Adolescent Health Care, Role of the Family Physician

Family physicians are optimally trained, qualified and experienced in providing and addressing the health care needs of the adolescent. The special and complex needs of adolescents are well served by the family physician’s comprehensive skills, family and community orientation, and social and developmental awareness. Family physicians should promote their availability and expertise in adolescent health care to families, schools, and communities and should advocate for the physical, sexual, and mental health of all adolescents through community and legislative involvement. (1989) (2011 COD)