Why GP?

Ask any GP Registrar if General Practice is all coughs and colds or ‘tears and smears’, far from it! The diversity of patients and medical presentations is one of the most enjoyable aspects of many GPs who thrive on the variety and thrill of not knowing what will come through the door next.

Unlike many other specialities, GPs are able to offer holistic continuity of care for their patients, building long term relationships as they treat patients and their families over their lifespan. GPs can play an important role in preventative medicine and also diagnose life threatening and serious medical conditions. As a GP you have the power to make a real difference not only in one life, but in many.

As a GP you decide where you work and what hours, tailoring your workload to suit your stage of life and career. This flexibility creates opportunities to pursue other career interests, have a family, travel, build up your savings or enjoy a 9-5 lifestyle.

The GP training program is funded by the Federal Government and there are a number of financial incentives programs for GP trainees undertaking outer metropolitan, rural or remote placements. Rural GP trainees are also eligible for a HECS rebate.

Not only funded, but fast! The GP training program is typically a 3 year program, with the first year hospital based. This means you can apply as early as your Intern year and may be able to complete your first Resident year as a part of your GP training. Alternatively you can apply as a Resident and may be eligible for recognition of prior learning which can reduce your training time.

There is enormous variety in the size and structure of practices where you will undertake your training. Many training practices will have several Doctors, as well as Practice Managers and Practice Nurses allowing you to do what you do best, in a supportive, interactive environment. During your GP Training you are always supported by experienced GP Supervisors and Medical Educators from your training organisation.

At any one time there are numerous GP Registrars in special skills posts pursuing their interest in paediatrics, anaesthesia, obstetrics, emergency medicine and academia, just to name a few. The GP training program offers all GP Registrars an opportunity to pursue a sub-specialty of their choice.

As the first point of contact, one of the most challenging, but also the most rewarding and satisfying roles of a GP is diagnosing medical presentations. Making the right diagnosis can be daunting as a new GP but during your training you will always have your Supervisor there to help you improve your skills.

Being a GP you get the highs with the lows, treating not just the sick patients but managing patients during positive times in their life such as pregnancy and working on preventative health outcomes.

There are a wide variety of jobs available for GPs:

• Sole practitioner
• GP Locum
• Part-time GP
• GP Anaesthetist
• GP Obstetrician
• GP Surgeon
• Paid employee in practice
• Partner in General Practice

Get involved in medical education and help shape the next generation of GPs.

• Supervisor to Registrars
• Medical Educator
• GP College Examiner
• GP college Curriculum Development

Optional career paths:

• Community work
• Research
• Policy
• Education
• Medical journalism

Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do – this is just a taste of where a career in General Practice can take you!