Life After GP training, Options and Choices

Did you see my last post? https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/blogs/berrysmotivation/life-after-gp-training-expectations-vs-reality I shared my honest opinion about life after GP training, and I outlined the expectations and realities. In this post, I will be sharing the different options and include some pros and cons. It could be different for everyone, but there are opportunities. For some people, it may get easier after GP training, with perhaps higher pay or better working conditions. Some options offer flexibility, while others are excellent for building a career.

Life after GP training may be rosy and earn you more pay, but additional costs may apply. For example, you may need the services of an accountant for tax purposes, and they may cost upwards of £600.

5 Roles After GP Training

Salaried GP

As a salaried GP,  you can work for the NHS or private organisations, you will be employed by the practice. It's not so different from GP training, but you will have a clearly defined role. GPs also can negotiate how much they want to take on board. In addition, salaried GPs work full-time for 37.5 hours or nine sessions per week. The minimum annual salary for a full-time GP in England for 2021-2022 is £63,000 (plus London weighting).

The Pros

• You are employed full-time with all benefits, including sick and maternity pay
• You are entitled to paid annual leaves
• Your taxes and pensions are automatically deducted from your salary
• You have a clearly defined routine

The Cons

• You may earn minimal pay as defined by the system
• You may have less influence over the affairs of the practice
• Some people find it too routine and get tired

Partner

As a partner, you run the practice with other team members. You take up more responsibilities and will have to step up if the need arises. You and your team essentially run private health practices that cater to patients like government-run hospitals. The yearly publication for 2019-2020 stated that the average GP partner earned nearly £122,000 before tax. Partners have a slightly more flexible role than salaried GP, as they allowed to deliver a minimum of two clinical sessions per week. Most of them certainly do more or take up other responsibilities including attending CCG and PCN meetings (bodies that govern primary care)

The Pros

• You can earn far better pay than salaried GPs
• More influence over the affairs of the practice
• More flexibility

The Cons

• You may have significantly more responsibilities  
• Extended working hours (in some practices due to the added responsibilities)
• More expenses as you may need a private accountant to sort out your taxes
• You may find it challenging to drop your partner role as there may be a binding contract 
• Some people find it overwhelming

Locum

Most people opt for this because of the flexibility and significantly more pay. As a locum GP, you will not get paid vacations, such as maternity or annual leaves, despite the increased pay. However, the increased flexibility means that you can pick and choose the days you want to work. In addition, there are no binding contracts, so it is easy to make your own rules as you go along. Locum GPs working less than full-time can earn as much as £100 per hour or £100,000 per year.

The Pros

• Flexibility- you can pick and choose when to work and for how long 
• You are your own boss 
• Less administrative duties and fewer responsibilities  
• You can negotiate what you get paid for home visits, duty days, etc  

The Cons

• You may find it difficult to secure mortgages
• Clients may drop you any time. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many locum GPs lost their jobs 
• Added expenses, such as external accountants for taxes  
• No work relationships as you may change patients and locations at short notices

Portfolio GP

portfolio GP is an umbrella term for GPs with multiple roles within their workweek. This means you may have a primary job as a partner but have additional jobs in your portfolio. These additional roles may include clinical and non-clinical roles and can earn a GP significant salaries. The change in settings can be refreshing, and experiences from one role can help you perform better in other roles.

The Pros

• More flexibility
• Significantly increased pay
• Your steady role may offer permanent job benefits such as paid vacations

The Cons

• Multi-tasking may be challenging for many people

GP With Extended Roles (GPwER)

This role was formerly called GP with special interest, and it requires that you work in specialised roles. Besides your core duties, you will engage in roles beyond your GP training’s scope. For example, you can be a GP with a special interest in women's health or a special interest in dermatology. You may need to have additional skills in these areas and have proof of your competency. In some cases, a diploma in a specific area is enough to make you a GPwER. Depending on your special interest role, GPwERs can earn as much as £150,000 per year.

The Pros

• GPwER are highly sourced for
• It’s an excellent way to build a career portfolio
• It enables you to learn beyond your GP training
• It pays significantly well

The Cons

• You may get de-skilled in other areas
• It may get overwhelming if you are the only one with that special interest in your practice
• It requires additional training to your GP training

Additional Roles for GPs

Several other roles are available when you finish your GP training. They have various degrees of flexibility and pay, making them appealing to many. The good thing about GP training is that it prepares you for life after training. Some of these roles may require additional training, but none are “difficult.” There are also Non-GP roles, such as Associate Specialists in specific jobs. Some of these roles include:

1. GP Trainer
2. Programs Director
3. PCN Roles 

Besides the additional costs, life after GP training can be rewarding. Depending on your choices, you can earn significantly more pay and have the flexibility that GP trainees can only dream of. However, if you plan your path properly, you can build a lasting career that is happier than work.

Hopefully, you find this post insightful; if so, please leave a comment and do not forget to invite your friends to subscribe to my blog.

Lastly if you are seeking inspiration and motivation and unsure of where to start, then visit the Motivations shop and indulge in scented candles and gift boxes. SHOP HERE: https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/

Cheers 

Dr Mute'