Dr Charlton, a GP in the West Midlands and Professor of Primary Care Education at the University of Nottingham, was inspired by a session at the RCGP's annual conference in October which examined how GPs could promote the best features of general practice to future recruits - as well as remind practising GPs of the benefits of a GP career.
Dr Charlton said: 'I am still excited about it 30 years on and my main role now is to inspire students and trainees as to what a great job it is. And before anybody asks, no I am not retiring - I could do if I wanted to, but I want to carry on being a GP.'
This is Dr Charlton's top ten list, please suggest your own additions in the comments section below.
Ten good reasons to be a GP
1) Well paid with a good future pension.
2) Out-of-hours work and weekends are optional
3) Flexibility of the role: partnership, salaried or locum, rural or urban, full-time or part-time
4) Portfolio career possible
5) Opportunity to become a GP with a special interest
6) Job satisfaction in the continuity and personal nature of the care you provide – patients refer to you as 'my doctor'
7) It’s not about coughs and colds - a GP is a general physician managing complex conditions
8) Seeing people get better and being there when they don't - a GP is the patient's advocate and companion on many journeys
9) Managing, not being managed - you are in charge of your working day
10) Every day is different and interesting
Read Dr Charlton's follow-up article: GP recruitment: 'Time for GPs to stop moaning and start promoting general practice'
