In the medical profession, a general practitioner GP is a medical doctor who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients The role of a GP can vary greatly between or even within countries In urban areas of developed countries their roles tend to be narrower and focused on the care of chronic health problems the treatment of acute non-life-threatening diseases the early detection and referral to specialised care of patients with serious diseases and preventative care including health education and immunisation Meanwhile, in rural areas of developed countries or in developing countries a GP may be routinely involved in pre-hospital emergency care, the delivery of babies.