Have you recently qualified as a GP? This is a major life achievement and the start of an exciting, rewarding, and lucrative career path. It is a great feeling being free from exams and practicing independently, but it can also be a daunting time with the comfort of being a trainee no longer there, and many find it difficult to manage at first. It does get easier with time, but there are also a few handy pieces of advice to keep in mind that should help you settle and hit the ground running in your new role.

Do not Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Just because you are now a qualified GP does not mean that you will know everything. The sign of a good doctor can admit when they do not know something and will not shy away from asking more experienced colleagues. In addition to being willing to ask questions, you need to continue to learn as much as you can to develop your knowledge.

Get To Know Your Colleagues

As with any new job, it can be much easier to develop positive relationships with the other people you are working with. This should not be limited to the other GPs, so you should make an effort to get to know receptionists, assistants, janitorial staff, and anyone else you contact each day.

Find Ways To Unwind In Your Free Time

Starting a new job is always stressful, but it can make it hard to manage when you find yourself in a role as critical as a GP. This is why you really need to make the most out of your free time and find ways to unwind. There are many ways to do this, such as:

Meditation
Yoga
Exercise
Hobbies
Spending time with loved ones

Work With A Mortgage Specialist

When people finally qualify as a GP and have job security, it is understandable that they want to get their foot on the property ladder. Unfortunately, this is not easy for new GPs as practice partners are considered self-employed and will not have at least two years’ worth of accounts. The good news is that there are mortgage for GP specialists that have access to lenders that will approve GPs, which will save you the disappointment of rejection from regular high street lenders.

Get An Appraisal Within A Year

As a new GP, you will want as much feedback as possible so that you can identify what you need to work on. In addition to seeking feedback from your patients, you should also arrange to have an appraisal within your first year and collect evidence for this from the start.

Starting as a new GP is incredibly exciting and the start of a new chapter in your life, but it can also be daunting and stressful. These tips should help you to manage and hit the ground running so that you can make a difference and enjoy your work.