A GP genitourinary medicine (GUM) post offers a valuable opportunity to develop skills in an area often poorly covered at medical school and elsewhere in the GP training programme. Within your GUM placement you can hope to develop your communication skills, improve your examination and diagnostic abilities, and learn how to recognise, screen, prevent, and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You will also become comfortable in recognising and treating benign genital lumps, non-STI genital infections, and gain some valuable exposure to HIV diagnosis and management. The most common presenting symptoms in GUM are vaginal discharge, male dysuria, genital lumps, and genital sores, and you are likely to see cases of these on a daily basis. Be reassured, however, that no two cases are alike given the often complex emotional elements that accompany physical symptoms, and make the GUM consultation a sensitive event requiring good communication skills. A non-judgmental approach is essential to ensure the best outcome for the patient. If a GUM post is not offered as part of your GP training, strongly consider dedicating a week's study leave to attend GUM clinics, complimented by attending the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) Sexually Transmitted Infections Foundation (STIF) course.1 These two activities will provide a solid grounding in GUM, sufficient to deal with the most common presenting symptoms. Below you will find some useful tips to get you started in GUM and maximise the learning opportunities of your placement. 1. Review how …