Your trainer
- Your trainer will give you all the help and advice you need. It is up to you though to be motivated and direct your learning.
- Ensure you sit down with your trainer and set your personal development plan. Negotiate a timetable and map out the year.
- Have regular reviews with your trainer and make it essential to keep on top of your ePortfolio.
- Attend regular debriefing sessions with your trainer.
- Start video surgeries early; they are helpful for CSA practice and time management skills.
Partners and other GPs
- Observe what other GPs do well and learn from this. Sitting in with GPs at different times of the year will achieve different educational benefits at different points of training.
- A useful exercise could be to mark other GPs on their consultation skills using the COTs marking scheme.
- Listen in on telephone consultations.
- Out of hours sessions have a different style of consultation. Try to attend some with other GPs to reflect and learn.
Other members of the practice team
- Learn how to use the team around you effectively to make the most of your role as a GP.
- The practice manager is a great person to advise on QOF work, leadership skills, staff disciplinary issues and running a business.
- Learn the roles of the practice nurse, district nurse, health visitor, midwife and administration staff.
- Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and medication reviews. See what is available over the counter.
Other GP trainees
- Have a First 5 GP or other GP registrar to be a mentor or buddy.
- Fellow trainees make for handy patients in role play practice for the CSA.
- Gain support from your VTS group to get you through the year.
Dr Nathan is a salaried GP in Buckinghamshire
