From an outsider's perspective, both GPs and FPs appear to take a similar role when it comes to managing acute and chronic diseases, advocating healthy lifestyles, and looking after patients in a primary care setting. So what's the difference between a GP and an FP? Show
What is a GP?Any doctor can set up a clinic after obtaining a medical degree in a medical school recognised by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and completing his or her public service bond. If they have not received any postgraduate training in primary care, they will be considered a GP. So, how do GPs become FPs? Some GPs acquire FP status through years of experience in delivering high-quality primary care to patients. Others undergo postgraduate training in Family Medicine in order to be called an FP. The Graduate Diploma of Family Medicine (GDFM) is the basic requirement for FP accreditation. It is a part-time course that involves in-depth workshops and case discussions. In addition, doctors can enrol in full-time training as part of the Family Medicine Residency Programme, which allows them to rotate through different hospital departments and polyclinics. Doctors who complete this programme will be awarded their Master of Medicine (MMED) in Family Medicine. And that’s not all – FPs can also attain higher qualifications and professional development through a fellowship with the College of Family Physicians Singapore (CPFS). In summary, you can be assured that any FP you see has gone through rigorous vocational training! What’s the benefit of seeing a doctor trained in family medicine?Although primary care doctors are usually generalists, there are some doctors who may have special interest in certain fields, such as dermatology, geriatrics, occupational medicine and palliative medicine, to name a few. But all primary care doctors are well trained in treating common chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and asthma. You can also consult either a GP or FP about acute illnesses involving different organ systems, such as the common cold, painful joints, eczema, etc. So, what’s the benefit of seeing an FP? Not only are they capable of managing a wide variety of ailments across all age groups, they focus on treating each patient holistically. You’ll be under the care of a medical professional who focuses on all aspects of your life, and takes into account how your lifestyle influences your overall wellbeing. When it comes to managing illness, FPs recognise that what happens at home and work can affect your health. That’s why they will always consider your socio-economic and occupational background when it comes to both diagnosis and treatment. Regularly visiting the same FP will also help to ensure continuity of care and a long-term doctor-patient relationship. Your FP keeps track of your health history, which helps them to formulate treatment plans and support you through the journey towards recovery. Most of the time, they won’t just treat you, but your entire family. Over time, they will get to know more about your family history and any recurring health issues. This can result in more comprehensive care for everyone in the family. Depending on your needs, you can choose a doctor trained in family medicine to be your healthcare provider. Find a clinic near you. A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who is also qualified in general medical practice. GPs are often the first point of contact for someone, of any age, who feels sick or has a health concern. They treat a wide range of medical conditions and health issues. A GP may also undertake further education in specific areas such as women’s or men’s health, sports medicine or paediatrics. General practitioners (GPs) treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment. You’ll have an important role looking after patients in your community. Life as a GPYou’ll be part of a wider team that promotes, prevents and offers treatment. You’ll care for people with chronic illness and long-term conditions, aiming to keep them well and in their own homes. A full-time working week usually comprises of eight sessions, which equates to four days. A typical day in the practice normally starts at around 8am when you’ll check paperwork before seeing patients. You’ll spend time with a mix of patients with a variety of health needs until late morning, either face-to-face or through a phone consultation. At the end of morning surgery, some GPs see extra patients who need to be seen urgently. After morning appointments, you'll generally catch up on paperwork, and make any phone calls. After lunch you may visit patients in their homes or care homes. Once visits are complete, you’ll start your afternoon surgery, which might run from 3pm until 5.30pm. You may also provide evening and weekend appointments.
How much can I earn?GPs employed by the NHS receive a salary of between £60,455 to £91,228. Many other GPs are responsible for running their own practices either alone or in partnership with other GPs. This means they have the freedom to decide how much to pay themselves and their employees, including any GPs they employ How about the benefits?
Must-have skills
Entry requirementsYour first step is medical school. Typically, you’ll need excellent GCSEs and three A or A* passes at A level including chemistry for a five-year undergraduate degree in medicine. Many medical schools also ask for biology and others may require maths or physics. If you already have a degree, you could study for a four-year postgraduate degree in medicine. You’ll need to pass an interview and admissions test. You’ll be asked to show how you demonstrate the NHS values such as compassion and respect. Some medical schools look to recruit a mix of students from different backgrounds and geographical areas, so your educational and economic background and family circumstances could be considered as part of your application. How to become a GPAfter medical school, you’ll join the paid two-year foundation programme where you’ll work in six placements in different settings. After your foundation programme, you can apply for paid specialty training to become a GP which will take a minimum of three years. You may be able to train part time, for example for health reasons or if you have family or caring responsibilities. Where a career as a GP can take youYou could:
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What does a general practitioner specialize in
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