Career Opportunities for GPs.
- Mar 29, 2023
- 2 min read
Apart from the widely known 3 roles - salaried GP, Locum GP and GP partners, there are countless options for building a career as a portfolio GP and this can be customized to match individual interests and preferences, such as working from home or accommodating childcare needs. Becoming a portfolio GP does not always require any extra training and there are no fixed requirements that must be fulfilled in most cases.
However, various role possibilities for portfolio GPs may have their own unique training needs or requirements. This article will explore some of the necessary training for different roles. Portfolio GP careers usually begin by taking on one additional work session and gradually increasing the workload if the GP finds it enjoyable. Networking is crucial for portfolio GPs to secure new roles, so don't hesitate to seek career and GP advice from colleagues.
I have listed below a few examples which by no means are exhaustive. So kindly add a few below to the list:
Prison & Drug Medicine
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of providing drug medicine services in prisons. This is because individuals with substance use disorders are overrepresented in the prison population, and many of these individuals are at risk of serious health complications if their addiction is not treated. Prison GP and Forensic Medical Examiner are two specialized roles that involve working with inmates or the police, respectively.
https://www.cavgp.co.uk/en/blog/post/prison-medicine
https://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e1560
https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/info.php?id=130
https://gprecruitment.hee.nhs.uk/choose-gp/gp-career-stories/Dr-Jake-Hard
Violent Patient Units
A violent patient unit is a specialized unit within a hospital or psychiatric facility that is designed to provide care and treatment for patients who exhibit violent behaviour or have a history of violence. These units are staffed by trained healthcare professionals who have experience in managing and de-escalating violent situations. behaviour
Appraisal
GP appraisers earn money by reviewing evidence of Continuing Professional Development and other appraisal materials.
https://heiw.nhs.wales/support/revalidation-support-unit/gp-appraisal/gp-appraisers-vacancies-2022/
https://blog.lantum.com/p/blog/appraisal/5-minutes-with-a-gp-appraiser
https://www.gpeducation.org.uk/gpappraiser
https://www.england.nhs.uk/professional-standards/medical-revalidation/appraisers/app-train-sup/
Local Medical Committees (LMC)
In the United Kingdom, Local Medical Committees (LMCs) are representative bodies for General Practitioners (GPs) at a local level. LMCs are independent organizations that are funded by NHS England to provide support and representation to GPs, both individually and as a group. LMCs are made up of elected GPs from the local area, who are responsible for representing the views and concerns of GPs to NHS England, other healthcare organizations, and the government. LMCs play an important role in shaping healthcare policy and decision-making at a local level, and can influence how healthcare services are delivered to patients.
https://www.lmc.org.uk/who-we-support/gps/gp-trainees-and-gps-at-the-beginning-of-their-career/
Medical Education
Medical education is a diverse field with many opportunities to teach undergraduates or postgraduates. Medical students can become involved in small group teaching or choose to become clinical tutors, supervising medical students during their GP placements.
GP Trainer
This is more extensive training is required, including a specific course or a medical education diploma, as well as a minimum number of years of experience. Training program directors are responsible for setting the teaching agenda for trainee GPs.
Integrated Care Board (ICB)
The Integrated Care Board (ICB) in the UK is a new governance structure that has been created to oversee and coordinate the delivery of integrated care systems (ICSs) across the country. The ICB brings together leaders from the NHS, local government, and other partners to work collaboratively in the planning and delivery of health and care services, with the aim of improving health outcomes for patients and communities. The ICB is responsible for setting the strategic direction of ICSs, ensuring that resources are used effectively and that services are delivered in a coordinated and joined-up way.
https://nenc-countydurham.icb.nhs.uk/gp-nurse-fellowship-programme/
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)
These are groups of general practices that employ services for their local areas. Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are networks for GPs to liaise with other healthcare professionals in the community to support patients with chronic conditions.
University teaching/tutoring
Doctors play an important role in educating and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. They bring their expertise and experience as practising clinicians to the classroom, providing students with practical, real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities of working in healthcare. By teaching in universities, doctors can also contribute to the development of new and innovative approaches to healthcare education, and help to shape the future of the healthcare profession.
https://www.gponline.com/teaching-academic-gp/article/982193
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medicine/study/gp-teacher/
https://www.catch.ac.uk/training-careers/medicine/general-practice-academic-careers
https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-institute-health-sciences/doc/gp-educators
https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/working-life/working-life/my-portfolio-from-ae-gp-to-clinical-lecturer/
Mentoring/coaching
Mentoring and coaching are effective methods of professional development that involve a more experienced individual providing guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced individual. Mentoring and coaching can help individuals to develop new skills, knowledge, and perspectives, as well as build confidence and improve performance. These approaches can be used in a variety of contexts, including in the workplace, in education, and in personal development. Mentoring and coaching relationships can be formal or informal and can be short or long-term, depending on the needs and goals of the individuals involved.
https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/gp-mentoring/becoming-mentor
https://cptraininghub.nhs.uk/gp-hub/coaching-mentoring-for-gps
PHP Work
The NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP) is a free and confidential service for GPs and GP trainees working or looking to return to clinical practice in England who are suffering with a mental health concern, including stress or depression, or an addiction issue.
Occupational Medicine
Doctors in occupational health specialize in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of people in the workplace. They work with employers and employees to identify and manage workplace health hazards and risks and to develop strategies and programs to prevent work-related illnesses and injuries. Doctors in occupational health are trained in a range of areas, including epidemiology, toxicology, ergonomics, and psychology, and they use this knowledge to develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure a safe and healthy work environment. They also provide medical advice and support to employees who have been injured or become ill due to work-related factors and work with employers to develop return-to-work programs that help employees to recover and return to work as quickly and safely as possible.
TPD
Doctors who work as trainers in Training Programme Directorates (TPDs) play a vital role in the education and training of medical students, junior doctors, and other healthcare professionals. TPDs are responsible for the oversight and delivery of postgraduate medical education and training within their designated regions or specialties. This can be easily accessed by asking one of your TPDs in your scheme.
GP Fellowship
Doctors in GP fellowship programs are experienced general practitioners (GPs) who have chosen to undertake additional training and education in a particular area of interest or expertise. GP fellowships offer structured, focused training programs that enable GPs to develop new skills, gain additional qualifications, and advance their careers. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of doctors in GP fellowship programs may include specializing in a specific area of medicine, conducting research, developing new programs and services, or teaching and mentoring.
https://yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/general_practice/post-cct-fellowship-scheme
https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/your-development/gp-fellowships/
https://www.nwpgmd.nhs.uk/post-cct-gp-fellowship-programme-hee-nw
https://www.rcgp.org.uk/membership/fellowship
Sexual Health
Doctors working in sexual health services play a vital role in promoting sexual health and well-being and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They work with patients to provide education, testing, treatment, and counselling services related to sexual health.
http://scotlandgptraining.blogspot.com/p/your-career-so-far-what-is-your-current.html
Aviation Medicine
Doctors working in aviation medicine are responsible for assessing the medical fitness of pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel. They play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who work in the aviation industry, as well as the safety of the general public. Doctors working in aviation medicine typically have a range of responsibilities, including conducting medical assessments and providing medical advice and support. Aviation medical doctors provide medical advice and support to pilots and other aviation personnel on a range of health and safety issues, including fatigue management, the effects of medication, and the impact of medical conditions on flight safety. They manage medical emergencies and collaborate with aviation organizations, such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to ensure that medical standards and regulations are up-to-date and appropriate for the needs of the aviation industry.
https://www.caa.co.uk/aeromedical-examiners/
GP with special interest (GPwER)
A GP with a special interest (GPwSI) is a general practitioner or specialist doctor who has additional expertise and training in a particular area of medicine or healthcare. They are typically appointed to work in a specific area of healthcare where their additional knowledge and skills can be used to improve patient care.
Other Roles
In addition to their primary job, GPs can perform a variety of roles and jobs in different varieties and organizations.
Medical Examiner
School doctor
Cancer Research UK lead GP
Palliative medicine
Food bank voucher issuance
Physical health doc for mental health inpatients.
Open Care homes / intermediate care facilities
Ministry of Justice Tribunals medical member
Expedition Medicine! E.g working in the Sahara desert.
DVLA franchise doctor & DNA tester
Tropical Medicine/work overseas.
Research – e.g senior lecturer in general practice research
Develop guidelines in NICE: https://www.nice.org.uk/.../nice-communities/generalpractice
BMA
Armed Forces
Refugee health
Homeless Healthcare
Cruise ships.
Tribunal medical member
PLAB examiner
UKHSA
Advisory GP in steering groups
Target antibiotic trainer
Endoscopy Top of Form
Medical Writer & Editor
GP support for regional ambulance service
Aesthetics business
Real Estate
Investment (Stocks and Shares and Forex)
11. PHP work:
12. Occ Med
13. TPD: This can be easily accessed by asking one of your TPDs in your scheme.
14. GP fellowships
15. Sexual health
16. AVIATION:
17. Post CCT – CCT
18. GPwER
19. OTHER roles include:
· Medical Examiner
· School doctor
· Cancer Research UK lead GP
· Palliative medicine
· Boiler repairs
· Food bank voucher issuance
· Physical health doc for mental health inpatients.
· Open Care homes / intermediate care facilities
· Ministry of Justice Tribunals medical member
· Expedition Medicine! E.g working in the Sahara desert.
· DVLA franchise doctor & DNA tester
· Tropical Medicine/work overseas.
· Research – e.g senior lecturer in general practice research
· Develop guideline in NICE
o NICE.ORG.UK
· BMA
· Armed Forces
· refugee health
· homeless healthcare
· cruise ships.
· Tribunal medical member
· PLAB examiner
· UKHSA
· Advisory GP in steering groups
· Target antibiotic trainer
· Move abroad (Australia, Canada or middle east).
· Endoscopy Top of Form
· Editor
· GP support for regional ambulance service
· Aesthetics business
· Real Estate
· Stocks and Shares and Forex
Bottom of Form
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