Family Medicine

Family Medicine is the medical specialty that provides comprehensive health care for the individual and their family. Family physicians receive specialized training in the biological, clinical and psychological aspects of all ages, sexes, organ systems and disease entities.

The ability to provide medical care for the entire family offers a unique opportunity to view the family as a unit while emphasizing disease prevention and health promotion. When indicated, the family physician refers the patient to other sources of care while maintaining the role of coordinator of the patients health services. During specialized care or hospitalization, this role prevents fragmented care.

Our staff includes family physicians, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, behavioral medicine specialists, geriatric specialists and counselors who have access to specialists and other resources as needed.

Patients are seen at the department's two family practice centers, Ghent Family Medicine and Portsmouth Family Medicine.

Ghent Family Medicine Center

Ghent Family Medicine Center is located in Hofheimer Hall on the medical school campus. The clinical area includes two minor surgery/procedure rooms, a laboratory, and a special testing room. The center serves the needs of the individual community and has a residency training program. The staff includes family physicians, family nurse practitioners, behavioral medicine specialists and geriatrics specialists who have access to specialists and other resources as needed.

Portsmouth Family Medicine Center

The Portsmouth Family Medicine Center is located just across the river, approximately 10 minutes from the Medical School Campus. Our comprehensive residency training site offers the full spectrum of medical care through a variety of services, including minor surgery, laboratory, family-centered obstetrics and use of an electronic health records system. Our commitment to health promotion and disease prevention is also reflected in our staff, which includes two family physicians board-certified in geriatrics, several physicians with a specific interest and delivering privileges in obstetrics, and an in-house behaviorist.  Our clinic was recently recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home at Level 3 (highest level) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance