How to become a GP

How to become a GP 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 healthDiagnosing symptoms and causes of illnessesPrescribing treatment or medication based on their diagnosisDeveloping individual treatment plans for patients with long-term illnessesProviding general health and lifestyle advice to those in needLiaising with other medical professionals and referring patients to specialists, if necessaryIs it right for me?In order to become a GP, a caring and compassion ate 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 physiologyExcellent interpersonal skillsTrustworthinessObjectivityHonestyTactThe ability to work well under pressureCareer Progression Junior GPUp to 22,000 Salaried GPUp to 80,000 Practice PartnerUp to 95,000What's it really like? 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 â€" 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 â€" honestly there’s no better feeling for me. Get qualifiedYou 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).