general practitioner (GP) (prak-tish-ŏn-er) n. a doctor who is the main agent of primary care, through whom patients make first contact with health services for a new episode of illness or fresh developments of chronic diseases. Advice and treatment are provided for those who do not require the expertise of a consultant or other specialist services of hospitals (see secondary care). See also group practice.

gen·er·al prac·ti·tion·er (abbr.: GP) • n. a medical doctor who is trained to provide primary health care to patients of either sex and any age.