title: Generalism: the discipline of family medicine.
abstract: The term 'discipline', as applied to family medicine, is widely used, yet poorly understood. The dictionary definitions of discipline as "a branch of knowledge or learning; training that develops self-control, character, or orderliness and efficiency" are related in this article to the personal discipline of family physicians. This discipline requires a commitment to whole person medicine, learning and growth; it is both efficient and humane.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Macdonald