Moving to the UK to work as a family doctor (known in the UK as a general practitioner, or GP) provides huge opportunities for both your working and your personal life. A variety of areas are currently recruiting GPs, so whether you can see your family living in a vibrant city full of museums and activities; exploring the country's beautiful woodland and countryside in a rural practice; or enjoying all the pleasures of the seaside in a coastal area, there is sure to be something to suit you.
Only four hours from the heart of London, the Devon and Cornwall area is a picturesque and friendly place to start your new life as a GP. As you step out of your new home, you may be faced by idyllic rolling countryside or a striking sea view: why not enjoy a bracing, mind-clearing walk along the beach before heading to the surgery to start your working day?
On a typical day, 30 to 40 appointments are offered to your patients, with the occasional walk-in emergencies. That means at least 30 ten minute sessions: ten minutes to welcome, introduce, glean, triage, diagnose, reassure, comfort, investigate, refer, treat, prescribe and follow up. The work is challenging but exhilarating.
No two appointments are the same and you never know what will be coming up for the next appointment, giving you a fantastic opportunity to expand your clinical practice. Is it a quick case of tonsillitis in someone who's not too poorly?
Working as a GP in the UK, you are the first port of call for the vast majority of patients, giving you the genuine opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.
Then there are the phone calls. An average day probably involves ten or so calls to patients. In areas where there is a high elderly population, home visits may be required daily and can range from two to eight visits.
Most GPs agree that the best thing by far about the job is the patients. The privilege you feel to have them trust in you and respect your decision-making is immense, and hugely rewarding; being able to fix their problems and make them feel better, control their pain and provide some comfort is extremely gratifying.
The people make this job.
There are several qualities you need to have in your doctor's bag to succeed as a GP in the UK. Professionalism is of the utmost importance, as is the ability to keep your cool under pressure. Resilience is vital: no matter what happened in your last appointment, it cannot affect those still to come. Empathy is also essential to bolster you through the busyness of general practice in the UK.
As a doctor in Devon and Cornwall you will also be able to live in a beautiful part of the country, as part of a friendly community with lots going on. Devon has two busy cities: Plymouth, with its stunning waterfront, marine industry and vibrant cultural life; and Exeter, a Roman-walled city of cobbled streets and squares with a magnificent cathedral and plenty of art galleries, restaurants and shops; while Cornwall is more rural and secluded, and is well known for its beaches in particular, which prove attractive to both families and the surfers.
Downtime in both Devon and Cornwall is a joy. Both counties have a lovely climate, with warm summers and generally mild winters, making it ideal for people and families who enjoy getting outdoors. Devon has two National Parks and over a third of the county is designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with 450 miles of stunning coastline and clean, attractive, family-friendly beaches. Cornwall has Bodmin Moor, an area of outstanding natural beauty, high and wild, and, of course, beaches galore. It's a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy being on the water, whether you surf, sail or simply enjoy walks along the beach and poking around in rock pools.
For those who prefer less pedestrian entertainment, both Devon and Cornwall offer a huge variety of theatres, musical events and restaurants. Seafood restaurants and traditional fish and chips are particularly popular in the many coastal towns and fishing ports, and there are many 'gastropubs' and restaurants run by top chefs attracted by the quality of local produce, including Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Michael Caines.
With attractive housing, free state education for children from 5-18 and beautiful surroundings, not to mention the chance to expand and build upon your clinical practice, working as a GP in Devon and Cornwall offers a unique opportunity. Contact us for more information to start your new life in the UK!
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