10 compelling reasons to love general practice

Want the fast facts on general practice? Here are 10 compelling reasons to love it as your future profession.

1. Every day is different

Ask any GP registrar if general practice is all coughs and colds or “tears and smears” and they'll probably laugh and say “if only”! The diversity of patients and medical presentations is one of the most enjoyable aspects for many GPs who thrive on the variety and thrill of not knowing what will come through the door next.

2. Intellectually stimulating

As the first point of contact, one of the most challenging but also the most rewarding and satisfying roles of a GP is diagnosing medical presentations. Every day as a GP you will use all the knowledge you learnt at medical school, not just a small part of it. It's a daily brainteaser that will never let you get bored.

3. Treat the patient, not just the illness

Unlike many other specialties, GPs are able to offer holistic continuity of care for their patients, building long-term relationships as they treat patients and their families over their lifespan. As a GP you have the power to make a real difference not only in one life, but in many.  

4. Special interest? Sub-specialise!

At any one time there are numerous GP registrars in special skills posts pursuing their interest in paediatrics, anaesthesia, emergency medicine, academia and many others. The GP training program offers all GP registrars an opportunity to pursue a sub-specialty of their choice.

5. The choice is yours

As a GP you decide where you work and what hours, tailoring your workload to suit your stage of life and career. This flexibility creates opportunities to pursue other career interests, have a family, travel, build up your savings or enjoy a 9-5 lifestyle.

6. Reap the rewards

GPs are well remunerated, usually without the extremely long working hours faced by other specialties. You'll also find that there are some lucrative financial incentives for GPs to work in areas where there is a shortage of doctors – typically rural areas. Even if you decide to be metro-based, you can be assured you'll be well rewarded.

7. Fast, flexible and funded

Not only funded, but fast! The AGPT and RVTS programs are funded by the Commonwealth Government and there are some lucrative financial incentives for rural GP trainees. Rural GP trainees can also get a HECS rebate. Find out more about financial incentives. The GP training program is typically a three-year program, with the first year hospital-based. This means you can apply as early as your intern year, and may be able to complete your first resident year as part of your GP training. Find out more about the structure of the AGPT program.

8. Supportive training, supportive workplace

Solo GPs are becoming a thing of the past, with many practices employing several doctors as well as practice managers and practice nurses, allowing you to do what you do best in a supportive, interactive environment. During your GP training you are always supported by experienced GP supervisors and medical educators from your training provider. Find out more about training providers.

9. Seeing the good with the bad

Being a GP you get the highs with the lows, treating not just sick patients but managing patients during positive times in their life such as pregnancy and preventive health outcomes.

10. Wherever you want to go, GP can take you there

Fancy spending the winter as a ship's doctor in Antarctica or heading off for a summer on an island in the Great Barrier Reef? Do you want to pursue a research interest at the same time as providing primary care? Or are you keen to try something different like flying around Australia treating medical emergencies? Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, a career in general practice can take you there. Find out more about career options.