All foundation trainees should undertake a GP attachment

Abstract

With my sights firmly set on a career in cardiology, I had never seriously thought of myself as a general practitioner. In the days leading up to the start of my four month attachment to general practice, I admit to a feeling of trepidation. After all, I would be far removed from the beloved buzz and all the “hardcore” medicine the hospital has to offer. Instead, I would be taking my place in the less glamorous world of “GP land,” where my daily dilemmas would include whether to give an antibiotic to the next patient with a cough, or how best to manage the patient complaining of being tired all the time. What could four months in general practice possibly have to offer a budding hospital doctor? How my perspectives have changed. I write to share my overwhelmingly positive experience of my attachment and to explain why I believe all foundation trainees should do a general practice rotation, regardless of their career aspirations. Foundation training aims to build on the skills, knowledge, and competencies we cultivated as medical undergraduates. Over the course of two years, we are expected to become competent in several practical procedures. Work based assessments constantly review our …