What is a general practitioner (GP)?
A GP (general practitioner) is a senior ‘family doctor’. They are based in a local general practice, and a cornerstone of the NHS. 90% of contacts with the NHS are with your GPs.
What does a GP do?
GPs treat acute (short term) and chronic (long term) illnesses and provide preventive care and health education to patients.
Approach
The holistic (whole person) approach of general practice aims to take into consideration the biological, psychological, and social factors relevant to your healthcare.
General skills
Their knowledge is widespread and general. But, as part of that, they do not have a detailed knowledge of a single system (or organs) of the body. In this way, they differ from most hospital consultants (who specialise in one area).
Referrals to hospital
GPs will refer about 5% of patients with a new problem, to a hospital consultant, or other service. If they are very worried, they can get a rapid opinion by ringing a from a senior hospital doctor called a registrar (especially advice on whether to admit a patient to hospital urgently).
In this way they act as the gatekeeper for the NHS. In the UK, you cannot refer yourself directly to a hospital specialist.
Other skills
They have particular skills in treating people with multiple health issues, including mental health. They may also sub-specialise in, for example, minor operations or family planning.
They also give many vaccines in the UK, including COVID-19 and flu jabs.
Training
After 5 years at medical school, they train for another 5 years before they can act as a fully qualified GP – making a total training of 10 years.
Summary
We have described what is a general practitioner (GP) and what they do. It is a very hard job that takes alot of training and experience to do well. We hope you understand it better now.
Last Reviewed on 13 March 2024