This new book explores the core values of family medicine nationally, regionally, and globally, to identify if and/or where there is consensus and where these diversify in relation to contextual factors. Aligned with the WHO’s definition of primary healthcare and goal of universal health coverage and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, the book documents a global enquiry by teams of experts representing each world region on the vision, mission, core values and principles, and the definition of family medicine in different countries. Each team has adopted different approaches and strategies in their exploration, their findings, and conclusions.

A common identity for family doctors is important for research agendas, training, recognition of the specialty, and advocacy. However, there is much diversity within and across the regions in the training and the practice of the discipline of family medicine, reflected in the core values. The ultimate goal is a shared vocabulary of humanity for colleagues throughout the world, enriched rather than hindered by their differences.

KEY FEATURES

1. Addresses the core values and principles in family medicine and primary care across the globe, built around the central elements of care that is patient centred, equable, and community and science oriented, with professionalism and cooperation as key themes
2. Supports primary care/family medicine providers in their dual goals of caring for the whole person and adapting to the evolving needs of the population of people under their care, tailored to reflect the specific needs in different world regions
3. Considers the challenges of fragmented care, digital technologies, comorbidities, and growing health inequity
4. Accessible, practical, and international

The book will be an invaluable guide for general practitioners, family physicians, family medicine specialists, and other primary care doctors and a useful reference for other primary care health professionals including practice, school and other primary care nurses, medical assistants, paramedics, and community pharmacists. It will also serve as recommended or supplementary reading in undergraduate medical and nursing programmes, in university-based postgraduate courses and master programmes in relevant primary care–related topics, and in vocational training programmes in general practice/family medicine.