A visual model of general practice as a field of medicine is presented. Definitions of terminology and concepts to be used are discussed. By the application of this terminology a model of health, including the concept of disability, is constructed. This model is used to define and describe dilemmas occurring in daily work. Such dilemmas are frequent and their nature needs to be explored. They present an area in which psychosomatic medicine could meet with general practice, and vice versa.

Key terms disability; general practice; health model; psychosomatic medicine