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How to become a GP

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GP jobs

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GP courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a GP

Junior GP

| Up to £22,000

Salaried GP

| Up to £80,000

Practice Partner

| Up to £95,000

The role of a GP

What does a GP do?

Looking for a healthy career? You should become a GP…GPs, or General Practitioners, help diagnose and treat illness, providing a range of general preventive care within their community.In the majority of cases, they are the first point of contact for anyone suffering from an ailment, making the work they do particularly vital when it comes to our personal health. GPs differ from Doctors slightly, in that they provide general treatment and diagnosis, rather than specialising in one particular area of medicine.Typical duties for a GP could include:

Meeting with patients to assess their health
Diagnosing symptoms and causes of illnesses
Prescribing treatment or medication based on their diagnosis
Developing individual treatment plans for patients with long-term illnesses
Providing general health and lifestyle advice to those in need
Liaising with other medical professionals and referring patients to specialists, if necessary

Is a career as a GP right for me?

In order to become a GP, a caring and compassionate nature is absolutely essential.The health and general wellbeing of your patients will be of paramount importance, and without the right positive mental attitude and a commitment to the cause that goes beyond the call of duty, you’re unlikely to gain the full trust and backing of your community.However, although a good bedside manner is non-negotiable, the people you treat won’t always be receptive to your advice, making the ability to deal with difficult situations similarly essential.Other key skills for a GP include:

A natural passion for anatomy and physiology
Excellent interpersonal skills
Trustworthiness
Objectivity
Honesty
Tact
The ability to work well under pressure

What's it like to be a GP?

"Becoming a GP was pretty much the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, if I’m honest. It took years of studying, dedication and hard work to get through medical school – but I wouldn’t change any of it. When I finally got into a surgery and started seeing patients, it felt amazing. To have so much trust and faith put on your shoulders can be a lot of pressure, but doing something you’re passionate about and helping makes people’s lives better – honestly there’s no better feeling for me."

Get qualified as a GP

You will need to hold a degree in a medical-related field, and complete five years of vocational training, in order to become a fully-qualified GP. To qualify for medical school, you will need a minimum of three A-levels (grade AAB).

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