The period after CSA exams, and planning the move into independent practice after CCT, is an important part of GP training.
The Gloucestershire VTS scheme provides comprehensive sessions in the final months of ST3 on topics such as salaried vs partnership work, practice finances, CV writing, interview skills, survival skills, and resilience training. In addition to this intensive programme, there are lots of resources to tap into, and below are some useful links to explore.
Support
- Surviving as a newly qualified GP – RCGP resource
- Firtst5 groups – setting up or joining a group of GPs in the first five years after qualification – contact the local leads for help
More advice here: www.rmbf.org/health-and-wellbeing/guide-to- setting-up-a-self-directed-learning-group/ - RCGP Severn faculty mentorship scheme – confidential support for newly qualified GPs in Severn. Participants are matched with a senior GP mentor to help navigate the first few years after CCT. Email severn@rcgp.org.uk for a mentoring request form or download here:
- National Association of Sessional GPs – wide ranging resources and support for salaried and locum GPs – www.nasgp.org.uk
- Health and wellbeing – The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund website – advice from career development to mental health – www.rmbf.org/health-and-wellbeing/
Jobs
- CV writing – the medical CV
- Staying in Gloucestershire – www.gloslmc.com
- National opportunities – BMJ Jobs
- Gloucestershire Newly Qualified GP Fellowship Scheme – matches NQGPs with salaried posts in Gloucestershire, with the offer of in-practice mentoring, significant bursaries for development of special interests/CPD, and networking opportunities – promoted by Gloucestershire CCG in ST3.
- Locum GP Handbook (BMA members) – advice and guidance on all aspects of locum work.
- Salaried GP Handbook (BMA members) – advice and guidance on everything to do with salaried posts.
Extension of Training
- Severn ST4 LEET year (Leadership and Excellence Extension of Training) – programme summary
- National Medical Directors Clinical Fellow Scheme – fast track programme for trainees interested in medical leadership, open to GP trainees after ST2 or ST3.
Developing Special Interests
- General Practitioner with Extended Role – accreditation information
- Diploma in Child Health (DCH)
- Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRCOG)
- Diploma in Dermatology (PCDS)
- Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH)
- Diploma in ENT (DO-HNS)
- Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (DGM)
- Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed)
Additional Resources
Bradford VTS website – extensive resources for the end of training period.
Other considerations at the end of ST3:
- National performers list – maintaining your place
- Medical defense subscriptions (MDU/MPS/MDDUS) – individual or group schemes
- RCGP/BMA memberships
- GMC subscription – CPD/annual appraisal/revalidation
- Financial planning – income protection/life insurance
- Pension – NHS/private
- Self employment – tax implications