General Practice

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This article last updated: 16 Feb 2025.

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What is a General Practitioner (GP)?

A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who provides comprehensive primary healthcare to individuals and families. GPs are often the first point of contact in the healthcare system, offering a wide range of medical services and coordinating care with specialists when necessary. Their role is integral to maintaining individual and community health by addressing acute illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and promoting preventive care. [1-3]

What Does a GP Do?

GPs play a versatile role in healthcare, managing diverse medical needs across all age groups. [4] Their responsibilities include:

1. Diagnosis and Treatment [5-6]

• Treating common illnesses such as colds, flu, and infections
• Managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
• Addressing mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
• Performing minor surgical procedures such as wound suturing or mole removal

2. Preventive Care [7]

GPs are instrumental in promoting health and preventing disease through:

• Vaccinations (e.g., flu shots, childhood immunizations)
• Health screenings (e.g., blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests)
• Cancer screenings (e.g., cervical smears, mammograms)
• Lifestyle counseling on diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption

3. Coordination of Care [8]:

GPs play a central role in coordinating care between specialized medical services by

• Referring patients to specialists for advanced diagnostic tests or treatments
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care

When to Consult a General Practitioner

Beyond treating illnesses, there are several reasons to consult a GP:

1. Routine Check-Ups: Regular visits help monitor overall health. [9]
2. Preventive Screenings: Early detection of conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can prevent complications. [10]
3. Health Advice: GPs provide guidance on managing weight, stress, and other lifestyle factors. [11]
4. Family Planning: Discuss contraception options or pre-pregnancy health. [12]
5. Travel Medicine: Get advice on vaccinations or medications for travel-related risks. [13]
6. Mental Health Support: Address concerns like stress, anxiety, or depression. [14]

Recommended Frequency for Routine GP Visits

The frequency of GP visits depends on a person’s age, health status, and risk factors:

• Healthy Adults (18–39 years): Every 2–3 years for routine check-ups
• Middle-Aged Adults (40–64 years): Every 1–2 years for preventive screenings
• Older Adults (65+ years): Annually or more frequently if managing chronic conditions

Individuals with specific health risks or ongoing medical issues may require more frequent visits.

The Importance of Continuity of Care [15]

One of the defining features of general practice is continuity of care. Having a regular GP allows for:

• A deep understanding of a patient’s medical history
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to the patient’s needs
• Early detection of changes in a patient’s health over time

Studies show that continuity of care improves patient outcomes, increases satisfaction, and reduces healthcare costs.

Training and Qualifications

GPs undergo years of education and training [16]:

1. Completion of a medical degree (5–6 years)
2. Internship and/or other clinical training (1–3 years)
3. Ongoing professional development throughout their careers

In Hong Kong, GPs must be registered with the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) in order to practice medicine. [17]

Conclusion

General Practitioners (GPs) are vital to the healthcare system, offering accessible, patient-centered care for individuals and families. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, provide preventive care, and coordinate specialized treatments when needed. Regular visits to a GP help maintain overall health, detect issues early, and manage chronic conditions effectively. By fostering long-term relationships with patients, GPs ensure continuity of care, contributing to health and community well-being.

References

[1] “A vision for primary health care in the 21st century: towards universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Geneva: World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),” 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/primary-health/vision.pdf. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[2] Munteanu A, Lighezan DF, Rosca MS, et al. The Family Doctor in the “COVID-19 Era”. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Dec 27;13(1):32. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11719683/. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[3] “Defining the specialty of general practice: position statement,” 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.acrrm.org.au/docs/default-source/all-files/college-position-statement-defining-the-specialty-of-general-practice.pdf?sfvrsn=e99a90eb_23. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[4] Starfield B, Shi L, Macinko J. Contribution of Primary Care to Health Systems and Health. The Milbank Quarterly. 2005 Sept;83(3):457–502. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2690145/pdf/milq0083-0457.pdf. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[5] Zhang L, Wang G, Chen H, et al. Diagnostic ability for common skin diseases among general practitioners working in community health service centers in Shanghai, China: a cross-sectional study. Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2442066. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11654032/. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[6] Ohta R, Sano C. Effectiveness of General Medicine in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rural Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography. Cureus. 2024 Nov 15;16(11):e73726. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11646328/pdf/cureus-0016-00000073726.pdf. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[7] Ceccarelli A, Munafò G, Sintoni F, et al. Effectiveness of General Practitioners’ Involvement in Adult Vaccination Practices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of International Evidence. Vaccines (Basel). 2024 Dec 20;12(12):143. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11680296/. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[8] Rosemann T, Wensing M, Rueter G, et al. Referrals from general practice to consultants in Germany: if the GP is the initiator, patients’ experiences are more positive. BMC Health Serv Res. 2006 Jan 19;6:5. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1386652/pdf/1472-6963-6-5.pdf. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[9] “Routine Screenings,” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/routine-screenings. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[10] “AAFP Clinical Preventive Services Recommendations,” American Academy of Family Physicians, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/clinical-recommendations/aafp-cps.html. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[11] “Integrating diet, physical activity and weight management services into primary care,” World Health Organization, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/344017/9789289052214-eng.pdf. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[12] “Reproductive Health Clinical Recommendations & Guidelines,” American Academy of Family Physicians, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/clinical-recommendations/recommendations-by-topic/reproductive-health-clinical-recommendations-guidelines.html. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[13] “Pre-travel health advice fact sheet,” International Society of Travel Medicine, 1 Oct 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.istm.org/wp-content/uploads/general-travel-health-advice.pdf. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[14] “Mental health,” Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/mental-health-1. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[15] Pereira Gray DJ, Sidaway-Lee K, White E, et al. Continuity of care with doctors—a matter of life and death? A systematic review of continuity of care and mortality. BMJ Open 2018;8:e021161. [Online]. Available: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/8/6/e021161.full.pdf. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[16] Tisseghem E, Fleer J, Horlait M, et al. From trainee to general practitioner: A qualitative study of transition experiences of Flemish GP trainees, European Journal of General Practice, 31:1.,” 2025. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/13814788.2024.2443603. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[17] “List of Registered Medical Practitioners,” Medical Council of Hong Kong, [Online]. Available: https://www.mchk.org.hk/english/list_register/advanced_search.php. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

[18] “Mental Health & Well-being,” American Academy of Family Physicians, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/emotional-wellbeing.html. [Accessed 16 Feb 2025].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, establish a doctor-patient relationship, or endorse specific treatments, products, services, or healthcare providers. For personal health concerns, consult a registered medical practitioner.