What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging: Choosing a Doctor
- American Academy of Family Physicians: What Is a Family Doctor?
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Difference Between a General and Family Practitioner
Until the 1960s, medical doctors in the United States were either general practitioners or specialists. In 1969, a new medical specialty known as "family practice" was established under the supervision of the American Board of Family Medicine 5. General practitioners were grandfathered into this specialty, and the term "family practitioner" largely replaced "general practitioner." In 1995, however, the American Board of General Practice was founded to re-establish general practitioners as separate and distinct from family practitioners 5.
Differences
Both family and general practitioners complete medical school to obtain their doctoral degree. Medical school graduates who choose to pursue family medicine enter a 3-year residency program approved by the American Board of Family Practice 5. Family medicine practitioners are considered specialists 5. General practitioners complete a general practice training program offered by the American College of General Medicine after completing medical school 5. The program typically takes 3 to 7 years to complete. General practitioners consider their body of knowledge and practice of medicine separate and distinct from that of family practitioners. General practitioners do not consider themselves specialists.
- Both family and general practitioners complete medical school to obtain their doctoral degree.
- General practitioners consider their body of knowledge and practice of medicine separate and distinct from that of family practitioners.
Similarities
Types of Neurologists
Learn More
Both family and general medicine practitioners are primary-care doctors, meaning they treat people of all ages with a variety of medical conditions. As primary-care doctors, family and general practitioners care for patients with short- and long-term illnesses. When a patient’s condition requires treatment outside of the usual practice of family or general medicine, a specialist is typically consulted and works with both the patient and the primary-care doctor.
Related Articles
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012: 29-1062 Family and General Practitioners
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook -- Physicians and Surgeons
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging: Choosing a Doctor
- American Academy of Family Physicians: What Is a Family Doctor?
- American Board of Family Medicine: History of the Specialty
- Annals of Family Medicine: Provider Continuity in Family Medicine -- Does It Make a Difference for Total Health Care Costs?
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. What Is an Allergist
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. What Is a Nurse Practioner?
- American Academy of Pediatrics. What Is a Pediatric Pulmonologist
- Consumer Information- University of Maryland.What is a Pediatrician?
Writer Bio
Based in Los Angeles, Bianca Badrinath holds a master's degree in public health from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in health education and promotion. Her health writings have been featured in University of Southern California and American Public Health Association publications. She enjoys yoga and vegan cooking.