When I was a child, our family had one doctor. A general practitioner named Dr Hann. He delivered all seven of my siblings and me over the years. He took care of all our illnesses, check-ups, and post-emergency room care. He advised our parents and had the most gentle demeanour when working on or teaching us lessons on health.

Our family loved Dr Hann. I can still see his smiling face, nurses, offices, and waiting area when I think of him. I think that is the heart of what a general practitioner (GP) doctor should be. Someone who becomes part of your family because they know so much about you, and are there for you in many ways.

This deep relationship is far less likely with specialists. A GP doctor will provide continuity of care, from early detection and diagnosis to coordinating a care plan for us. Rather than you chasing down documentation, x-rays, test results, and recommendations, your family doctor can control the continuity of care between multiple fields of medicine.

General practitioners will educate you and your family, giving you health advice and clarity in this confusing field. If you are in the Armadale, Caulfield, Malvern, Prahran, St. Kilda East, or Windsor areas, start building a relationship with a family doctor near you.

• They can give you advice on what to eat to help you reach your health or fitness goals for less. 
• Our children need a host of initial immunisations, and throughout our lives, we will need many more.
• Your doctor is able to manage all of your prescription medications. This will prevent any type of medicinal allergy issues or improper use.
• GP doctors are highly tasked, seeing double the number of patients that a specialist will see. As I mentioned, I was with Dr Hann from prenatal care to enlistment in the military. That guy was with me for every bump and sniffle.
• Along with preventative care and education, they will perform minor surgeries such as cyst extraction, suturing of lacerations, drainage of skin anomalies, removal of skin tags and moles, varicose vein litigation, or cryotherapy. 
• Chronic diseases of asthma, diabetes, depression, arthritis, osteoporosis, and stroke can all be managed with your family doctor. 
• All forms of mouth, lung, or colorectal cancers will be screened for by your doctor. They will handle all test coordination and plan follow-up care if needed. 

Go find yourself a Dr Hann near you. Get to know them by letting them get to know you. Schedule an initial assessment and testing interview and allow them to use their experience and knowledge to guide you to health and wellness.

Medical care is not inexpensive. Our state or territory health departments offer subsidies, rebates, and incentives to help cover the cost of staying healthy and productive.

Now that I am recalling the memories of my visits with Dr Hann, all kinds of images are rolling around in my head. I hope you find a doctor to have a relationship as I did. I experience warm, happy, and safe feelings when I think of him. He was a comforting hand and voice in painful and fearful times.

Tim Fawnshaw, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.