Which type of doctor treats the largest range of ailments?

Asked by: Cathryn Mosciski V  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (72 votes)

Family physicians are trained to diagnose and treat an entire spectrum of medical issues for patients of all ages. “Family physicians have a broader scope,” Dr. Doggett explains.

What is a primary care physician best described as a medical professional who?

A primary care physician is a specialist in family medicine, general internal medicine or general pediatrics who provides definitive care to the undifferentiated patient at the point of first contact, and takes continuing responsibility for providing the patient's comprehensive care.

Which type of physician specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and problems associated with aging?

Geriatric medicine doctors

According to the American Medical Association , geriatricians are internal medicine or family medicine doctors who have additional training in: the aging process. preventive care for older adults. the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect older adults.

Are primary care physicians responsible for diagnosis and treatment?

PCPs have a wide range of responsibilities, from regular checkups to diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries and other health conditions.

What is the difference between a general practitioner and a primary care physician?

In conclusion, while primary care and general practice are often used interchangeably, the two have essential differences. General practice is a specific type of primary care focused on delivering comprehensive medical care to patients and requires additional training for doctors.

Ranking Doctor Specialties from BEST to WORST [Part 1]

40 related questions found

Who is responsible for diagnosis and treatment?

Yes, primary care physicians are responsible for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care and work to coordinate any necessary referrals to specialists.

What is the hardest doctor to become?

What is the most difficult type of doctor specialty? Neurosurgery is known to be particularly challenging because of the intricate nature of the nervous system and the significant risks involved in surgical procedures.

What is the difference between a primary care doctor and a geriatric doctor?

Geriatricians are primary care doctors who have additional specialized training in treating older patients. They can practice in outpatient settings, nursing facilities or hospitals.

What type of doctor treats the whole body?

A doctor of osteopathic medicine is a physician who uses a whole-body, patient-centered approach to medicine. DOs believe in the connection of the mind, body and spirit. They work with the philosophy that all body parts and systems are interrelated and affect one another.

What is the best type of doctor for primary care?

Why choose a family medicine doctor for primary care? Having a family physician gives you the convenience and peace of mind of knowing that you can go to one trusted source for all of your family's health care needs. Because they treat a variety of patients, family doctors have a wide range of experience.

Is it bad to not have a primary care physician?

Study reinforces benefits of primary care

Researchers analyzed survey results from 49,286 US adults with a PCP and 21,133 US adults without a PCP. They found that adults with primary care were significantly more likely to fill more prescriptions and to have a routine preventive visit in the past year.

Why would someone see a specialist instead of a primary care physician?

Your primary care provider has encouraged you to seek specialist care. You have complications or complexities to your condition that your current specialist cannot seem to solve. You have a rare condition, and you would like to see someone who has more experience caring for people with that condition.

What is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of diseases and disorders of the eyes?

Ophthalmology focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions. An ophthalmologist is able to diagnose and treat eye disorders that may affect your vision and can also perform regular eye exams.

What type of doctor helps people the most?

By providing comprehensive care across all ages and health conditions, family medicine physicians play a key role as primary care providers in the healthcare system. Family physicians take a holistic approach, considering their patients in the context of family and community.

Which doctor takes care of most people's routine medical needs?

A primary care physician (PCP), or primary care provider, is a health care professional who practices general medicine. PCPs are our first stop for medical care. Most PCPs are doctors, but nurse practitioners and physician assistants can sometimes also be PCPs.

When should you see a geriatrician?

Begin seeing a geriatrician at age 65 even if you don't have any of the common geriatric health conditions. It is important to get a comprehensive geriatric assessment and work with your primary care provider to prevent common age-related health issues.

Who is the 70 year old doctor?

Several of my friends thought I was crazy wanting to study medicine at this age,” Toh Hong Keng, a retired Malaysian executive, said over a coffee in Hong Kong, where he has been living for decades. This July, at 70, Toh became one of the world's oldest students to graduate from medical school.

What is the difference between a doctor and a primary care physician?

While both focus on comprehensive care, family doctors tend to patients across all age demographics, from infants to the elderly, while PCPs specialize in adult medicine.

Which is the easiest doctor to become?

Easiest Doctor to Become
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) ...
  • Emergency medicine. ...
  • Family medicine. ...
  • Internal medicine. ...
  • Pathology. ...
  • Pediatrics. ...
  • Psychiatry. ...
  • Anesthesiology.

What's the rarest type of doctor?

The rarest medical speciality are —1) MD aviation medicine —this is probably the most rarest post graduate speciality. 2) MD laboratory medicine 3) MD transfusion medicine 4) MD nuclear medicine 5) MD PMR .

What is the highest paid doctor?

Neurosurgery

A neurosurgeon is the highest-paid doctor on our list. Neurosurgery encompasses surgery of the brain, spinal cord/column, and peripheral nerves. Aspiring neurosurgeons must complete at least a seven-year residency.

What is the most responsible diagnosis?

Definition: The one diagnosis which describes the most significant condition of a patient which causes his/her stay in hospital.

When to go to an internist?

Internists often help to manage chronic illnesses. These are ongoing illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. They may provide women's health services (like a pelvic exam), mental health services, ear, and nose and throat care, and other health services.

Who can legally make a medical diagnosis?

For the most part, making a diagnosis is an act of medical judgment that may be done only by a licensed physician. From the risk management standpoint, it may be wise not to use the term. There are some types of diagnosis that a nurse may do independently--for example, wound care.