Simon, 

on this occasion I have to disagree completely.  I think the GP/ distinction is a near perfect analogy that is embraced in UKSPEC, including in 4th edition.  


The key factor that makes the analogy right,  for me,  is that a GP does not,  generally,  identify new solutions or applications, nor deal with complexity.  They select the most appropriate from a range of pree- defined solutions (treatments) then refer on to an appropriate specialist who deals with greater complexity and/ or more  radical treatments, honed to the individual. They may also undertake research in their specialist field.


That is precisely the distinction between I.Eng and C.Eng. Admittedly,  some GPs remain GPs until late in life and become more encyclopedic in their knowledge and selection/ application of the tried,  tested pre- defined treatments,  but, as I've said previously,  that is a choice that many an I.Eng may also make. 


I struggle to see in what way UKSPEC does not deliver an analogous distinction.  


I also believe there is a complete analogy between nurses and technicians.  It's why many of us get so upset at the application if the term engineer to technicians,  it's exactly as if nurses were to be called doctors.  This doesn't mean that muses and technicians don't have their value,  they are both essential,  but their role is similarly different in both medicine and engineering.

Simon, 

on this occasion I have to disagree completely.  I think the GP/ distinction is a near perfect analogy that is embraced in UKSPEC, including in 4th edition.  


The key factor that makes the analogy right,  for me,  is that a GP does not,  generally,  identify new solutions or applications, nor deal with complexity.  They select the most appropriate from a range of pree- defined solutions (treatments) then refer on to an appropriate specialist who deals with greater complexity and/ or more  radical treatments, honed to the individual. They may also undertake research in their specialist field.


That is precisely the distinction between I.Eng and C.Eng. Admittedly,  some GPs remain GPs until late in life and become more encyclopedic in their knowledge and selection/ application of the tried,  tested pre- defined treatments,  but, as I've said previously,  that is a choice that many an I.Eng may also make. 


I struggle to see in what way UKSPEC does not deliver an analogous distinction.  


I also believe there is a complete analogy between nurses and technicians.  It's why many of us get so upset at the application if the term engineer to technicians,  it's exactly as if nurses were to be called doctors.  This doesn't mean that muses and technicians don't have their value,  they are both essential,  but their role is similarly different in both medicine and engineering.