FIVE TOP Tips for Future GPs | GP Trainees | GP Training

Looking back on my gp training there were many things I wish I did and a lot of things I wish I could have done better! So, in this video I will share FIVE TOP tips for gp training that will help you on your journey to becoming a GP.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro
1:28 The portfolio and reflecting in gp training for gp trainees
3:16 Learn the guidelines - there are many guidelines that will help you in your GP training. Examples include the NICE BTS, SIGN and FSRH guidelines. I would try and use them everyday whilst training as a gp and the ones that you may not use very often you should read up on in your spare time and record these in your portfolio.
4:00 Exams - here are several tips
4:12 Prepare well - sounds obvious but it can be hard to juggle demanding clinical work and busy rotations with exam preparation. Most people do well but for others it can be a struggle, especially if you have young children or have to care for older relatives. Of course unexpected life events such as bereavements can also occur. Ensure you have a strategy /plan for how you will pass your exams because you will pass. Who could help support you- peers, family, friends, and how? How can you support others?
4:46 Take your exam for gp training at the right time for you- this links in with the point above. If you have had a massive life event that has affected you greatly it may not be the right time to sit that exam, can you postpone it? Can you reschedule it for a potentially better time? Don’t rush when you sit your exam, I did and it did not work out well for me! I talk all about my exam failure in an earlier video here -
5:08 Use a variety of resources to learn when your in gp training - there are so many good resources out there, online and offline resources such as flashcards, apps, videos, books and courses. I won’t recommend any here (pastest?) but there are more than enough resources to help you pass your exams.
5:26 Know your learning style - you may already know your learning style/s or what works well for you. If you don’t know is the time to do your research and get to know what suits you and produces results.
5:37 Do not work alone - regardless of whether you are sitting the written or practical exam for gp training and to become a gp - try and form a study group earlier on. Studying in isolation, which can be easy to do for your written exam is not the best way to learn. For some yes, but I think you will learn more and be more productive if you at least spend some of your time studying with others.
6:00 Practice daily with patients - even when your exam is not nearby get into the habit of developing your own structure and consulting style and do this every single time. Use your time with patients to practice during your gp training; focus more on weaker areas such as explaining the diagnosis to the patient in simpler terms. How you would consult with a patient when being observed/sitting your exam?
6:22 Be observed as much as possible as often as possible - trust me you may feel silly or embarrassed at first, but this is the only way to get better and get better quickly. You will rapidly build the confidence you need for your exams and independent practice as a GP.
6:37 Know your options - many GP trainees including myself do not consider the wider career or non clinical aspects seriously, perhaps they do towards the end of their training. It is important to consider the various options that are available to you and what you would like to work towards or try when you qualify. There are more options than being a salaried or Locum GP.
7:08 Don’t undersell yourself: I think when most people qualify they think because they are a newly qualified GP they shouldn’t upsell themselves; somehow they should settle for less because they are not as experienced as other, perhaps more senior or experience GPs. You are an asset, especially now and you have achieved the necessary competencies and capabilities, so why shouldn’t you blow your own trumpet and expect more? Negotiate your salary or rate as a locum, your hours/breaks and leave as examples.
7:42 Outro: Those are five tips to help you on your journey to becoming a GP. Where are you on your gp training journey and have you thought about what you will do when you qualify?

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Disclaimer - There is no specific medical advice in this video, if you feel you have any health related concerns please seek the advice of your GP.

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