GP vs. Physician — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
GP (General Practitioner) is a doctor trained to treat a wide range of medical conditions but lacks specialization. A physician is a medical doctor specialized in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases, which may include GPs or specialists.
Difference Between GP and Physician
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Both GP and physician are terms commonly used in the healthcare sector to describe medical doctors. However, a GP, or General Practitioner, is specifically trained to handle a wide range of general medical conditions, often serving as the first point of contact for patients. A physician, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing both GPs and specialists who have training in specific fields of medicine.
A GP often works in community settings or primary care facilities, providing holistic care to patients of all ages. Physicians, while they can be GPs, can also work in specialized fields such as cardiology, neurology, or surgery, often in hospitals or specialized clinics.
In the context of treatment, a GP typically provides preliminary diagnoses and may refer patients to specialists for further evaluation or treatment. Physicians who are specialists have the expertise to provide more specialized care, based on their area of focus.
GPs often manage chronic conditions, perform routine check-ups, and offer preventive care. Physicians, particularly those who are specialists, may perform complex procedures, prescribe specialized medication, and engage in research.
In terms of qualifications, becoming a GP usually requires less postgraduate training compared to specialized physicians, who undergo additional years of residency and often fellowship programs to gain expertise in their specialized fields.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
General
Specialized or General
Work Setting
Primary care
Hospitals or Clinics
Treatment
Broad
Specialized if not GP
Training Required
Less
More if specialized
Typical Duties
Preventive care
Complex procedures
Compare with Definitions
Gp
First point of contact.
My GP referred me to a cardiologist.
Physician
Offers treatment.
The physician prescribed medication.
Gp
Offers holistic care.
The GP checks on my overall health.
Physician
Can be specialized.
This physician is a renowned neurologist.
Gp
Works in primary care.
My GP's clinic is near my house.
Physician
Medical doctor.
The physician diagnosed my condition accurately.
Gp
Manages chronic conditions.
The GP helps manage my diabetes.
Physician
Engages in research.
The physician published a paper on heart diseases.
Gp
Doctor for general care.
I have an appointment with my GP next week.
Physician
May perform surgery.
The physician successfully operated on my knee.
Gp
A physician who is not a specialist but treats all illnesses
Physician
A physician (American English), medical practitioner (Commonwealth English), medical doctor, or simply doctor, is a professional who practices medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring health through the study, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments. Physicians may focus their practice on certain disease categories, types of patients, and methods of treatment—known as specialities—or they may assume responsibility for the provision of continuing and comprehensive medical care to individuals, families, and communities—known as general practice.
Physician
A person trained and licensed to practice medicine; one who has a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
Physician
(Archaic) A person who practices general medicine as distinct from surgery.
Physician
A person who heals or exerts a healing influence.
Physician
A practitioner of physic, i.e. a specialist in internal medicine, especially as opposed to a surgeon; a practitioner who treats with medication rather than with surgery.
Physician
A medical doctor trained in human medicine.
Physician
A person skilled in physic, or the art of healing; one duty authorized to prescribe remedies for, and treat, diseases; a doctor of medicine.
Physician
Hence, figuratively, one who ministers to moral diseases; as, a physician of the soul.
Physician
A licensed medical practitioner;
I felt so bad I went to see my doctor
Common Curiosities
Can physicians perform surgeries?
If they are surgical specialists, then yes.
Can a physician be a specialist?
Yes, many physicians specialize in specific areas of medicine.
Do GPs require less training?
Typically, they require less specialized postgraduate training.
Where do GPs typically work?
Usually in primary care settings or community clinics.
Are all GPs Physicians?
Yes, all GPs are physicians but not all physicians are GPs.
Do GPs offer preventive care?
Yes, GPs often focus on preventive measures.
What types of physicians are there?
Cardiologists, neurologists, surgeons, etc.
Can a physician engage in research?
Many do, particularly those in academic or specialized settings.
Can a physician diagnose diseases?
Yes, diagnosis is part of a physician's role.
What are the common duties of a GP?
Routine check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and referrals.
What is the scope of a physician's practice?
It varies; they can be generalists or specialists.
Do GPs handle emergency cases?
They can handle minor emergencies but usually refer severe cases.
Can GPs and physicians work in the same setting?
Yes, especially in hospitals where GPs may work in emergency departments.
Do physicians need board certification?
Many do, especially those in specialized fields.
Do GPs prescribe medication?
Yes, they can prescribe general medications.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
