History
General practitioner is a term that often refers to a family doctor in America. Physician is a term that is mainly used for specialists in the medical field, like internal medicine. The family practice of general doctors came to be a specialization in the 1970s.
Training
In order to become a general practitioner, you will have to go to college for four years to obtain an undergraduate degree. Then you will have to continue on to medical school and then complete and internship after graduating from medical school.
Licenses
Just as with any doctor, you will have to become licensed to practice. You will have to get a license, which can be done after a residency, which can take between three to ten years to complete. You will have to get the license in the state you will be practicing in.
Board Certification
Once you complete your residency, you will have to become board certified through the American Board of General Physicians. This organization sets the standards for the practice and study requirements. Certifications that are provided to the doctors are accepted at medical centers and hospitals, big and small.
Professional Organizations
The AAGP, is an academic association for general doctors. It was formed in 1995. It trains and teaches general medicine professionals via the American College of General Medicine.
Continuing Education
You will have to continue your education and take competency tests annually. It is also required that these doctors take part in self assessment and learning on a continual basis to advance their clinical knowledge.
