Department of Family Medicine

Family Medicine is a distinct medical specialty that provides comprehensive, continuous primary health care to individuals and families across all age groups. We as family physicians take a holistic, patient-centered approach, addressing not only biological concerns but also psychological and social aspects of health.
In 2014, the Pakistan Medical Council (PMC) directed all medical colleges to establish departments of Family Medicine to train final-year students in this vital specialty. Shifa College of Medicine responded by establishing the first Family Medicine Section in the Federal Region of Pakistan, dedicated to undergraduate training.
Our aim to prepare students with essential clinical knowledge, reasoning, strong examination and communication skills to manage common illnesses in primary care settings. We emphasize long-term doctor-patient relationships and train students to understand patients’ psychosocial backgrounds alongside clinical concerns. All learning is supervised by experienced faculty trained in Family Medicine.
The department plays a vital role in preventive health, focusing on immunizations, screenings, lifestyle counseling, and health education—empowering patients to actively manage their well-being.
Collaboration and continuity of care are central to our practice. We coordinate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless patient care.
Community engagement is also part of our work. Our clinic in Nurpur Shahan, a joint effort with Rotary Club Islamabad and Shifa Foundation, provides essential services to underserved populations, majority being women and children. Medical students also rotate through Al Razi Hospital, Shifa Falahee and Shifa Employee Health Clinic, where they learn to address health disparities among underprivileged populations.
The department also participates in medical camps in underprivileged areas, delivering basic care, screenings, and health education.
In 2023, we launched a postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine, offering a structured one-year program to train medical graduates in the principles and practice of primary care.