Medical Doctors

Medical doctors, General practitioners and family physicians

General practitioners (GPs) and family physicians play a central role in the healthcare system by providing comprehensive primary medical care. They diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases, physiological disorders, and injuries while offering continuous and preventive care for patients of all ages. As the first point of contact within the healthcare system, they manage overall patient health and coordinate care when specialized treatment is required.

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They typically work in private practices (including group or team practices), hospitals, and community clinics. Residents in training to become general practitioners or family physicians are also included in this group.

What They Do

• Examine patients, take medical histories, and order laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures to assess physical and mental health.

• Diagnose illnesses and injuries and prescribe or administer appropriate medications and treatments.

• Provide acute and emergency care, including management of urgent medical conditions.

• Perform and assist in routine surgical procedures.

• Administer vaccinations to prevent and treat diseases.

• Deliver babies and provide prenatal and postnatal care.

• Offer health promotion, disease prevention, and lifestyle counselling to patients and their families.

• Provide ongoing counselling and support for physical, mental, and emotional health concerns.

• Coordinate and manage primary patient care, including referrals to specialists when necessary.

• Supervise home care services and ensure continuity of care.

• Advocate for patients and report births, deaths, and communicable diseases to appropriate authorities as required.

• Provide continuous, long-term care to support overall patient wellness.

Who They Serve

• Individuals and families seeking primary and preventive healthcare services.

• Patients managing acute illnesses, chronic conditions, or injuries.

• Children, adults, and seniors requiring ongoing medical supervision.

• Communities requiring vaccination, health promotion, and disease prevention services.

• Healthcare teams requiring coordination of comprehensive patient care.

Examples of Roles

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)

• Family doctor

• Family physician

• Family practitioner

• General practice intern

• General practice physician

• General practice resident

• General practitioner (GP)