This is a comprehensive yet concise introduction to family medicine, which presents the core information students need to know about family medicine and primary care problems. New to this edition are: principles of family medicine; the human life cycle and health care needs; home and institutional care; the doctor-patient relationship; patient education; clinical reasoning in the ambulatory care setting; HIV disease; substance abuse; and care of the athlete. The book is designed to aid medical students in a family medicine clerkship and covers all essential information for the out-patient setting of family practice. Section 2 is devoted to prevention and health promotion. The common problems section covers all common issues faced in the family practice setting, including a game plan for care of the patient. Each chapter includes annotated suggested readings and case vignettes.