By Dr. Vinita Mathew, Family Physician and Counselor, Mumbai
Why care for the whole person
As a family physician trained in Family medicine my approach is shaped by faith, science, and a deep commitment to seeing each patient as a whole being. It’s not about treating a person with a collection of symptoms. Family Medicine is a medical specialty focused on providing comprehensive and continuous care to individuals and families across all ages and health conditions where consultations go beyond the immediate complaint. My aim during the consultation is to understand the full tapestry of a person’s life – body, mind, spirit, and relationships, by using family assessment tools and a holistic Christ centered perspective. In this blog, I share why this approach matters, especially for Indian families, and how it leads to better health outcomes.
Symptom-Centered Care versus Whole-Person Care
Traditional medical consultations often focus on diagnosing and treating symptoms in isolation. While this can address immediate concerns, it frequently misses the underlying factors-family stress, social dynamics, emotional struggles, or spiritual needs-that shape health and healing. For Indian patients, whose lives are deeply intertwined with family and community, this narrow focus can leave much of the story untold.
My faith teaches me to see each patient as created in God’s image, worthy of dignity, respect, and compassionate care. This means recognizing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs-not just the diagnosis. The Christ centered healthcare in India has long championed this holistic model, serving not only physical ailments but also addressing poverty, stigma, and community well-being.
Family Assessment Tools to understand the Bigger Picture
My desire is to truly understand each person, and therefore I use the following family assessment tools during my consultations:
- Family Genogram: this is a visual map of your family’s structure, relationships, and medical history, helping uncover patterns that influence health.
- Family APGAR: through a quick questionnaire, a family physician can assess your satisfaction with family functioning-adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve.
- Family Circle and Mapping: These tools illustrate family roles, communication patterns, and support systems, revealing sources of stress or resilience.
These tools allow me to see how family dynamics, history, and resources shape the health journey which is especially relevant in Indian households where multigenerational living, caregiving, and shared stressors are common.
A peek at Whole-Person Consultation
During the visit to my clinic the conversation goes beyond “What brings you here today?” I ask about:
- Family relationships and recent changes
- Emotional well-being and stressors
- Spiritual beliefs and practices
- Social support and community ties
- Lifestyle, work, and environmental factors
By weaving these threads together, I can identify root causes, anticipate challenges, and tailor care that fits each person’s unique context.
Advantages for Indian Patients
- Culturally Relevant Care
Indian families are often close-knit, with health decisions influenced by elders, traditions, and collective values. Family assessment tools respect and leverage these dynamics, ensuring care plans are practical and acceptable within your social context. - Early Detection of Hidden Issues
Many health problems-like diabetes, hypertension, or depression-run in families or are exacerbated by family stress. Genograms and family mapping help spot these patterns early, allowing for preventive care and timely intervention. - Addressing Mental and Emotional Health
Stigma around mental health remains high in India. By normalizing discussions about family stress, conflict, or grief, I create a safe space for a person to share concerns that might otherwise go unspoken, leading to more comprehensive care. - Empowering Families, Not Just Individuals
Health is a shared journey. Engaging family members in consultations means better support at home, improved adherence to treatment, and shared responsibility for wellness. - Continuity and Trust
Family medicine is rooted in long-term relationships. By knowing a family’s story, I can offer consistent, personalized care over years-building trust and making it easier to navigate complex health challenges together.
Faith-Inspired Compassion and Dignity
I strive to treat every person with dignity and respect, honoring your beliefs, values, and preferences. This aligns with the principles of person-centered and family-centered care: respect, information sharing, participation, and collaboration. Irrespective of the person’s faith background, you will be welcomed and valued.
Stories from My Practice
- A young woman with repeated stomach pain found relief only when we addressed the stress of caring for her aging parents and the lack of family support.
- An elderly patient’s depression improved when his family, guided by our assessment, recognized his need for meaningful roles and connection.
- A child’s asthma attacks decreased after mapping family routines and reducing environmental triggers at home.
Conclusion: Beyond Symptoms, Toward Wholeness
In every consultation, I see each person as a whole person-shaped by family, faith, and community. By using family assessment tools and a compassionate, holistic approach, I can offer care that heals not just the body, but the heart and soul as well. For Indian families, this means care that is relevant, respectful, and rooted in the realities of each one’s life.
So when you walk into my clinic, know that I see the whole you. And together, we journey toward lasting health and wholeness.
References:
https://www.nextgen.com/blog/health-it-101/what-is-whole-person-care
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9138803/