An open letter has been written by the head of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in a bid to persuade more medical students to become GPs.
This is the first time that the RCGP have directly appealed to students on such a large scale.
Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) highlights the prospects and benefits of becoming a GP.
The letter states: “GP practices are part of the fabric of their local communities, and the relationship that family doctors build up with their patients remains a key reason why it is one of the most satisfying jobs in the world.
“A career in general practice offers a great deal of flexibility. It allows you to fit the job around other major commitments, such as having a young family. It also gives you the chance to practice in the region of your choice and to decide whether to be wholly a generalist or to develop skills in a specific area as a GP with a special interest.”
RCGP estimates that 10,000 more GPs are needed in England by 2020 to cover growing patient demand.
Baker also emphasises the Government’s commitment to the profession with the Chancellor promising that there would be a £1.2bn investment in GP services across the UK in the Autumn Statement.
“With this increased backing for primary care, the expert generalist skills of GPs have never been more in demand. And, as care is shifted out of hospitals, GPs will increasingly lead the development of new integrated services for patients in their communities,” the letter reads.
