How to Be General Practitioner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of General Practitioner (GP) is essential in providing primary health care. GP's work to diagnose, treat and prevent a vast array of medical conditions from minor illnesses to complex chronic diseases. They are often the first healthcare provider to interact with a patient, and their care is crucial to the overall health and wellbeing of the community.

In addition, GP's also play an important role in referring patients to specialists, ordering tests and prescribing medications. The effect of having a GP is that it allows for better continuity of care, meaning patients can be treated more effectively and efficiently. GP's are able to monitor a patients condition over time, as well as providing comprehensive advice and support.

This can help reduce hospital visits, improve health outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction. It also supports the prevention of disease, by providing advice on lifestyle and diet tailored to the individual. Furthermore, having a GP allows for more access to mental health services such as counselling and psychotherapy.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. To become a general practitioner, you must first obtain a bachelors degree in a medical field. Many undergraduate programs offer pre-medicine coursework, which can provide a solid foundation for medical school.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The next step is to take and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This test is used to assess your knowledge and skills in the sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing.
Obtain a Medical Degree. After you have completed your undergraduate program, you will need to attend medical school in order to become a general practitioner. Depending on the medical school you attend, you may need to complete a residency program after you graduate from medical school.
Get Licensed. After completing your medical degree, you must take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to be eligible for licensure in the United States.
Get Certified. To become a general practitioner, you must also be certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM will require that you pass an exam before they will certify you.
Complete an Internship or Residency Program. After you have been certified by the ABIM, you must complete an internship or residency program. This is a period of supervised training that is required in order to become a general practitioner.

Staying up to date and qualified as a General Practitioner requires dedication and hard work. Keeping abreast of the latest medical advancements, research and treatments is essential. To start, it is important to stay connected to professional organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians or local medical societies.

These organizations provide access to conferences, seminars, publications, and courses to help keep practitioners informed about the latest developments in the field. continuing education courses can help ensure that General Practitioners stay qualified. These courses provide an opportunity to learn new skills, stay up-to-date on changing regulations, and review the latest medical evidence.

Finally, staying current in the field requires being aware of new technology and treatments, as well as keeping an eye on emerging therapies. By taking advantage of the resources available, General Practitioners can ensure they remain competent and qualified in their field.

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Job Description

Examine patients to assess their general physical and mental health.
Diagnose illnesses and diseases and provide treatment, such as prescribing medication.
Refer patients to specialists.
Monitor the progress of ongoing treatments and adjust as needed.
Provide preventive care through health education and physical exams.
Order and interpret laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures.
Maintain patient records, including documenting diagnosis, treatments, and other relevant information.
Counsel patients on lifestyle changes that can improve their overall health.
Communicate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of disease processes and treatments
Knowledge of pharmacology
Knowledge of diagnostic procedures
Ability to communicate effectively with patients
Ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions
Ability to interpret medical tests and records
Ability to provide preventive care services
Ability to develop treatment plans
Ability to refer patients to specialists
Ability to manage chronic conditions
Ability to provide counseling and education to patients
Ability to document patient care in patient records
Knowledge of healthcare policies and regulations
Knowledge of medical coding systems
Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to healthcare
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

Being a successful General Practitioner requires a combination of technical skills and interpersonal skills. One of the most important technical skills is having a deep understanding of medical knowledge, such as understanding the different diseases and treatments available. This knowledge allows a General Practitioner to accurately diagnose and treat their patients.

having a strong problem-solving ability can help a General Practitioner to quickly identify and address any medical issues their patients may have. Interpersonal skills are also essential for a General Practitioner. Good communication skills are necessary in order to effectively communicate with patients, other healthcare professionals, and administrative staff.

having empathy and the ability to relate to patients is key in order to provide them with the best care possible. Building trust with patients is also important for a General Practitioner, as it helps them develop a good working relationship with their patients. Overall, being a successful General Practitioner requires having a strong understanding of medical knowledge, as well as the interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and build relationships with patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a General Practitioner?
Describe a situation in which you had to provide medical advice or treatment for a difficult patient.
How do you keep up with the latest medical research?
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment?
How do you handle complex medical cases?
How do you prioritize patient care when you have a full schedule?
What strategies do you use to communicate effectively with patients and their families?
How do you establish trust with your patients?
How do you handle ethical dilemmas that arise in the course of providing care?
What challenges have you faced while working as a General Practitioner?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Record System (EMR). Software used to store patient medical records and records of visits, treatments, medications, and test results. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Patient Scheduling Software. Software used to organize patient appointments, bookings, and reminders. (e. g. drchrono, MyClinic)
Telemedicine Platforms. Software used to facilitate remote consultation and diagnosis with patients. (e. g. Amwell, MDLive)
Practice Management Software. Software used to manage administrative activities such as billing, scheduling, and document management. (e. g. AdvancedMD, Kareo)
Health Information Exchange (HIE). A secure exchange of medical data between healthcare providers and patients. (e. g. CommonWell, DirectTrust)
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A software system that helps clinicians make decisions about diagnosis and treatment of patients. (e. g. IBM Watson Health, MEDITECH Expanse)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
American College of Physicians (ACP)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
American Urological Association (AUA)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

Common Important Terms

Primary Care Physician. A primary care physician is a doctor who provides basic medical care and referrals to specialists when necessary.
Patient Education. Patient education is the process of providing medical information to patients to help them make informed decisions about their health.
Diagnosis. Diagnosis is the process of determining the cause and nature of a disease or injury.
Treatment. Treatment is the process of providing medical care and services to patients in order to cure or reduce the symptoms of a disease or injury.
Prevention. Prevention is the process of taking steps to stop a disease or injury from occurring in the first place.
Referrals. Referrals are the process of sending a patient to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Medical Records. Medical records are documents that contain a patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a General Practitioner?

A General Practitioner (GP) is a primary care physician who provides comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages, including diagnosis and treatment of illness, preventive health care, and health education.

How often should I visit my GP?

The frequency of visits to your GP will depend on your age, overall health, and any chronic conditions you may have. Generally, it's recommended that adults have an annual check-up with their GP.

What services do GPs provide?

GPs provide a range of services including diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, preventive health care, health education, referrals to specialists, and management of chronic conditions.

What should I bring to my GP appointment?

You should bring any relevant medical information such as a list of medications you are taking, details of past medical history, and any recent test results. It is also helpful to bring a list of questions and concerns that you would like to discuss.

How much does a GP visit cost?

The cost of a GP visit will depend on the type of services provided and your health insurance plan. Generally, GP visits are covered by most insurance plans.

Web Resources

How to Become a General Practitioner | AUC - AUC School of www.aucmed.edu
General Practitioner | OU Law www.law.ou.edu
How to Become a General Practitioner|General Practitioner www.healthcaresystemcareersedu.org