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. They should manage and/or coordinate adolescent services for physical health, reproductive health, genderidentity and expression, substance use, and mental health, ensuring confidentiality as appropriate. Family physicians should also advocte for these services, science-based health education, and safety in schools through community and legislative involvement.
(1989) (January 2022 COD)