Tell me about it
General practitioners (GPs) work in the community to promote good health and prevent illness, in addition to diagnosing patients' health problems by examining them, either in the surgery or at the patient's home. Having made a diagnosis, they may give general advice, prescribe medicine or treatment, conduct minor surgery or refer the patient to a specialist consultant for tests and further diagnosis.

GPs usually work as part of a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, health visitors and administrative support staff. They are responsible for running their practice, planning and providing treatment, and commissioning healthcare from other health professionals.

In addition to individual consultations, the work may involve organising preventative medical programmes and health education for various patient groups, such as winter flu vaccinations for the elderly.

Entry level
To become a doctor, you must study for an undergraduate or postgraduate medical degree recognised by the General Medical Council. This usually takes several years. Medical schools welcome applications from suitably qualified mature students, although entry is even more difficult than normal after the age of 30.

Competition for places to read medicine is exceptionally fierce. In addition to outstanding grades at A level or equivalent, you must show that you have a genuine interest in the subject and, ideally, produce evidence of relevant paid or voluntary work experience.

Admissions tutors are also likely to consider your personal skills and qualities to assess your suitability for the rigours of the course and the demands of a medical career. They look for a responsible attitude, personal integrity and good communication skills.

You will find that medical schools differ widely in their teaching methods and organisation of the curriculum. It is therefore essential to research courses thoroughly in order to find one that suits your own interests and learning style.

Making the grade
As you complete your degree, you must obtain a provisional registration with the General Medical Council before starting two years of foundation training, leading to the Foundation Achievement of Competency Document. At this stage, you must decide whether to train as a GP or as a specialist and you continue with further studies, which are currently being re-thought (autumn 2005).

Personal qualities
To succeed as a GP, you must be dedicated to your work, absorbing considerable quantities of scientific and technical information while developing highly tuned listening and communication skills. You would need the ability to put people at their ease and inspire their trust and confidence, the skill to examine patients and perform clinical procedures, and the stamina to work under pressure and make quick clear decisions.

You would be expected to update your knowledge continually and show a willingness to learn new techniques.

Looking ahead
There are over 40,000 GPs in the UK working under contract for the NHS, with the vast majority working as principals in GP practices. Of the remainder, a small number are employed by the armed services, the police, universities and the pharmaceutical industry, while some take up opportunities to work abroad. Some GPs are employed by voluntary organisations in developing countries.

There is currently a shortage of GPs, especially in the more deprived urban areas of the country. The government is offering incentives for GPs to work in these areas.

Alternative suggestions
You may wish to consider other healthcare professions such as clinical psychologist, dentist, hospital consultant, pharmacist, physiotherapist or radiographer. Veterinary science offers the possibility of working with animals in a capacity similar to that of a GP.

Take-home pay
Starting salaries are around £20,000 at the beginning of the first foundation year but should rise rapidly as you gain experience. The average income of a full-time, self-employed GP is currently around £71,500.

Effects
Most GPs work between 50 and 60 hours a week. A typical work pattern could be two surgeries a day - in the morning, afternoon or early evening - with home visits as well. Saturday morning surgeries are still fairly common, and you would probably have to do some emergency on call work.

Most of your time would be spent on individual consultations with patients. There is considerable pressure on this work, with only a relatively short time being spent with each patient.

Sources of information
British Medical Association: www.bma.org.uk
General Medical Council: www.gmc-uk.org
Royal College of General Practitioners: www.rcgp.org.uk

CRCI: JH