Die Allgemeinmedizin in der ehemaligen DDR

The medical field of general practice (GP) had developed disparately in East and West Germany. Until the 1990s, the state of general medicine in the federal states of the West was dissatisfying, which led to a poor image of family medicine, apprehension, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. On the other hand, general practice in the federal states of the East had been comprehensively organized. Thus, after reunification the basic fundamentals of East German general medicine substantially contributed to the impetus and significant optimization of the position of general medicine throughout Germany. This presentation of general practice in former East Germany intends to contribute to a better understanding of the development of family medicine in reunified Germany and to comprehend its roots as possible resources.