A medical office is a physical space or structure where liberal professions related to health and care are practiced (for example, specialized doctors in a particular field, dentists, pulmonologists, radiologists, nurses, physiotherapists, osteopaths, speech therapists, gynecologists, etc.). These doctors or health professionals offer specialized consultations within these offices. Therefore, it goes without saying that a gynecologist, for example, will only offer consultations in gynecology, an ophthalmologist will only offer consultations for eyes, and so on.
Although not mandatory, it is quite common for a medical office to be composed of several specialized doctors, thus creating a multidisciplinary office. Today, it is a trendy approach, as can be seen in studies on the subject.
The concept of multiple specialists practicing together under one roof was first created in 1935 by Dr. Julien Rozan (1907-1982), who opened the first group office in France. It quickly became a resounding success, with the aim of bringing together several specialties under one roof to offer unique patient care and comprehensive treatment. The practicality of this method makes life easier for professionals, saving them time, and is also beneficial for patients who no longer need to run around to take care of their health. The first medical office of this kind was established in Aubervilliers, which later became the Polyclinic d'Aubervilliers, now integrated within the European Hospital of Paris.
A medical office always comprises at least one consultation room (which can also serve as the doctor's office, depending on the layout and structure), a waiting room for patients, and sometimes a small reception area where a medical secretary is present to provide information, take appointments, handle payments, and perform any other administrative tasks.