title: Challenges and rewards--a career as a generalist.
abstract: The generalist approach to medical practice has existed for thousands of years, alongside the specialist approach. Proponents and critics of both approaches have existed as well, but with overall societal trends towards reductionism and specialisation there had been a perception that the generalist approach was under threat and in crisis. At the same time, research was finding that healthcare systems with strong primary care, where generalists operate as the first point-of-contact within the healthcare system, were more efficient and had better health outcomes. In addition, demographic trends with ageing populations have resulted in more patients with chronic multisystem diseases that require a generalist approach.
authors: Glenn
authors: G
authors: Duns
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family; D000078329:Workforce