If you’re a doctor and wondering if the path to becoming a general practitioner or GP is right for you, here are the key qualities that make for a great one.
For those who are willing to make the commitment and do the work, starting your career in medicine from the ground up involves a significant amount of study. For those who eventually reach the other side and receive their tertiary qualifications, there’s no other career path quite like becoming a doctor.
Upon completing their studies, there comes a point when every fledging doctor has to decide what to specialise in. The average Australian is likely to come across a broad range of specialist doctors within their lifetime, but in most cases – a diagnosis starts at your local general practitioner, or one of the most commonly recognised types of doctors. Considering that the healthcare sector is Australia’s biggest employer, think of your GP as the front door for accessing the house of medicine.
What Makes A General Practitioner A Great One
In almost every Australian family, there’s been at least one general practitioner that has long been regarded as an extended member of the household. A general practitioner – otherwise known as a GP – is a doctor who is also qualified in general medical practice. General practitioners are often the first point of contact for someone, of any age, who feels sick or has a health concern.
General practitioners treat a wide range of medical conditions and health issues, and often issue referrals to see other medical specialists. GPs are responsible for diagnosis, treatment and care for health issues, the promotion of good health, preventing future health problems, and managing long term or ongoing medical conditions. In a nutshell, their job is to keep an eye on your health on a regular basis as both a preventative measure, and to ultimately keep Australians out of hospital – so what makes for a great one?
They Can Communicate – For a patient to truly open up and tell their GP what’s on their mind, they need to be able to trust them. However, it’s also up to the general practitioner to know which questions to ask – and when – in order to form an accurate picture of a patient’s medical issue or presentation. In a nutshell, a good doctor needs to be able to communicate.
They Are Empathetic – While some might refer to it as having a good bedside manner, having a personal touch or even simply being respectful, a good doctor or general practitioner needs to be able to put themselves in the patient’s shoes. Compassion, patience, calmness and reassurance are all linked to a great GP ultimately being somewhat of an empath too.
They Pursue Knowledge – The thing about the world of medicine is that it’s constantly changing. New research and treatment options are released to the healthcare community on a regular basis, and good doctors and general practitioners make a conscious effort to keep their finger on the pulse and never stop learning for the sake of their patients.
They Stay Professional – A career as a doctor or GP can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Even in medical practice environments, the days can be long, stressful and ultimately draining. However, the very best general practitioners know their limits when it comes to avoiding burnout, and as a result remain professional with their patients at all times.
They Are Community Minded – Particularly relevant for general practitioners living in regional or rural communities, the local doctor can rapidly become a key member of their community. Often recognised as one of the most trusted and highly regarded individuals in a town or village, a good doctor uses this position of responsibility as a means to give back.
However, in the digital age, the role of a general practitioner is ever changing. As the whole world continues to move forward into the digital age, options in regards to GP careers have also advanced accordingly.
Telehealth is classed as the distribution of health-related services and materials via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. It allows long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions – essentially, it’s made seeing a doctor easier than ever. Who would have thought that a career in medicine as a general practitioner, could also open the door to being a digital nomad?
Working As A Doctor Or GP In Queensland
If you’re on the hunt for a doctor or general practitioner role in the Sunshine State, there’s a chance that you’ll either want to work a little, a lot – or somewhere in between. Queensland based opportunities with House Call Doctor offer flexibility, with shifts that fit around your current workload, personal commitments, or even just lifestyle preferences.
Whether you’re looking to increase your earning potential, gain experience, or even just have a desire for greater job satisfaction, opportunities with House Call Doctor offer local medical practitioners a chance to explore what out of hours and locum healthcare is like, while still retaining a sense of freedom and flexibility. If you’re looking for an opportunity to broaden your career horizons, are you –
- An Australian or Internationally Trained Medical Graduate
- Have full registration with the Medical Board of Australia
- Have two years post graduate experience, including experience in paediatrics, accident and emergency, general medicine and surgery
If you can answer yes to all of the above, then why not consider registering your interest for locum general practitioner doctor jobs with House Call Doctor today, and be a part of the medical revolution.
