Why become a GP Partner?

In the present climate of negative press, excessive demand and long hours why would anyone want to be a GP let alone a partner in a practice?

This is the question I asked myself and several other new and old GP Partners in Cardiff and Vale.

I have been a doctor for over 30 years, after initially pursuing a career in hospital medicine I switched to general practice. I liked the idea of being a generalist. I have worked in different practices across South Wales and in Australia.

I still love the job, and enjoy going to work most days.

Job Satisfaction

Dr Mel Bagshaw of St Isan Road, describes her love of being a GP. ‘No two days are the same. On the whole patients are lovely and appreciate what you do for them. You go on a journey with your patients ultimately through to the end of their life, but even that can be positive thing, when people have a dignified death at home surrounded by the people they want to be with. I feel lucky that I have done a job that I have been able to help and support people through difficult times and health challenges.’

‘If I can send someone out of my surgery laughing it gives me a real buzz’

Taking Control

As a partner I can try to control my workload, shape the environment I work in and the team I work with, for example, I can recruit a minor illness nurse, pharmacist etc. I can develop my role - I perform minor surgery for the practice and also some of the other practices in the cluster.I can develop other non-GMS work streams in the practice for example research, teaching. I can also develop roles outside the practice e.g. LMC, teaching etc.

Dr Cathryn Thomas of Fairwater Health Centre, ‘I want to shape the practice and have a say in the day to day running of the practice.’

Dr Sion Dafydd of Birchgrove Surgery, ‘ I wanted to take control of my situation’

Money

As a partner I receive a share of the profits not just a salary. As we own the building I also have an ongoing investment. I have a 100% loan - so there was no money up front,  the notional rent covers my loan repayments and I get tax relief on the interest.

Dr Sayma Ahmed of Cloughmore Surgery, ‘ being paid for what you do.’

Stability

Always thought to be a job for life GP partnership does not have to be for life but allows you stability in your work life for a period of time.

Continuity Of Care

One of the nice things of being a partner is developing relationships with patients, managing them through the good and bad times, watching their children grow.

Dr Mel Bagshaw,’ They often have memories of elephants, and something we didn’t even clock as being important made a world of difference to them’

Dr Cathryn Thomas, ‘ I love the continuity of general practice’

The Right Fit

It is important to find the right practice for you. To find the right cultural fit. I was once told being a partner in practice is like getting married. Different doctors have different values and opinions on work, it is important to work with like minded people to avoid disputes and grow together as a team.

Dr Neil West of Brynderwen Surgery had been a trainee in the practice before becoming a partner,’Not only did I enjoy the work mix but I got on well with the team and kept in touch with several of the doctors socially. These were some of the driving factors in my returning to work there.’

Dr Sayma Ahmed , ‘ being part of a team’

Podcast

Do GP Partnerships still make sense?

medicsmoney.podbean.com/e/ep-should-you-become-a-gp-partner/?token=

At CAVGP we are committed to supporting doctors who are thinking of becoming partners, or who recently have become partners, in their new venture.

We can provide confidential help and guidance in becoming a new partner, answer any questions, and talk through any concerns you may have. For more info click on the link: 

New Partnership Coaching and Mentoring (cavgp.co.uk)