General Practitioner: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a General Practitioner
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Practice Now »What is a General Practitioner?
A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who treats all common medical conditions and refers patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent or specialist treatment. GPs are often the first point of contact in the healthcare system, providing a holistic approach to patient care, and can specialize in different areas of medicine.
Skills
- Clinical expertise and knowledge in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals
- Ability to make informed decisions and provide appropriate medical advice and treatment plans
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to address complex healthcare issues
- Proficiency in medical record keeping and documentation to ensure accurate and up-to-date patient information
- Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively manage patient appointments and workload
- Empathy and compassion towards patients to provide high-quality and patient-centered care
- Ability to work well under pressure and handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently
- Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest medical advancements and research
- Adherence to ethical and professional standards in healthcare practice
Qualifications & Education
- University degree from a medical school recognised by the General Medical Council
- One year of pre-registration training as a house officer
- Some medical schools operate graduate entry schemes
- Up to two years of postgraduate training in a chosen speciality
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, being a General Practitioner in the UK is considered a good career choice. It offers a challenging and rewarding job with a variety of tasks. The profession provides stability, family-friendly working hours, and excellent career opportunities.
The career progression of a General Practitioner (GP) in the UK can involve various options. GPs can choose to run their own shared practice or specialize in a specific area such as sports medicine, diabetes, or children's health. They can also move into medical work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, the police, or the prison service. Additionally, GPs have the opportunity to work overseas or in medicine for the Army, Royal Air Force, or Royal Navy.
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