Just as important as choosing a medical degree is deciding on the next step in this journey: to be a general practitioner or a specialist? This is a question that affects many students; choosing a field of practice after graduating from medical school decision important.
Undergraduate studies are one of the best times to explore specializations and decide whether you will delve deeper into a particular area or opt to remain a generalistshould be next step.
Regardless of your decision, it's important to know that both are fundamental to the healthcare system. But what's the difference? How does each one work, and what should you consider when choosing? In this article, you'll understand all the differences between these two paths, so you can start thinking about which one you want for your career.
What is a general practitioner?
A "general practitioner" is someone who has graduated from medical school but has not completed a residency or passed the certification exam that grants them a specialist title. These professionals are qualified to provide primary healthcare through the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions.
What is a medical specialist?
To become a medical specialist, a professional must have a medical degree and, after graduation, complete a medical residency or obtain a specialization in a specific area through a certification exam. To prepare for this exam, courses offered by universities or other educational institutions – such as postgraduate specialization programs – can be helpful, in addition to fulfilling some of the prerequisites for obtaining the certification.
According to the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), there are 55 specialties officially recognized by the Joint Committee of Specialties (CME). Among them are:
- Neurology;
- Cardiology;
- Orthopedics;
- Endocrinology;
- Oncology;
- Infectious diseases;
- Dermatology;
- Gynecology and Obstetrics;
- Pediatrics.
How important is each one?
Both general practitioners and specialists play essential roles in providing healthcare. Often, they work in a complementary way. A common example is when a patient is initially seen by a general practitioner but needs to be referred to a specialist.
In summary, the general practitioner:
- It performs a comprehensive assessment of the patient;
- It treats more common and easily identifiable conditions, such as colds;
- It also operates in emergencies, childbirths, and intensive care;
- SCOPE OF WORK: typically works in emergency rooms, health centers, and general clinics.
For all these reasons, it plays an important role in Family Medicine and is fundamental in areas with less access to specialized medical care.
The specialist doctor, on the other hand:
- Possesses in-depth knowledge in a specific area of Medicine;
- For this reason, it handles more complex cases;
- He is the one who requests detailed examinations of each area, in order to better understand each case;
- From this, you can discover the cause and determine the appropriate treatment;
- AREAS OF PRACTICE: specialized offices, private clinics, hospitals and referral centers.
What is the market like for each one?
According to the Medical Demographics in Brazil 2025, of the 572,960 doctors in the country, 59.1% (338,619) are specialist doctors, while 40.9% (234,341) are general practitioners. Most specialists are concentrated in the Southeast Region, while the North and Northeast Regions have fewer of these professionals.
The most common medical specialties in Brazil are:
- Medical Clinic (12.4%);
- Pediatrics (10%);
- General Surgery (7.8%);
- Gynecology and Obstetrics (7.4%).
On the other hand, areas such as Neurology, Rheumatology, and Geriatrics have few practicing professionals.
What should you consider when choosing to become a general practitioner or a specialist?
The main difference between a general practitioner and a specialist lies in their training and area of practice. A general practitioner completes a medical degree, while someone seeking a clinical specialty will have to complete a residency or specialization program.
This choice should be based on your interests, your professional goals, and the lifestyle you aspire to have.
Investing in a specialization, regardless of the area, enhances your resume and opens doors in the job market. After all, opportunities to work in clinics, hospitals – or even put your entrepreneurial side into practice and create your own practice – are plentiful.
So, if you want to grow and become prominent in medicine, specializing in a particular field might be the right choice.
Interested? Click here to learn more about the curriculum of our postgraduate medical courses. It could be the start of a great career!
