What does a General Practitioner do?
Published 4 min read
A general practitioner is a medical doctor who specializes in primary care. He or she provides comprehensive medical care for all ages and genders. A GP can treat a wide variety of conditions, from the common cold to more serious illnesses. He or she can also provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings for various diseases.
General Practitioner job duties include:
- Diagnose and treat common medical conditions such as colds, flu, infections, and minor injuries
- Prescribe medication for common conditions and monitor patients’ progress
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as blood work and X-rays
- Refer patients to specialists for further treatment when necessary
- Provide preventative care such as vaccinations and health screenings
- Educate patients on healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention
- Keep detailed medical records of all patients’ treatments and progress
- Stay up-to-date on new medical technologies and treatments
- Attend continuing education seminars to keep abreast of new developments in medicine
General Practitioner Job Requirements
A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who provides primary health care to patients in the community. They are usually the first point of contact for patients with health concerns. GPs are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, and to provide preventative care and health education. In order to become a GP, one must complete an accredited medical degree, followed by postgraduate training in general practice. In Australia, GPs must also be registered with the Medical Board of Australia and hold a current Medical Indemnity insurance policy.
General Practitioner Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Empathy
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of medical procedures
- Leadership skills
- Organizational skills
- Patience
- Problem-solving skills
- Research skills
- Writing skills
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How to become a General Practitioner
A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who provides primary healthcare to patients in the community. In order to become a GP, one must first complete an accredited medical degree and then complete a three-year General Practice Training (GPT) program. After completing the GPT program, GPs must pass the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) examination. Once a GP has obtained their FRACGP, they are able to apply for registration with the Medical Board of Australia and start practising as a GP.
There are many reasons why someone may want to become a GP. GPs play an important role in providing comprehensive and continuous care to patients, which can result in improved health outcomes. They also have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with their patients and their families. In addition, GPs have more control over their work hours and working conditions than other medical specialists.
If you are interested in becoming a GP, it is important to research the requirements and make sure you are suited to this career path. GPs need to be excellent communicators, have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work well under pressure. They must also be able to deal with emotionally charged situations and maintain a high level of professional boundaries.
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