Adolescent Health Care, Role of the Family Physician

Family physicians, by virtue of their comprehensive training, experience and continuous patient relationships, are uniquely positioned to address the health care needs of adolescent patients. 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. They should manage and/or coordinate adolescent services for physical health, reproductive health, gender identity and expression, substance use and mental health, ensuring confidentiality as appropriate. Family physicians should also advocate for these services, science-based health education and safety in schools through community and legislative involvement.

(1989) (July 2026 BOD)