The population of the UK is getting older and is growing in size. As a result a far greater number of people are living with multiple long-term conditions than when the NHS was founded. Healthcare across the UK is changing, and so is the role of the GP.
The skills of a GP as an expert medical generalist – someone able to understand the multiple conditions patients have as well as their wider mental health and wellbeing – are what will allow the NHS to manage the challenges of our changing population. Their knowledge will mean that healthcare can truly be designed around the needs of the patient. This is why NHS leaders are recognising the importance of general practice and committing to greater investment in it.
As time progresses, a career as a GP will become more and more intellectually and medically challenging, diverse, and fulfilling. GPs will have portfolio careers heading multi-disciplinary teams, leading work in areas from geriatrics to neurology, running ‘in-reach’ to hospitals and ‘outreach’ to patients’ homes. And GPs will be closer, and more important, to their patients than ever before.
That is why now is the time for a career in general practice