The Article in Brief

Family doctors tend to treat the same types of illnesses and problems over time. Based on the season of the year, however, there is variation in the illnesses and problems that family doctors treat and in the ages of patients who visit them. In the winter, for example, family doctors treat more infectious conditions and have more visits by children than during other times of the year. An understanding of seasonal differences helps researchers study medical conditions that are frequently seen in primary care practice.