yleislääkäri

Yleislääkäri is the Finnish term for a general practitioner (GP) or family physician. In Finland, yleislääkäri refers to a physician who has completed specialized training in general practice and works primarily within the primary health-care system. The profession emphasizes continuous, comprehensive care, first-contact access, and coordination of patient care across services.

To become yleislääkäri, a physician must obtain a medical degree and licensure to practice medicine (lääketieteen lisensiaatti). Afterward, they pursue a residency in general practice/family medicine (yleislääketieteen erikoistuminen) that lasts several years and culminates in board certification as an yleislääkäri. Ongoing professional development is required.

Yleislääkäri typically works in municipal health centers or private practices, and can be employed by the public health system or operate privately in the perusterveydenhuolto (primary care). They provide first-contact care for a broad range of conditions, manage chronic illnesses, conduct preventive services, vaccinations, screenings, and health education, and coordinate care with specialists and social services through referrals and care plans. They maintain medical records and provide continuity of care for individuals and families.

In the Finnish health system, yleislääkäri acts as a gatekeeper to specialized services in many settings, prioritizing patient-centered, preventive, and cost-effective care. They often work in collaboration with nurses, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals within multidisciplinary teams.