The Role of Primary Care and Why It Matters to You
From the perspective of your PCP
Why Do You Need a Primary Care Doctor?
I still remember the day I got accepted into medical school. It was my birthday—a moment that felt like something out of a storybook. Whenever someone learned I was going to medical school, I would inevitably get asked one of two questions (sometimes both).
- The first: “Do you watch Grey’s Anatomy?” To this day, my answer remains no, though I’m not opposed to watching it someday.
The second: “What kind of doctor are you going to be?” For the longest time, I didn’t have an answer. I would simply say, “Hopefully, a good one.”
It wasn’t until my third year of medical school that I decided on internal medicine. Internal medicine is a broad field and serves as the foundation for many specialties—cardiology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and more.
For those who choose not to pursue a fellowship, Internal medicine offers the option to stay in primary care. Internal medicine physicians can work in hospitals as hospitalists or in outpatient clinics as primary care providers(PCP). This is the path I chose during my intern year of residency.
Why primary care?
For me, it’s the unique relationship that primary care doctors build with their patients. In hospitals or specialty offices, patients often refer to their physician as “the doctor.” But as a primary care provider, I’m not just “a doctor”—I’m their doctor.
Patients say, “My doctor said this,” or “My doctor recommended that.” That trust and connection mean the world to me. Patients entrust their most valuable resource to us: their health. It’s a responsibility I hold sacred.
Why Do You Need a Primary Care Doctor?
One question I often hear is: “Do I really need a doctor?” This question usually comes from someone who is young, active, and relatively healthy. It’s a fair question, and while I may be biased, I believe the answer is a resounding yes.
Here’s why:
1. Building a Longitudinal Relationship
The better your doctor knows you, the better they can care for you. Over time, primary care physicians develop a deep understanding of your health, your history, and even your personality. This familiarity allows us to notice subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For example, I’ve identified health issues simply because a patient’s demeanor was different from their usual self.
A strong doctor-patient relationship also fosters trust, making it easier for patients to share sensitive information. Many times, patients initially downplay symptoms or concerns, only to reveal something significant after a little probing and the comfort of a trusted relationship.
2. Catching the Unexpected
Even the healthiest individuals can face unexpected health challenges. Recently, I had a patient who was active and in excellent shape. Routine blood work revealed a minor abnormality, which we initially attributed to a recent illness.
But something didn’t sit right with me, so we repeated the tests. The follow-up confirmed a diagnosis of leukemia.
Many chronic conditions, like hypertension, diabetes, or certain cancers, don’t produce symptoms in their early stages. Regular check-ups and screenings are vital for catching these issues before they become serious.
3. The Importance of Preventative Screenings
Preventative screenings are a cornerstone of primary care. These include checks for:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- cholesterol
- and various types of cancer.
A common misconception I hear is: “I don’t need that test; I feel fine and don’t have a family history.”
While family history is a factor, it’s important to know that more than 65% of cancers are diagnosed in patients with no family history. In certain cancers, the percentage is much higher than that. Many cancers don’t show symptoms until they’ve advanced. This is why screenings are essential.
For example: lung cancer screening is a topic that hits close to home for me. I lost my father to lung cancer last year. He was a lifelong smoker and eligible for screening, but he never pursued it. Unfortunately, this is a common story.
Lung cancer screening rates remain alarmingly low, with fewer than 20% of eligible patients being screened. A few years ago, that number was under 10%. While progress is being made, it’s not happening fast enough.
A Call to Action
If you’ve been putting off a mammogram, colonoscopy, or any other recommended screening, I urge you to stop waiting. If you’ve avoided seeing the doctor, starting a weight loss journey, or pursuing your health goals, begin today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today!!
Your health is your most valuable asset. Take the first step—your future self will thank you.
Curious about what health screenings you’re eligible for? healthfinder.gov [linked below] can be a valuable tool. Please consider talking with your doctor about it.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content found on this blog.
- If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk. The author(s) of this blog do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages.
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