Do I need to get a GP rotation to get into GP training?

[brianfall]

Hello,

I'm just about to start 5th year and have been thinking about my career options as I will be applying for FY1/FY2 posts soon. I'm interested in becoming a GP (I think). Would not having done GP as one of my six foundation rotations go against me?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[Mac5800]

I highly doubt it, but there is an increasing trend for f1/f2 strings to contain a GP rotation. So whilst it isnt necessary, it shouldnt be very difficult for you to get one if thats what you're interested in.

[brianfall]

Cheers for the reply - how's sheffield treating you? - we met at the interview 4 years ago!

[Mac5800]

Aye I remember! Sheffield's fine, just cant believe how quickly the time's gone...

How's Leeds? You applied to academic foundation programmes?

[KL29]

No - you don't need a GP rotation to get into GP.

They don't interview for GP and it's all based on entrance exams and an online form. It isn't hard to get into so please don't worry.

Medical CT1 - London

[edinburghmedic]

Someone advised us that if you wanted to become a GP, try not to get a GP rotation during foundation - key being is that you will get more experience elsewhere which you will bring to your GP training later on (may even develop an unknown special interest you can develop in your GP training). The more hospital experience the better. All the best.

[pipedreamer]

I think edinburghmedic's advice above is very sensible. Posts in general medicine, paeds, O&G, A&E etc. will all give you valuable experience of seeing acute admissions and emergencies that will be useful for you as a GP.

The other thing to watch out for with regard to doing GP in F2 is that most GP jobs are unbanded which can mean a big drop in salary if you are on a 1.4/1.5 banding the rest of the time. In some areas all F1/F2 jobs are unbanded though so it wouldn't make a difference.

[yazoo]

I don't disagree with pipedreamer or ed-medic but I offer an alternate view. Many people will want to get experience of a field before picking it as a training programme. It's a big decision, picking a career. So don't let gaining as much hospital experience as possible put you off doing GP at FY2.

I do disagree with KL29. You should never assume a particular field is not competitive. In London in 2009, for example, GP training had a higher competition ratio in than Core Medical Training, while Medical Microbiology had a higher ratio than Core Surgical Training! Medical fields go in and out of vogue. Never assume they won't!

[sarahjd82]

I agree with Yazoo. I will be starting F1 in the summer and hope to get an F2 job with a GP rotation in order to help me decide whether or not its the thing for me long term.

[dreamyrover]

one of my good friends is on gp training and she didn't do a GP rotation but I guess it would help in you deciding if being a GP is for you.

I also have one slightly unrelated questions do you guys think having a PHD will help in getting a SpR or ST3 position? i.e will it give you some advantage over other candidates (assuming you also had a good CV on top of the PHD)

thanks