GP

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• run a shared practice or specialise in an area like sports medicine, diabetes or children's health
• move into medical work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, the police or the prison service
• work overseas or in medicine for the Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy
• teach students training to be GPs or go into clinical research
• become a member of a local medical committee or clinical commissioning group to get involved in local health issues

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine
• science skills
• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - GPs need a deep understanding of how the human body works – from cells and organs to whole body systems – to diagnose illnesses and understand how diseases develop. They use biological knowledge every day when examining patients, interpreting symptoms, and understanding how infections spread through communities.
• Chemistry - GPs prescribe medicines and need to understand how drugs interact with the body at a chemical level, including how they are absorbed, metabolised, and excreted. Chemistry also underpins their understanding of blood tests, hormone levels, and the biochemical processes that keep the body functioning.
• Psychology - GPs regularly support patients with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses. They use counselling skills, active listening, and an understanding of human behaviour to help patients open up about sensitive issues and to recommend appropriate treatments or referrals.
• Mathematics - GPs use maths when calculating drug dosages, interpreting statistical data from medical research, and understanding risk factors for diseases. They also work with measurements like blood pressure, BMI, and blood sugar levels to monitor patients' health over time.

Also relevant

• Physics - GPs benefit from understanding the physics behind medical technologies such as X-rays, ultrasound, and blood pressure monitors. Knowledge of how radiation, sound waves, and pressure work helps them interpret results and explain procedures to patients.
• English Language - GPs need excellent communication skills to explain complex medical information in a way patients can understand, and to write clear referral letters and medical reports. They also need strong listening skills to pick up on what patients are really telling them during consultations.
• Sociology - GPs work with people from all backgrounds and need to understand how factors like poverty, housing, education, and social isolation affect health. This awareness helps them provide more effective care and address the wider causes of illness in their community.
• Physical Education - GPs frequently advise patients on exercise, fitness, and lifestyle changes to manage or prevent conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Understanding how physical activity affects the body helps them give practical, personalised health advice.