General practitioners (GP) are doctors who are trained to diagnose and treat an array of medical conditions. Their role includes performing routine physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, and managing immunizations. GPs are an important part of the medical team and are usually your first point of contact for any health issues. They serve an important role of providing appropriate specialist referral for serious medical conditions and work with you during your recovery period. GPs provide medical care to people of all age groups. It is beneficial to develop a long-term relationship with a general practitioner so that he becomes familiar with your medical history and can efficiently manage your basic overall health.