General Practitioner
General Practitioner
A General Practitioner (pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛn(ə)rəl ˌprækˈtɪʃ(ə)nər/), often abbreviated as GP, is a medical doctor who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients.
Etymology
The term "General Practitioner" originates from the broad scope of medical care that these doctors provide. The term "general" refers to the wide range of medical problems they can diagnose and treat, while "practitioner" refers to the practice of medicine.
Role and Responsibilities
A General Practitioner's main role is to provide primary healthcare. They are often the first point of contact for patients within the healthcare system and provide ongoing care for families and individuals. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including common illnesses, injuries, and chronic diseases. They also provide preventive care and health education.
General Practitioners often work in Primary Care settings and may coordinate care with other specialists as needed. They may also refer patients to specialists for more advanced care.
Related Terms
- Primary Care: The first point of contact for patients within the healthcare system. General Practitioners often work in primary care settings.
- Specialist: A doctor who has advanced training and expertise in a specific area of medicine. General Practitioners may refer patients to specialists for more advanced care.
- Family Medicine: A medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. Many General Practitioners specialize in family medicine.
- Preventive Medicine: The part of medicine engaged with preventing disease before it occurs. General Practitioners often provide preventive care and health education.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on General Practitioner
- Wikipedia's article - General Practitioner
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