Family practice is perhaps the oldest form of modern medical practice. It also involves the largest number of medical professionals. In India, where around 70 per cent of health care is now delivered by the private sector, family physicians form the largest group of health care providers coming into first contact with the patient. In that sense, the scientific and ethical temper of this group of practitioners has a major impact on health care. Any attempt to change prevalent norms of medical practice should necessarily therefore grapple with the aspirations and concerns of family physicians.