On Sunday, March 30, 2025, hospitals and health systems throughout the U.S. will observe National Doctors’ Day. First celebrated in 1933 and designated a national holiday in 1990, this day honors the dedication, skill and unwavering commitment of the physicians who provide high-quality healthcare to individuals and communities.
As we prepare to recognize the important role physicians play in our lives, it is an ideal time to review the roles of three key types of physicians.
Primary Care Physicians
A primary care physician (PCP) provides healthcare to people with common medical problems such as fever, minor injuries, gastrointestinal issues, rashes, depression and much more. They also manage chronic illnesses and are a source of preventive care such as annual physicals, screenings and immunizations. Most people see their PCP more frequently than any other doctor.
“In addition to providing care when an illness or injury occurs, PCPs can help keep their patients healthy,” explained Trina Abla, DO, MBA, System Chief Medical Officer at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “PCPs become partners in their patients’ healthcare often identifying potential health issues before they become larger problems.”
The most common types of PCPs are those in Family Medicine, Pediatrics or Internal Medicine. A Family Medicine physician provides comprehensive care to people of all ages while an Internal Medicine doctor diagnoses and treats diseases that affect adults ages 18 and older as well as complex health issues that affect adults as they age. A pediatrician will provide care for children and young adults up to ages 18 or 21.
Specialists
There may be instances when a PCP recommends that a patient see a specialist for diagnosis or treatment. It may be due to the condition being uncommon, difficult to treat or requiring a procedure. A specialist has received additional training in a particular area of healthcare such as cardiology or orthopedics. They diagnose, treat, manage and prevent conditions within their specialized area of healthcare.
“Your primary care doctor may recommend that you seek treatment from a specialist if you have a complex or rare condition or a condition that may require a procedure such as surgery, endoscopy or catheterization. If you are struggling with an illness or symptom that is not responding to treatment, you should discuss referral to a specialist,” explained Dr. Abla.
Hospitalists
Despite preventive care, screenings and healthy lifestyles, there are instances when people are admitted to the hospital for inpatient care. During admissions, PCPs may entrust their patients’ care to hospitalists -- physicians who specialize in the care of patients admitted to the hospital. The hospitalist assumes the role of the patient’s PCP while they are in the hospital and works in partnership with the PCP to coordinate care, monitor the patient’s progress and facilitate appropriate post-discharge care. Hospitalist physicians are generally board-certified in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.
Although a hospitalist oversees a patient’s care while they are an inpatient, upon admission, their PCP is alerted of the hospitalization and the hospitalist is in direct communication with the outpatient provider when the situation warrants. When the patient is discharged, the PCP receives a full report including discharge medications and follow-up plans so they can resume care of the patient.
Penn Highlands Healthcare offers more than 849 physicians including those who specialize in many different areas of healthcare from comprehensive Family Medicine to complex specialties such as Neurosurgery. To find a doctor in a specialty near you, visit www.phhealthcare.org/findadoc.
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