General Practitioners

General practitioners (GPs) are primary care physicians and may sometimes be referred to as family practice physicians or family practitioners. They are usually the first health care professional patients consult for a problem. They treat people of all ages and tend to see the same patients on a continuing basis, often for years. General practitioners diagnose and treat any illness or injury that does not require the service of a specialist. They frequently serve as the family doctor, treating all the members of a family. There are approximately 126,600 general practitioners employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Medical Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Helpful

Organized

Scientific

Career Ladder

Private Practice, College Professor, or Medical Researcher

General Practitioner

Medical Resident