GP jobs in United Kingdom -salariess, working conditions, opportunities

Working as a GP is considered a highly respectable occupation. GPs are usually the first contact for unwell patients. They need to establish a good rapport with the patient, get all the important information out of them and start the diagnosis.

It is in the GPs hands where does the patient go next and if their problem needs a specialist intervention. As such, GPs are earning a lot for their efforts and the position is considered to be much better than working in a hospital. What’s more, there are always openings for a GP position. What to expect from working as a GP in the UK?

Salaries

“Salaries for GPs in the UK vary depending on the sector which the doctor chooses to work in” – as Paragona claims. Generally, candidates for a GP position can expect earnings from £80,000 to £120,000 per year, depending on their working hours, the sector and the area they would be working in. The income is not low, hence why GPs are believed to live a glamorous life. However, their working conditions leave far less to the imagination.

Working conditions

Generally speaking, 40 working hours per week is a standard that is usually the minimum. However, many GPs work longer hours due to the shortage of staff in their workplace. GPs are still in high demand and the number of patients is ever growing. Longer working hours may result in higher salaries, but the downside is that GPs have very little time to themselves. Nevertheless, many candidates from outside the UK decide to come to Great Britain and apply for the job. Why? Because the opportunities are there, waiting to be taken.

Opportunities

There is constantly a shortage of GPs in the UK – seems like all the trainees chose to go for more specialised medical careers. This creates opportunities for foreigners coming to the UK to work in medical field. The general requirement is to apply for a training scheme that prepares the candidate to legally work as a GP in the UK.

Although qualifications obtained in the EU are widely respected, there are curricular differences that will be covered during the course. After the course is finished and the candidate have proven their level of English (minimum of 6.5 IELTS), they will be able to get GMC registration. Registration is required to eventually get a license and practise as a GP in the UK. It may seem as a lengthy process, but for a GP to be on the top of their skills is crucial.