A general practitioner (GP) is a medical professional that provides primary care, specializing in family medicine. General practitioners perform routine examinations and deal with basic and multiple health issues. These doctors also treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Origins
The general practitioner term is common for a family doctor in the United States. The word physician is often reserved for certain medical specialists, such as in the internal medicine arena. Historically, it was not until the 1970s that family medicine (family practice) became a recognized specialty in the U.S.
Education
Generally, four years of undergraduate college followed by four years of medical school are required, after which a year of internship commences.
Licensing
In the United States and many other countries, all medical practitioners must hold a license to practice medicine. Medical practitioners must complete a three-to ten-year residency in order to practice medicine in the state where they are licensed.
Board Certification
After a medical practitioner specializing in family medicine completes a residency, he or she is eligible for board certification. The American Board of General Physicians certifies the quality of physicians completing a course of study and practice. Doctors Board Certified by the American Board of General Practice are accepted in large, small and community based hospitals, as well as medical centers.
Professional Organizations
The American Academy of General Physicians (AAGP) is the only national academic professional association of general practitioners, founded in 1995. The organization actively trains and educates physicians with a specific knowledge base through the American College of General Medicine.
Continued Education
The board certification process changed between 2003 and 2009 for family medicine. All American Specialty Boards require a continuous series of competency tests on a yearly basis. The American Board of Family Medicine also requires participation in learning and self assessment on a continuous basis for enhanced clinical expertise.
Tags: family medicine, American Board, American Board General, Board General, four years, General Physicians
