Difficult decisions: Choosing a practice

Abstract

With the Clinical Skills Assessment successfully completed, focus shifts to the completion of training and starting work as an independent GP; it is both an exciting and unnerving time. The myriad of opportunities open to newly qualified GPs is one of the specialty’s strengths, offering scope for personal and professional development. Opportunities can be diverse and include working overseas, teaching, developing a special interest, pursuing academic research, media roles, working with the RCGP, and many more. Most of these roles can be undertaken alongside clinical practice as part of a portfolio career, each complementing and enhancing the other. Whether pursuing wider opportunities, or gaining more experience in clinical practice, choosing the right practice with like-minded colleagues in the early stages of your career can be a difficult, daunting prospect. This article aims to offer guidance for those searching for the right practice.