Many people use the terms general doctor and general physician interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. While both handle common health issues, a general doctor usually refers to any medical practitioner who provides primary care, whereas a general physician is a specialist in internal medicine who manages complex medical conditions in adults.
A general doctor (often called a family doctor or primary care doctor) is the first point of contact for patients. They:
Treat common illnesses like fever, flu, cough, or minor injuries
Provide preventive check-ups and basic healthcare advice
Refer patients to specialists when required
A general physician is a specialist trained in internal medicine. They deal with more complex and chronic health problems, such as:
Diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders
Respiratory illnesses like asthma
Digestive problems
Infections requiring detailed evaluation
They also focus on adult health management and may be more equipped to handle multi-system diseases.
| Aspect | General Doctor | General Physician |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | MBBS degree | MBBS + MD (Internal Medicine) |
| Scope of Care | Common illnesses, preventive check-ups | Chronic diseases, complex conditions |
| Patient Type | Children, adults, families | Mostly adults |
| Referrals | Refers to specialists for detailed care | Manages advanced cases, refers only if needed |
| Example Cases | Fever, cough, seasonal flu | Diabetes, hypertension, long-term conditions |
General Doctor: For mild health concerns, regular check-ups, and family healthcare.
General Physician: For long-term or complex medical issues requiring specialized expertise in internal medicine.
Tip: At Aartas Clinics, our general physicians provide comprehensive care for chronic and complex health problems, while general doctors handle everyday healthcare needs.
Q. Can a general doctor and general physician treat the same conditions?
Yes, but a physician usually handles more complex or chronic cases that need deeper evaluation.
Q. Who should I consult for a routine health check-up?
You can visit a general doctor for routine check-ups. If you have a chronic illness, a general physician is better suited.
