Why General Practitioners are the Backbone of Healthcare

I’ll be the first to admit that primary care docs, AKA general practitioners, are the backbone of healthcare. Here’s why!

As a urologic surgeon, I appreciate the recognition for the specialized work I do. Residency was incredibly tough, but it gave me a special set of surgical skills and knowledge.

In general, surgeons often get the spotlight, but I can’t let that spotlight cast a shadow over the real heroes of our healthcare system: general practitioners (GPs), also known as primary care doctors.

Let me tell you why.

Specialists Like Me Solve Specific Problems

When someone comes to see me, they’ve usually got a very clear issue within my wheelhouse: maybe a kidney stone, prostate problems, or another urological concern. I can zero in on that specific problem like a laser. I’ll run the tests, explain their options, and develop a precise treatment plan.

Once I’ve resolved the problem (either through medication or surgery), my job is done, and I send the patient back out into the world.

Now, imagine this: During a consultation, a patient casually mentions something unrelated to their urological issue—maybe a persistent cough or a new rash. It’s not uncommon for people to bring up additional concerns when they’re already in a doctor’s office, even if those concerns are outside the specialist’s scope of practice.

In the moment, I might say: “That’s something you should bring up with your primary care doctor. They’re the best person to help you with that.”

This isn’t me deflecting. It’s recognizing the expertise and comprehensive role of primary care physicians, who are trained to manage the wide range of health issues that might arise. It’s also being honest and admitting that my treatment algorithms for those types of concerns have gotten a little fuzzy since medical school!

The Many Hats of a General Practitioner

On the other hand, primary care doctors deal with everything. You come in for one complaint, and five minutes later, you’ve dropped nine different health concerns on their plate.

• Your knee hurts.
• Your blood pressure’s high.
• You’ve got insomnia.
• You’re worried about your cholesterol.
• Oh, and by the way, your back’s been bothering you for years.

It’s their job to evaluate it all, prioritize, and come up with a plan—in the 15 minutes they’re allotted per patient.

If you think that sounds easy, I encourage you to try managing just one clinic day in their shoes. It’s not just about treating a single issue—it’s about seeing the big picture and managing the patient’s health over time.

Limited Time, Endless Responsibility

My friends in primary care say the hardest part of their job is the time crunch. They often get only 15-20 minutes per visit to address a patient’s primary concern and whatever additional problems come up during the visit.

Think about it: If you come in for a cold and casually mention your persistent chest pain, do you think your primary care doctor is going to ignore it? Of course not.

They’ll:

1. Figure out what’s most urgent.
2. Investigate further or order tests.
3. Refer you to a specialist (like me) if necessary.

But at the end of the day, the responsibility to coordinate your care still falls on them. They’re the quarterbacks of the healthcare team, ensuring everyone works together to keep you healthy.

Why GPs Deserve Our Respect

Primary care doctors don’t just prescribe antibiotics for your cold (though they’ll politely tell you when you don’t need them). They’re also:

• Detecting cancers early by connecting the dots on seemingly minor symptoms.
• Managing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
• Providing preventive care to keep you out of the hospital entirely.

They are the glue that holds your long-term health together.

Without them, specialists like me would be buried under patients trying to figure out whether their chest pain, cough, or foot rash has anything to do with kidney stones (spoiler alert: it usually doesn’t).

And when it comes to kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer, the majority of these cases are detected (and then referred) by general practitioners!

The Backbone of Healthcare

I get it—specialists often get more recognition because we solve acute, high-stakes problems. But I can’t stress this enough: general practitioners are the unsung heroes of medicine.

They may not have the glamour of a robotic surgery or the drama of the operating room, but without their work, the healthcare system would grind to a halt.

To all the GPs out there:

You’re more than prescription writers. You’re the backbone of healthcare.

To everyone else:

If you haven’t thanked your primary care doctor lately, do it. They’re working harder than you know.

Conclusion

I may be a surgeon, but I’ll always tip my hat to the general practitioners. They’re the ones keeping patients healthy and managing the messy, real-life complexities of modern medicine.

So next time you visit your primary care doctor, appreciate the juggling act they’re performing. And if they ask you to follow up with a specialist—like me—know that they’re looking out for you.

Daniel Shin, MD

The Darwinian Doctor

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