CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK IN HEALTH DETERMINANTS (PRIMARY SPECIALTY)

PRIMARY
Geriatrics
SPECIALTY

Family medicine Internal medicine

Pediatrics OB/GYN

EXPLANATION

Specialty care means advanced medically necessary care and treatment of specific physical, mental
or behavioural health conditions or those health conditions which may manifest in particular ages or
subpopulations, that are provided by a specialist, preferably in coordination with a primary care
professional or other health care professional. Family medicine physicians work with both children
and adult patients. They generally work in an outpatient setting, diagnosing and treating a variety of
diseases. They also perform physicals, health screenings, and provide general preventive care.
Family physicians receive extensive training in order to treat most conditions and provide
comprehensive health care for everyone, regardless of age. Internal medicine is another specialty
within the primary care family. Internal medicine physicians, also called internists, work with adult
patients on many common diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure. Pediatricians
are primary care doctors trained to diagnose and treat babies, children, and adolescents. They
specialize in providing care for diseases and injuries common to younger patients. Gynecologists are
physicians who diagnose, treat, and care for the female reproductive organs for patients in
adolescence through adulthood. Obstetricians are physicians who provide care before, during, and
after pregnancy. They also oversee labour and delivery. Geriatricians are specially trained to care for
adults over the age of 60. They diagnose and treat an array of diseases and injuries common among
older adults, including injuries related to falls and memory issues.