The Role of Family Physicians in Pandemic Preparedness and future Directions for Epidemic Management

Abstract

Pandemics and public health crises underscore the essential role of primary care and family physicians in maintaining the stability of healthcare systems. As the first line of defense, family physicians provide comprehensive services, including disease prevention, early diagnosis, chronic disease management, and psychosocial support. They are also instrumental in promoting health education, managing vaccination programs, and adopting telemedicine to ensure continued access to care during emergencies. Despite their vital role, primary care systems often face significant barriers, such as resource shortages, communication gaps, and technological limitations, which hinder their ability to respond effectively. This review examines the contributions of primary care physicians during pandemics and crises, focusing on their achievements, challenges, and the strategies needed to strengthen healthcare systems for future emergencies. Enhanced technological infrastructure, prioritization of resources, and improved communication frameworks are key to building resilient and efficient primary care systems.