Once a GP, always a GP?

Flexible working is not just for the young ones – as a later career GP what options are available to you?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on RGCP

Want to change the pace? The GP Retention Scheme is aimed at GPs considering leaving the profession or who have recently retired.

• It provides financial and educational support.
• Is a useful way to clearly mark your move from more demanding roles.
• The salary may be less but so also is the workload.
• It offers greater job satisfaction.

Want to leave general practice, but still interact with patients? These are some of the choice you might consider.

• Extended roles or special Interest.
• Bespoke salaried posts.
• Family planning.
• Nursing homes.
• Medical support worker.
• Hospice.
• Urgent care (A&E/OOH/NHS111).
• Home visiting service.
• Drug clinic or homeless.
• Prison or police doctor.
• DWP assessor.
• Refugees, asylum seekers.
• Occupational health.
• Voluntary service overseas.

Have you had enough of clinical medicine? Here are some of the avenues you could pursue.

• Academic research.
• Teacher/examiner/mentor.
• Appraiser.
• Committee (e.g. RCGP, PCN).
• CQC advisor.
• GMC associate.
• Non-executive director.
• Charity trustee/volunteer.

Leave your options open:

• Do you need a licence to practise? Some non-clinical posts still require a licence and a minimal clinical commitment.
• Don’t fall off the performers’ list! If you do, returning could be problematic. You can stay on the performers’ list with minimal clinical input.
• Consider retaining your licence and performers’ listing for a year or two – it keeps more doors open.