A taxonomy of primary care.
Primary care is not monolithic. Eight disciplines comprise the field — each with its own training pathway, patient population, and clinical posture.
Internal Medicine
Adult primary care for complex chronic conditions, diagnostic reasoning, and longitudinal management.
Family Medicine
All-ages primary care for the household — children, adults, and elders treated by one practitioner.
Geriatric Medicine
Specialized primary care for adults 65+, focusing on polypharmacy, frailty, and care coordination.
Pediatric Primary Care
Newborn through adolescent primary care, including developmental milestones and immunization schedules.
Women's Health
Primary care emphasizing reproductive, hormonal, and gynecologic continuity for women and girls.
Preventive Medicine
Population-health-oriented primary care: screening optimization, lifestyle counseling, vaccination strategy.
Adolescent Medicine
Specialized primary care for ages 12–21, addressing developmental, mental health, and social transitions.
General Practice
Generalist physicians providing first-contact care across the human lifespan.