What is the Difference Between GP and Physician?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a General Practitioner (GP) and a physician lies in their training, specialization, and scope of practice. Here are the key differences:
- Training: A GP is a medical doctor who has completed a basic medical degree (MBBS) and is there to provide primary healthcare to people. In contrast, a physician can be any medical doctor, including specialists, who has completed an additional residency program in their chosen field.
- Specialization: GPs do not have any specific specialty and focus on general medical care, diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical issues. Physicians, on the other hand, can specialize in various fields of medicine, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, or surgery.
- Scope of Practice: GPs work in clinical settings such as urgent care centers, hospitals, and clinics, providing primary care to patients of all ages. They are the first point of contact for patients when they have health problems and can refer patients to specialists when needed. Physicians, in general, have a wider range of medical specialties and can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and private practices.
- Certification: Family Medicine Physicians, a type of GP, have completed three years of Family Medicine residency and are board eligible or board certified in Family Medicine. Physicians can also be certified in their respective specialties, such as the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) or the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
In summary, a GP provides comprehensive primary care, while a physician encompasses a wider range of medical specialties. Both GPs and physicians are medical doctors with different levels of training, specialization, and scope of practice.
Comparative Table: GP vs Physician
Here is a table comparing the differences between a General Practitioner (GP) and a Family Physician (FP):
| Aspect | General Practitioner (GP) | Family Physician (FP) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A general practitioner is a primary care doctor who provides care for patients of all ages, treating adults, adolescents, and children. | A family physician is a primary care doctor who specializes in treating adults and children within the context of a family. |
| Residency Training | GPs may or may not have residency training. | FPs are required to complete a 3-year family medicine residency program. |
| Participation in Medicare | 53% of GPs participate in the Medicare program. | 76% of FPs participate in the Medicare program. |
| Medical School Location | 41% of GPs are non-US medical graduates, while 23% of FPs are non-US medical graduates. | |
| Patient Care Hours in Training | GPs may or may not have extensive patient care training, as residency training is not always required. | FPs complete at least 16 times as many patient-care hours as nurse practitioners, including medical school clinical rotations and residency. |
Please note that the information provided is based on the search results and might not cover all the differences between GPs and FPs.
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