The relationship between doctor and patient is very special and is built over time through mutual respect and trust. With the family physician, this “special relationship” extends to the family unit, as the physician is not only the health provider, but also a friend. This respect and trust results in a team approach to recognizing treating and preventing disease. We serve as consultants to you by diagnosing your illness suggesting plans for therapy and helping you to understand the illness as it affects you. You, then, have the option of accepting or not accepting that advice. As such, the ultimate responsibility for your health rests with you. We hope that by being responsive to your questions, and informative in our explanation, we can help you to continue to assume increasing responsibility for your healthcare.