[Family Medicine in Ibero-America: Voices, meanings and professional identity from a phenomenological study].

INTRODUCTION

Family medicine has been essential in providing continuous and holistic care to individuals and families, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of health throughout the life course.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the evolution of family medicine in Ibero-America and its relationship with the professional identity of specialist and trainee physicians.

DESIGN

Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach and an interpretive-explanatory perspective.

SETTING

Ibero-America: Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay.

PARTICIPANTS

Twelve Ibero-American leaders in family medicine with posgraduate training and extensive professional experience. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until data saturation was reached.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted and complemented with bibliographic review. Data analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti version 24, applying systematic coding and triangulation to validate the findings.

RESULTS

Interviewees highlighted that family medicine emerged in the 1950s as a response to the need for a generalist, holistic, and preventive specialty. Key elements identified include person- and family-centered care, continuity of care, comprehensiveness, ongoing training, and collaboration with other disciplines. Professional identity is built during residency and strengthened through practice and teaching. Over 100 analytical categories were identified for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

Family medicine represents a cornerstone of primary health care in Ibero-America. Despite challenges posed by health system reforms and policies, significant advances have been made in training, equity in care, and consolidation of professional identity. The future of the specialty is marked by digital integration, interprofessional collaboration, and the humanization of care, preparing adaptable physicians committed to community health.