Information-Base and Determinants of Medical Specialization and Primary Care: A View Point

Abstract

Speculations are rife as to the place of medical specialization, the contributions of the generalists and specialists, and the importance of primary care to the information, development and determinants in career pursuit for sustainable healthcare delivery and quality care for society at large and the individual patient. Although, medical specialization has invariably advanced at the expense of teaching, research and practice of medicine, it is understandable that the patient remains a unit, and inasmuch as his personal health and well-being are concerned, all aspects of medical practice must be taken into cognizance. It is imperative that in medical specialization, that the human body be observed in parts, but a holistic approach as in primary care is pertinent in treatment and in care. This calls for plausible interaction between specialists and the generalists in the provision of sustainable health and quality care for the future. Therefore, planning, organization and management of medical specialization are necessary to attain flexibility with a controlled and structured healthcare system.

Keywords: medical specialization, primary care, specialists, generalists