GP trainees (AiT)

It's normal to feel nervous, and you won’t be the only one. It's also easy to get caught up with all the requests that will come your way from colleagues, supervisors and, of course, patients. The first few days, you may not even realise, as you'll be fuelled by adrenaline. But this is not sustainable.

Make sure that you eat, stay hydrated, and take time to recharge when needed. There's plenty of support available to you. It might be your clinical and educational supervisors, your peers, your family, or local AiT representatives. If things get too much, further support organisations such as Practitioner Health are on hand. 

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that being a GP Specialty Trainee (GPST) is all about training to become a GP, especially with the amount of time spent in hospital posts early on.

Each job and training scheme is very varied. It is helpful to consider how you can apply each specialty to general practice, particularly when reflecting for your Trainee Portfolio.

Try to spend some time early on learning how to navigate the Trainee Portfolio, and putting in regular learning logs.

Starting the Trainee Portfolio can seem daunting. However, if you take some time to write at least one or two good quality entries a week, you will be on the right track. Try to keep on top of it as you go along. Remember, your Trainee Portfolio represents you, so make it shine.

No exams are required as part of ST1. So it might seem like a good idea to fill your time with self-improvement projects, explore a professional interest, or undertake a relevant course or diploma.

However, trying to do too much can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Try to find the right balance, and keep your workload as manageable as possible. Check out our #CelebrAiT video for top tips on finding balance.

Whenever you change to a different specialty, ward, practice or department, there will be lots of things that will be new to you. If there is anything you are unsure of, don’t be afraid to ask.

Your trainer has your best interests high on their priority list, and they're just a phone call or email away. It's helpful to get to know them early on in your training, particularly before your first Educational Supervisor Review (ESR). Drop them a line as soon as you’re in your first post.

Paperwork is never a highlight - but if you don’t do it, it can seriously impact your training. Find out when you need to submit important documents such as Performers List applications, DBS applications, and required ARCP paperwork. That way, you can keep on top of it all.

It is also worth familiarising yourself early on with all of the relevant training guidance. Be sure to keep this to hand should you need it in the future.

GP training is an enjoyable learning experience, and general practice is the best job in medicine! Keep the end goal in mind.

Celebrate all of your achievements along the way, however big or small. There will be many wonderful times and proud moments, with new colleagues to meet, and a lot to learn.

There will also undoubtedly be some challenges along the way. But remember, we are here as your professional home to help you through it all.

Who is AiT membership for?

Associate in Training (AiT) membership is for qualified doctors who have yet to pass the MRCGP exams.

To apply for AiT membership, you need to be:

• GMC registered
• about to start training with an NHS Deanery
• in a 3+ year training programme

What are my AiT membership options?

There are two options for GP trainees who want to sit the MRCGP exams:

1. RCGP membership
2. Trainee non-member package

Both options include RCGP certification and access to the trainee portfolio but when you join as a member, you’ll also receive an additional benefit:

Free access to the training portfolio

The training portfolio with FourteenFish is included in your AiT membership with the College.

How much does membership cost?

When you sign up for membership, you'll need to pay a one-off initial registration fee, and then an annual membership subscription. Please note your initial registration fee is based on when you sign up for membership, not when you commence training.

The one-off initial registration fee is £291.

The initial registration fee is not based on your training pathway and is a fixed price that covers the setup costs of your trainee portfolio and membership until 31 March. The membership subscription year runs from 1 April – 31 March, your membership will then be due for renewal on 1 April.

Does that fee always stay the same?

The fee is reduced if you sign up in December, January, or February.

When do I pay my annual membership subscription?

This is due on 1 April every year until you complete your training. Membership fees are subject to change with inflation. You can update your training status or career pathway at any time via your MyRCGP account.

Can I claim back my membership subscription against tax?

As a member, you can claim back up to 40% in tax on your initial registration fee and annual AiT membership subscription fees. Simply use the tax receipt you will receive by email after each payment. Unfortunately, we are unable to give specific tax advice, if you would like more information on this, please consult with your tax adviser or accountant and/or HMRC.

What happens if I need to take a break from my training or go on maternity leave?

You have the option of suspending your AiT membership subscription during maternity leave and Out of Programme experience.

Please note; this also results in suspension of access to the Trainee Portfolio, online exam booking systems and all other member benefits. Retrospective membership suspension is not possible.

Upon returning to training, AiTs must notify the Member Services team to have their membership reinstated.

What does it cost if I’m a non-member?

You do not have to become an AiT member of the RCGP, but you still need to gain access to the Trainee Portfolio and obtain certification to the GMC.

The non-member one-off fee is £935.

This is payable by credit/debit card only and is paid in one lump sum at the beginning of training. This fee is based on training of up to three years.

Please note that the non-member fee is not tax deductible via HMRC.

To sign up for non-member access, contact the Member Services team:
Email: membership@rcgp.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3188 7766