GP registrar

When embarking on GP training doctors usually fall into one of several camps

1. Doing general practice as a considered and well matched career choice/dream
2. Taking this option because hospital careers did not appeal (ie by negative exclusion)
3. Thinking that "will get the GP qualification and then think again"

Whichever group someone falls into there could be a need for career planning. This is more obvious in group 2 and 3 but group 1?

When someone makes a career choice based on being well matched to a broad career area there are still many pitfalls of career planning that one can fall into.  For example after working within general practice for a while (for some this may be three months for others it may be thirty years  it may be that there emerges a...

Cultural mismatch

Personality clash

A desire to work less than full time (where this seems impossible given the location or practice structures)

A sense that other skills and career interests are itching to be pursued

A desire for some new challenge/s

Thus even when someone is fundamentally well suited to a career in general practice and has really enjoyed the training - there can still be a need for an overall, ongoing, motivational career plan.

Careers are not "end points" they are journeys!  There is so much emphasis in medical circles on "reaching GP or consultant" that sometimes people's own career dreams and plans get lost. Reaching the so called "pinnacle" of GP-ship can at times end up a bit of an anticlimax. This can be pre-empted and if need be cured!! All it needs is the application of some simple career planning principles.