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Training the next generation of GPs

Written by: Nyasha Hernandez
Published on: 3 Mar 2016

Why would a GP want to train other GPs? Dr Katie Houston, a GP training programme director in the Yorkshire & the Humber region, spoke to Prospect Health about why GPs would be inspired to take this career path.

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Becoming a GP trainer is a job that requires someone who has a passion for mentoring, and facilitating knowledge and skill development. It can be a challenging job that requires a large investment of time and effort but one that can reward you with great job satisfaction.

As a GP trainer you’ll be mentoring, teaching and assessing future GPs for periods of six months to a year within your practice. There’s a lot of a variety to this role. You don’t know what skills your trainee GPs may or may not have. They will be at varying stages of their specialty training and each will have their own individual learning and personal needs. It’s a great opportunity to stretch the limits of your medical knowledge and keep up to date. It’s also a way to help remain enthusiastic, and motivated, and this can be really positive for the teams you work within too.

There’s a unique perspective you begin to develop as you support the development of these new GPs, one that is heightened by the pride gained by helping the next generation of GPs become successful medical practitioners.

If you are interested in hearing more about becoming a GP trainer, read Dr Houston’s advice on Prospect Health.