Philosophy of general practice: in the eye of the beholder.

Abstract

The most unexpected email I ever received read as follows: ‘I am a family medicine specialist from Saudi Arabia. I met you 6 years ago in a conference in Riyadh. In your presentations, you showed us a picture of a group of stones arranged in a very beautiful manner. Can I get that picture, please?’ The picture in question captured an art installation by the British outdoor sculptor Andy Goldsworthy. I chose it as a metaphor for general practice and primary care. Using simple materials, and applying a pattern, with imagination, creativity and purpose, he made something beautiful. I have created …