Enriching Careers in General Practice: Building morale through personal development

Once general practitioners have established themselves as principals it may seem there is little else to work for. Lack of stimulation may lead to demoralisation, and it is essential that they have other ways to continue to develop their careers. Meeting other doctors to discuss cases and problems and postgraduate education often help but many doctors want to take on extra roles. The options available include undergraduate teacher, tutor for postgraduate education, and participation in medical audit advisory groups, local medical committees, or royal college faculties. Some general practitioners work part time to allow them to fit in these activities. It may also be possible to obtain extended study leave or a sabbatical to broaden experience. Others even move practice to provide new challenges. A doctor can become a general practitioner at 27 and do the same job for 40 years. What's wrong with that? The job is well paid, working conditions in many practices are good, and general practitioners enjoy a degree of prestige and affection in their communities. Perhaps this stability is itself the problem: the “fetters of security” discourage change.1 General practitioners have to seek out their own career goals, in contrast with many other professions.2

The first five years of practice hold novelty and the challenges of new responsibilities and relationships with patients, partners, and staff. After about five years, says Marek Koperski, a general practitioner in north London, “processes become automated, freeing the mind for more creative thought.” The career map is not laid out but there are some worthwhile trails for the orienteering general practitioner.