GP career options
A career in General Practice in Scotland is more varied and flexible than ever before. You can now build a career that changes with you, fitting your personal life, professional interests, and long-term ambitions.
A career that changes with you
GP career options are not rigid. The structure of General Practice in Scotland is designed to support a flexible journey.
Many GPs move between different roles throughout their working lives, or combine elements of several roles at the same time. For example:
- Start salaried—You might start as a salaried GP to build your confidence and stability.
- Go portfolio—Later, you could develop a "portfolio career," combining clinical work with teaching or special interests.
- Become a partner—You might eventually choose to become a partner to lead a practice and shape local services.
The "Generally Speaking" podcast
To get a feel for the reality of these roles, listen to the RCGP Scotland podcast, Generally Speaking.
It features conversations with GPs at all stages of their careers, discussing their experiences and the current landscape of the profession. It is a great way to hear personal insights from the people actually doing the job.
Find the right GP career path for you
Whether you are starting out, returning to practice, or looking for a new challenge, there is a path that fits your goals. Each option offers a different balance of stability, flexibility, and responsibility.
Explore the detailed guides below to understand the benefits of each role.
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Develop your GP career
Find resources on CPD, coaching, and mentoring to help you prepare for your next role.
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