There are two types of general practitioners: internists and family doctors.

Internist

Internists are trained to treat adult patients only.They do not see children or deliver babies.

They typically split their time between seeing patients in their office and seeing patients in the hospital.

Doctor and patient reading medical chart in hospital

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Family doctors complete three years of training in family medicine after medical school before they practice independently.

They typically do less work in hospitals and more work in clinic or office tweaks than internists.

Urologists are required to complete a 5-6 year training period following medical school.

Some may even do an advanced fellowship in robotic or urologic cancer surgery for another 1-2 years.

Pathologists must complete four to five years of training following medical school.

Nevertheless, for the best care, it’s important that information on your case is shared amongst them.

You may also encounter nurses and a variety of other healthcare professionals as you are treated.

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The Cleveland Clinic.What’s the Difference Between an Internist and Family Physician?

American College of Physicians.General Internal Medicine.

American Academy of Family Physicians.Training Requirements for Family Physicians.

American College of Surgeons.Urology.

Dartmouth Cancer Center.Radiation oncology frequently asked questions.

American Medical Association.Radiation Oncology.

U.S. Library of Medicine.Imaging and radiology.

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