Family Medicine / General Practice
Family Medicine / General Practice tests continuity, undifferentiated symptoms, preventive care, chronic disease, and appropriate referral. The exam rewards safe decisions in the consulting room.
Core rules
- Use a biopsychosocial history and red-flag screening; most presentations are undifferentiated.
- Chronic disease reviews cover adherence, control, complications, and lifestyle; use targets individualised by age and comorbidity.
- Preventive care follows age and risk: blood pressure, lipids, cervical and breast screening, vaccination.
- Safety netting: tell the patient what to return for and when.
- Refer when red flags, diagnostic uncertainty, or failed primary care management occur.
Worked example
A 45-year-old smoker reports 2 weeks of cough and one episode of haemoptysis. The reasoning: haemoptysis plus smoking is a red flag for lung cancer. Do not treat as simple bronchitis; arrange urgent chest imaging and referral. Record smoking history and safety-net advice.
Traps
Do not anchor on a previous diagnosis; do not prescribe antibiotics for viral upper respiratory infection; do not omit safeguarding when injuries are unexplained.