GP AUSTRALIA

GP Registrars can have a wide range of experiences as they prepare for fellowship, and to practice independently. There will be an amazing range of presentations to challenge them, and opportunities to broaden their skills, and work in a variety of environments. Training posts are in all types of communities, practices and services. There is even the possibility of training posts overseas, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, expeditions, or an academic term.

For many, the patient relationship is the most striking difference between hospital work and general practice. You’re dealing with a person who you are likely to have a long term relationship with rather than dealing with a condition, and having to fix it before they can go home. Caring for patients means being part of a continuous process of helping them stay healthy, managing their health issues and getting specialist and allied healthcare when needed.

enjoying the professional rewards DR NICOLE LEOTTA ‘one of the most enjoyable aspects is being considered as a trusted adviser to her patients in all areas of their lives.’

While you are a GP Registrar, it is also a time when you learn about the value of your hospital training and the network of expertise and support that exists in general practice. While you’re making decisions independently quite early on, there is always appropriate supervision, and assistance from senior doctors and experienced nursing staff.

Mentoring, guidance and encouragement are all forthcoming from older doctors, but sometimes your recent training experience means you’ll be tapped as a source of the latest information on treatment.General practice is often favourably compared to a life where practicing is dictated by hospital schedules and the urgent needs of patients in critical care. GP Registrars celebrate finding they can have a social life, and commitments to things like sporting teams.

Where ever you choose to practice and live, you will find time to enjoy pursuing your personal interests and the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives.

at the coalface DR ABBAS HUSSEIN ‘I run the hospital with its 10 acute beds and 12 aged care beds,’ he said. General practice follows and the day ends back in the hospital at around 8pm.

on the field & in the surgery DR MICHAEL MCLEAN ‘I can see myself as a GP for the long haul and with my special interest in sports and musculo-skeletal medicine, I have the freedom to explore what I really like doing within the GP setting.’