General Practice

What is general practice?

General practice focuses on providing comprehensive primary healthcare to individuals of all ages. In the U.S., these services are often described as family medicine or primary care. Physicians who work in this field are called general practitioners (GPs), also known as family medicine doctors or primary care physicians.

GPs are typically the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care, and they play a crucial role in promoting health, preventing diseases, and providing ongoing care. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a broad range of health conditions and medical issues, from acute and chronic illnesses to preventive care. GPs also refer patients to specialists for specialty care.

Why is general practice important for healthcare?

Overall, general practice is a vital area of medicine that focuses on delivering primary healthcare services, managing various health conditions, and maintaining patients' overall well-being across their lifespans. General practitioners also coordinate care with specialists when necessary and refer patients to other healthcare professionals for specialized care.