How to Become a GP Trainer

A GP or general practitioner trainer is a position in a medical office in Great Britain, Australia, or connected countries. The position does not exist in a standard United States medical office. A GP trainer oversees, befriends and mentors a general practice "registrar," or a new general practice doctor just out of postgraduate medical training and beginning a practice. Under the system which began in 2005, medical school graduates have 4 years of three to six month rotations, then a year as a registrar. This final year as a registrar is supervised by a GP trainer.

Things You'll Need

• GP license
• Regional Certification
• Accreditation for practice

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Earn a GP degree and work for three years. To become a GP trainer, you need to practice as a GP. You'll need to be a registered member of the local Primary Care Trust -- or PCT-- performer's list for at least three years before applying for a position as a GP trainer.

• 2

  Enter a practice. GP trainers work in certified training practices.

• 3

  Earn the MRCGP. The Membership in the Royal College of General Practitioners, or MRCGP, is the assessment required to work as a GP in the UK. Earning this credential requires passing three tests: the applied knowledge test, the clinical skills assessment, and the workplace-based assessment.

• 4

  Take a GP trainers course. These courses are offered by a variety of institutions. They may be offered in conjunction with Postgraduate Certificate of Medical Education. These courses are generally residential courses, and may be broken up into two modules. Local requirements vary, but often include two or three days in residence, then single days spread out over time. The courses include educational theory classes, ethics and management training.

• 5

  Engage in team visits. After a trainer completes the training course, local officials visit the practice and evaluate it. These inspections are ongoing after approval. There is constant professional development, and trainers must earn re-approval, about every three years.