MACKENZIES PUZZLE - THE CORNERSTONE OF TEACHING AND RESEARCH IN GENERAL-PRACTICE

The new-found popularity of generalism as a political force has emphas ized the need to clarify the essential philosophy that underpins its p ractice, teaching, and research. Drawing on the example of Sir James M ackenzie, the author seeks to clarify certain essential issues that ne ed to be emphasized if we are to promote and develop general practice as a distinct academic discipline. Dissatisfaction, uncertainty about our role, and continuing contact with real people seems to be essentia l to continuing creativity.