The main task of a general practitioner, or general physician,
is to diagnose and assist patients with routine checkups and
examinations. A general physician is the first person whom
patients will see when an illness or ailment is troubling them.
Therefore, a physician must be able to complete a number of
tasks, including collecting, recording, and maintaining patient
information such as medical histories, reports, and examination
results. He or she must be able to explain procedures and
discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients in a
professional and open manner. A general physician must also be
able to monitor patients' conditions and progress as well as
continually assess the efficiency of a given course of
treatment. When necessary, a general physician must also be able
to refer a patient to a specialized practitioner. A general
practitioner generally works for a private clinic or hospital.
The general practitioner's work is conducted entirely indoors in
an examination room. He or she mus