What is the difference between general practice and family medicine

A Definition of Family Medicine and General Practice

M Jawad Hashim. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

Definitions of general practice and family medicine have tended to be difficult to understand. We propose a new definition that is brief and clear. General practice / family medicine is defined as the medical specialty that manages common and long-term illnesses in children and adults, focusing on overall health and well-being. The definition should be followed by local examples of diseases within the scope of primary care such as asthma, diabetes as well as end-of-life care. This definition is based on the concept of common illnesses, reflecting the reality that family physicians manage most health conditions in a community. Unlike 'comprehensive care', common illnesses is a scope of practice that is familiar and credible to laypersons. The new definition focuses on a unique and enduring attribute of the specialty: holistic care. This core characteristic of general practice encompasses patient-centred care and continuity across the family lifecycle. By being sharply focused, the definition can guide the nature of clinical care in general practice as well as the content of undergraduate and postgraduate training in family medicine.

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Is general practice the same as family medicine?

A doctor working in family medicine will treat all patients, regardless of their age. At a general practice, you'll experience service similar to what you'd find at the emergency department or a general healthcare clinic. You'll receive treatment and may be referred to a specialist by your doctor.

What is the difference between a doctor and a general practitioner?

Like internists, general practitioners are considered primary care physicians. One of the biggest distinctions between an internist and a general practitioner is that while internists typically only treat adults, general practitioners are trained to provide care for patients of all ages.

What's the difference between primary care and general practice?

A family practice combines pediatrician and internist services, offering care for both children and adults. A primary care practice specializes, primarily, in internal medicine and mostly treats adults.

What does general practice mean?

When a doctor is in general practice, he or she treats sick people at an office, and does not specialize in a particular type of medicine. In recent years, doctors have been trained specifically for general practice.

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