Few relationships require as much emotional and physical imtimacy as the relationship between doctor and patient. Doctors are licensed practitioners of the science of medicine.
The duties of general medical practitioners include the examination and diagnosis of patients, the prescription of medicines, performing of minor operations and provision of different treatments for injuries, diseases and other ailments. Medical practitioners (doctors) are licensed practitioners of medicine.
General practitioners diagnose and treat diseases and injuries and perform an important function in looking after the well-being of the community. Thorough knowledge of diseases and their symptoms is required for diagnoses and treatment. Medical doctors first compile clinical histories of their patients before making diagnoses. They make use of several techniques and different apparatus in the examination of patients, for example blood pressure gauges, X-rays and stethoscopes, in order to form an image of the disease or injury.
It is important that all factors be taken into consideration by general practitioners before a diagnosis is made. Treatment can be medical, surgical and therapeutic. They may prescribe medication or refer the patient to a specialist, for further diagnosis and special treatment. General practitioners may perform small operations or assist surgeons with big operations.
Medical students can opt to specialise after or during their internship year and their choices include the following:
Clinical Medicine Physicians: