Family doctors, also called family practice physicians or family medicine physicians, are medical doctors who specialize in the total health care of the individual and the family. After four years of medical school, they complete an additional three-year residency program.

Family doctors can diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions and diseases for males and females of all ages. They may further specialize in another area of medicine, such as the care of older adults (geriatric medicine) or people who have sports injuries (sports medicine).

Family doctors may be certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.