NINE PRINCIPLES OF FAMILY MEDICINE CAN BE DESCRIBED: an open-ended commitment to patients; an understanding of the context of illness; the use of all visits for preventive purposes; the view of the practice as a population at risk; the use of a community-wide network of supports; the sharing with patients of the same habitat; the care of patients in office, home and hospital; a recognition of the subjective aspects of medicine; and an awareness of the need to manage resources.