The role of a GP

The GP plays a central role in the delivery of health care to the  community.

• is most likely the first point of contact in matters of personal health
• coordinates the care of patients and refers patients to other specialists
• cares for patients in a whole of person approach and in the context of their work, family and community
• cares for patients of all ages, both sexes, adults across all disease categories
• cares for patients over a period of their lifetime
• provides advice and education on health care
• performs legal processes such as certification of documents or provision of reports in relation to motor transport or work accidents and social works.

General practice is a medical speciality (in some countries called family medicine).