Dr Paul Nell

General Practitioner (GP)

Also called family doctors or internists, general practitioners often develop an ongoing relationship with you, providing continuity of care. They treat common medical conditions and perform routine exams. They refer you to other medical services or doctors if you need urgent or specialized treatment.

A general practitioner focuses on your overall health: physical and mental. They serve an important role in a much wider healthcare system. One of their main goals is to keep you healthy and out of the hospital.

What Does a General Practitioner Do?
If you’re seeking treatment for a physical or mental health concern, a general practitioner is likely your first point of contact. They help everyone from newborns to older adults.

General practitioner duties include assessing you with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. From there, they may order additional tests, recommend treatment, or connect you with a specialist. As part of emerging telehealth services around the world, they can provide a consultation over the phone or through a video call.

In an emergency, a general practitioner can provide life-saving treatment until emergency services arrive.

General practitioners work as a part of a larger team — including nurses, pharmacists, psychiatrists, and others — to support your holistic ( whole-body) care. They’re an essential part of preventative medicine and health education.