Even if physicians wanted to try to learn/practice/apply across different fields, there is also tremendous push-back from other specialists, and anyone who tries is mocked. In retrospect, the cabal trained docs this way so that one could never understand the full spectrum of illness and treatment because the docs are all walled off from each other.
After the first two years of medical school, all the training then becomes uber-specific to whatever field the med student wants to study. Yet another example of keeping us divided. The fault was built into the system. Thoughts?
Specialists are supposed to be specific to a serious issue you are facing and where they have expertise and experience. The over reliance on specialists and the lack of knowledge of your primary care doctor is a bigger concern.
Do you really need to see a specialist if you have high blood pressure? Maybe if your blood pressure is very high and persists after taking medication or undergoing life style changes.
Now a situation where a primary care doctor will immediately recommend a specialist is if you have a specific concern and are adamant about learning what is causing your issue.
Because of potential lawsuits the primary care doctor will delegate the responsibility to the specialist.
It may seem like your doctor is punting because they are but that is how the system works or kind of works currently.
I personally believe the medical field needs to be re-imagined from the ground up. Or, go back to basics for the primary care doctors so the specialists are not swamped with patients.