to wait. No matter, drive on. The cracking whip is sounding behind them, as the double booked patients roll through the door.

I have heard specialists complain about the consults they receive from these overworked doctors. They complain that they can't take care of this problem as well as they can; however when all you see is BPH or breast lumps all day you do get pretty good at that. So it is. Be thankful for your family doc.