A New GP’s Guide to the UK Job Market
Are you considering developing a portfolio GP career but unsure where to start? Curious about the benefits of this path or the different options available to you? At Key Medical Services, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about becoming a portfolio GP. Sit back, read on, and discover how this career choice could be the perfect fit for you.
What is a Portfolio GP?
A portfolio GP is a term used to describe any GP who juggles multiple roles within their working week. Most portfolio doctors typically have a primary role, such as a locum GP, GP partner, or part-time salaried GP, alongside at least one additional role.
This career path is becoming increasingly popular among GPs as it allows for skill diversification, the pursuit of other interests, and the addition of variety to your workweek.
The Benefits of Becoming a Portfolio GP
Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore some of the key advantages of developing your GP portfolio career, not just for you, but also for your patients and the practices you work with.
Variety of GP Roles and Settings
Working in more than one primary role during your week exposes you to a broader mix of patients and the opportunity to practice a wide range of skills that you might not encounter in a single job.
As a portfolio GP, the knowledge and experience gained in one role can inform and enhance your practice in another, giving you a well-rounded and robust set of skills across various specialties. Additionally, the diversity of workplace settings can offer a refreshing change of pace, especially if you enjoy mixing up your work environment.
Flexibility and Autonomy
Achieving a good work-life balance is crucial for most portfolio GPs. Many professionals choose this career path for the autonomy it provides, allowing them to manage the balance between their professional and personal lives.
Blending a mix of roles, working hours, and environments can also free up time to pursue passions outside of work, whether it’s hobbies, extracurricular activities, or personal growth. For instance, you might attend a CPD course, explore a specialist interest, or study for a new qualification by cleverly arranging your roles and hours.
A portfolio GP career can also be a rewarding pursuit after early retirement from full-time employment, offering new challenges and fulfilment in a different phase of life.
Portfolio GP Opportunities
By developing a portfolio GP career, you open the door to a wide range of career paths and opportunities, adding that much-desired variety to your working life. Here are just a few of the potential opportunities available to you as a portfolio GP:
Prison GP
Working as a GP in a prison or secure unit presents a significant change from a regular GP practice. It offers developmental opportunities, diverse experiences, and a variety of patients. You can expect to encounter issues related to drug misuse, mental health problems, acute illnesses, and chronic disease management. Safety is a priority, and you’ll typically be supported by an experienced nursing team, with highly trained prison guards nearby to ensure your safety.
Out of Hours GP
If you’re attracted to a different pace from the typical 9-5 workday, consider becoming an out-of-hours GP. Working outside usual hours exposes you to a wider variety of patients, allowing you to hone your triage skills.
The evening and weekend work can be more suitable for those who need to focus on other commitments during the day, such as studying. Additionally, out-of-hours work often offers greater control over your shifts, with start and end times fixed, and typically involves less stressful work since you rarely deal with the same patient or ongoing treatments.
Other Portfolio GP Roles to Explore
Here are some additional roles you might consider when starting your portfolio GP career:
- Emergency Department GP
- Occupational Health GP
- Remote GP
- Private GP
The choice is yours when it comes to portfolio GP work. With so many benefits at your fingertips, Key Medical Services is here to help you take those first steps.
How to Start Your Portfolio GP Career
If you’re ready to get your portfolio GP career off the ground, here are some questions to consider and tips to help you get started:
1. What’s Your Ideal Working Week?
Before diving into your portfolio GP career, think about how you’d like your schedule to look and how your work will fit around other areas of your life. Being a portfolio GP often requires discipline to maintain a good work-life balance.
As you plan your ideal week, consider your threshold for stress and burnout, and decide how many days you’d like to work moving forward.
2. Where Do Your Passions Lie?
Reflect on your current career and what you want to achieve in the future. Do you envision variety and excitement? Stability and steadiness? Are you seeking more autonomy?
Identify your interests and build your portfolio GP career around what you’re most passionate about. From there, list out potential career options that align with your passions.
3. Discuss Your Portfolio GP Goals
Share your career aspirations with colleagues and your professional network. They may offer valuable advice, support, and opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
Conclusion
Building a portfolio GP career offers a wealth of opportunities, from varied work environments to the ability to pursue multiple passions. At Key Medical Services, we’re dedicated to supporting you as you embark on this exciting career path, helping you find the roles that best fit your skills and interests. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your portfolio, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
