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GP Training
Being a General Practitioner (GP) is a popular choice of specialism for many medical students, when considering what career path to take.
It requires a further 5 years of training followed by the taking of an exam in order to be able to practice as a GP.
They must also be a member of The Royal College of General Practitioners (MRGCP), which means passing a specialist qualification in order to do so. Previously, this was optional, but from 2008 it is now a mandatory requirement.
A General Practitioner is very often the first port of call for many patients, from the very young to the very old. They will present with a wide range of medical conditions which require a high level of knowledge and expertise on the part of the GP.
The role is a varied one and includes such aspects as preventative medicine, e.g. diet and exercise advice, female specific issues such as pregnancy and menopause, children's illnesses, rehabilitation from accident or injury and care and treatment of the elderly.
Most General Practitioners are employed by the National Health Service (NHS), and often undertake hospital work as well as locum work. Some are self-employed and work as partners in a local surgery but have a contractual agreement with the NHS