A family practitioner is a doctor that specializes in caring for the entire family. They serve as a doctor for someone regardless of their age and gender. That means that they serve children, adults, and the elderly. Some doctors only see adults, while others only see children. Family practitioners see and treat them both. This type of doctor is used for basic problems. They are essentially the same as a general practitioner, except they treat people of all ages.

When most people think of a doctor, they think of a family practitioner. This type of doctor is especially prominent in small, rural communities where there may not be the funds, population, or facilities available to justify doctors who specialize in serving different ages. However, family practitioners can be found in urban and suburban settings as well.