How to become 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