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PLAIN-LANGUAGE ARTICLE SUMMARY
Special Report
Family Medicine in Times of War
Background and Goal:Wars and conflicts appear to be a fact of life for populations across the globe, often in places where family medicine functions as the backbone of the health care system. In these situations, family physicians are frequently called on to serve in expanded roles and are witnesses to the enormous mental and physical suffering of individuals, families, communities, and populations. This special report examines the role of family physicians in the Israel–Hamas conflict and other current wars, exploring how lessons learned from these situations can inform future practices in family medicine.
Key Insights:The report offers several important lessons for family physicians in wartime. Physicians must maintain open lines of communication with colleagues on all sides of the conflict and share timely, accurate information. Additionally, physicians are encouraged to hear and acknowledge the narratives of patients and other health care workers to foster understanding and reconciliation. The report also stresses the importance of providing both material and workforce support, such as donating medical supplies and volunteering to care for war casualties. Family physicians are urged to prepare for wartime service through expanded training in trauma care and mental health interventions. Lastly, the report advocates for family physicians to engage in research and social action, helping shape policies that improve health outcomes during and after conflicts.
Why It Matters:This report highlights the need for family physicians to be prepared to handle both the immediate and long-term effects of war, including physical injuries, psychological trauma, and the disruption of health care systems. By learning from current and past conflicts, the field of family medicine can better support patients and communities in future crises.
Family Medicine in Times of War
Jeffrey M. Borkan, MD, PhD
Department of Family Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
