Career Planning for GP Trainees. With Video
- Elite Exams
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Building a Secure and Fulfilling Future.
General practice is a rewarding and dynamic career, but as the healthcare landscape evolves, GP trainees must be proactive in shaping their professional paths. Career planning during training is not about deciding everything immediately—it’s about exploring opportunities, building a solid foundation, and making informed choices that will serve you well in the years ahead.
In this article, we’ll cover why career planning matters, how to make the most of study leave, and key areas like avoiding common pitfalls, networking, financial planning, and the future of general practice.
Why Career Planning is Essential for GP Trainees
The transition from trainee to fully qualified GP can feel daunting, but having a career plan helps you feel more in control. It allows you to:
✅ Identify Your Interests Early – Whether you’re drawn to portfolio careers, medical education, or leadership roles, career planning lets you explore these interests during training.
✅ Maximise Learning Opportunities – Using your study leave effectively and attending relevant courses can give you a competitive edge.
✅ Future-Proof Your Career – The GP workforce is changing. New models of working (remote consultations, extended roles, integrated care) mean GPs need to be adaptable and ahead of trends.
✅ Improve Employability & Work-Life Balance – Thoughtful career planning can help you secure roles that align with your professional and personal goals.
Case Study: How Career Planning Shapes a GP’s Future
Dr. Aisha: The Proactive Planner
Dr. Aisha was a dedicated GP trainee who recognised early on that general practice was evolving. She knew that having additional skills beyond the core GP training could open up more career opportunities.
✅ During Training:
Used her study leave wisely, attending RCGP courses on dermatology and minor surgery.
Completed a Medical Leadership Programme offered by Health Education England.
Completed extra courses in joint injection and started performing procedures under supervision even as a GP trainee.
Completed extra courses in sexual health and plans on becoming certified to do smears and contraception implants after obtaining her CCT.
Networked with senior GPs and explored portfolio careers, leading her to develop an interest in teaching.
Attended webinars such as Finding Work as a Locum GP to understand employment options.
Started working with her local Primary Care Network (PCN) to gain insight into NHS leadership.
✅ After Qualifying as a GP:
Had multiple job offers from practices looking for a GP with dermatology skills.
Was able to take on minor surgery sessions, increasing her income potential.
Became a GP tutor, mentoring trainees and earning additional income from medical education.
Had better work-life balance, as she could mix clinical and non-clinical roles.
Dr. Ben: The Basic Training Route
Dr. Ben, on the other hand, was a competent and hardworking GP trainee but focused solely on meeting the basic training requirements.
🚩 During Training:
Attended only the mandatory courses required for CCT.
Did not explore any extra skills or special interests.
Took study leave for exams only but didn’t use it for career-enhancing activities.
Did not attend networking events or consider portfolio careers.
🚩 After Qualifying as a GP:
Applied for salaried GP jobs but struggled to stand out against candidates with additional skills.
Found fewer job options, as many practices preferred GPs with extra qualifications.
Had less flexibility in job choices, as his options were mainly routine GP work with limited career development.
Eventually realised he needed to gain additional skills post-CCT, but now had to self-fund courses he could have done using his study leave bursary during training.
Reflection: In a GP surgery recruitment, which of these GP candidates would easily be offered a job?
Making the Most of Study Leave
Study leave is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills beyond mandatory training. Here’s how to use it wisely:
🔹 Attend Career-Enhancing Courses – Consider RCGP courses such as the Essentials Webinar Series.
🔹 Develop Additional Skills – Explore areas like minor surgery, joint injections, or leadership development through organisations like Health Education England.
🔹 Join Networking Events – Conferences such as the RCGP Annual Conference and Thriving in the NHS Conference 2025 provide excellent networking opportunities.
🔹 Think Beyond Exams – While AKT and SCA exams are priorities, consider courses that prepare you for post-CCT life, such as financial planning or medico-legal workshops.
Common Career Pitfalls to Avoid
🚩 Delaying Career Planning Until CCT – Many trainees focus only on exams, only to feel lost after qualifying or they are unable to gain employment. Start exploring options early.
🚩 Underusing Study Leave – Some trainees don’t fully use their study leave, missing out on funded learning opportunities.
🚩 Ignoring Networking – Career success isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you know. Engaging with peers and mentors can open doors.
🚩 Failing to Consider Work-Life Balance – Not all GP roles are the same. Consider whether you want to be a salaried GP, locum, or partner based on your lifestyle preferences.
🚩 Not Keeping Up with NHS Changes – The NHS is evolving rapidly. Understanding primary care networks (PCNs), integrated care systems (ICS), and digital health trends can give you a strategic advantage.
Networking & Professional Development
Building connections during training can significantly boost your career prospects. Here’s how to get started:
💼 Engage with Professional Bodies – Join the BMA, RCGP, and GMC to stay updated on career development resources.
📢 Attend Conferences & Webinars – Sessions like the Early Careers Webinar: Finding Work as a Locum GP provide insights into employment options.
🤝 Use LinkedIn for Career Growth – Follow GP leaders and join relevant groups to learn about job opportunities and mentorship.
🎓 Consider Additional Qualifications – Qualifications in medical education, leadership, or dermatology can help shape a diverse career.
Financial Planning for Career Growth
Financial security is an important aspect of career planning. Many newly qualified GPs find themselves unprepared for financial responsibilities, so consider:
💰 Understanding NHS Salaries & Pensions – The BMA offers guides on GP pay scales, tax planning, and pensions.
📈 Locum vs. Salaried vs. Partnership Roles – Each career path has different financial implications. Learn about contracts and benefits before making a decision.
📊 Investing in Professional Development – Some courses may require self-funding, but they can lead to higher earnings or more job flexibility in the long run.
The Future of General Practice: What Trainees Need to Know
The role of a GP is evolving, and future-ready trainees will be those who:
🌍 Embrace Digital Health – Remote consultations, AI, and digital triage systems are becoming a core part of general practice. Gaining digital health skills can enhance your career prospects.
🩺 Consider Portfolio Careers – Many GPs now combine clinical work with roles in teaching, research, policy, or private healthcare. Check out this YouTube guide on building a portfolio career.
🤝 Engage with PCNs & ICS – Understanding the impact of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and Integrated Care Systems (ICS) on GP careers is crucial.
📖 Stay Updated on NHS Reforms – Policies affecting GP contracts, workload, and funding models will shape your future practice. The BMA GP Committee offers regular updates.
Final Thoughts: Start Planning Today
Your GP training years are the perfect time to explore your interests, gain valuable skills, and build a fulfilling career. Whether it’s through networking, further training, or strategic career planning, investing in your future now will pay off when you reach CCT and beyond.
Take the time to explore opportunities, use your study leave effectively, and stay informed about the changing landscape of general practice. Your future career is in your hands—plan wisely, and you’ll thrive in the NHS and beyond.
Useful Resources
RCGP Learning Hub & Webinars: RCGP Learning
BMA Career Advice & Financial Planning: BMA Careers
GMC GP Training & Curriculum: GMC GP Curriculum
Health Education England Training Support: HEE Support
YouTube: Finding Work as a Locum GP: Watch Here
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