GP career stages in Scotland

Key organisations in your GP training and career

To help you navigate your career path successfully, it's useful to know the key organisations you'll interact with:

• General Medical Council (GMC)
  • Role: The regulator.
  • Function: The GMC is the independent regulator for all UK doctors. To work here, you must be registered with them and hold a licence to practise. They set the core standards for medical education.
• NHS Education for Scotland (NES)
  • Role: The training body.
  • Function: NES is the national training body responsible for managing and delivering postgraduate GP training across Scotland. They are your primary contact during your training years.
• Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)
  • Role: The professional body.
  • Function: The RCGP sets the curriculum for General Practice. They guide your professional development and oversee the mandatory MRCGP qualification required to practise independently.
• British Medical Association (BMA)
  • Role: The union.
  • Function: The BMA is the trade union and professional association for UK doctors. They support members on employment matters like contracts, pay, and wellbeing.

Understanding the roles of these organisations will guide your training and professional development at every stage of your GP career.

Your path to a GP career

We have broken down the journey into its four key stages. Select a stage below to explore the entry requirements, exams, and experiences at each step.