How to Become a General Practitioner

A general practitioner is a licensed physician who specializes primarily in family medicine, which means that he treats patients of all ages for illnesses and injuries, often developing long-lasting relationships with them. General practitioners also practice preventative medicine, and usually maintain private practices. If you like working with all types of people, this is a great path to follow.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Graduate from high school or obtain your GED. Education is of foremost importance when considering a career in medicine.

2. Complete your Bachelor's degree at an accredited educational institution, preferably in a major that lends itself to medicine. Biomedical science and pre-medicine, for example, are excellent stepping stones toward a career as a general practitioner.

3. Apply to a medical school of your choosing. Keep in mind location and reputation of the school, and don't forget that you will need to complete your rotation and residency before you can move on to private practice.

4. Observe your three-year residency with a general practitioner. This prepares you for real-world experience, and is perhaps the most crucial step in your training.

5. Obtain certification from the appropriate organization in your country. The requirements vary depending on where you live, but make sure you register early for your exam to avoid late fees, and try to take your exam as quickly as possible after graduation from medical school.

6. Decide whether you want to work in private practice, from your office, or in another setting. A general practitioner can affiliate herself with a hospital, hospice or other facility, or explore other options entirely. One of the benefits of this career choice is the diverse array of possibilities.

7. Establish your practice as a general practitioner by getting to know your patients, developing a network of contacts with other physicians, and sponsoring community activities.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that medical school is long, grueling and difficult. Think carefully about your specialty before making the decision.
• Surround yourself with people who have succeeded as general practitioners, such as local physicians who can provide guidance.

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