Toward the end of the “generalist physician”: new nomenclature

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, there is no consensus on how to refer to a physician who has no specialty: clinician, generalist physician, general clinician, etc. These terms overlap with established medical specialties, such as Internal Medicine (in Brazil, “Clínica Médica”) and Family and Community Medicine. Objective: To explore the causes of the variety of terms, highlight its negative consequences, and propose a new nomenclature. Methods: This is an essay with a non-systematic review of national and international literature. Results: Brazil is one of the few countries that uses the term “Clínica Médica” instead of “Internal Medicine.” Formal opinions issued by Medical Councils contain conflicting recommendations. This leads to confusion in academic literature, public recruitment processes, and communication with the public. Conclusions: Changing the name from “Clínica Médica” to “Internal Medicine” would be more in line with major international references and would facilitate understanding. Using the term “physician without a specialty” instead of “generalist physician” and similar terms would make communication clearer and more transparent and would avoid misunderstandings with generalist specialties, such as Family and Community Medicine and Internal Medicine.