Established GP

Professional support and guidance for established GPs

Are you looking to develop your role, seeking a better work-life balance, or thinking about planning for retirement? Dedicated guidance and support are available.

Prioritising your professional development and wellbeing

Your professional development and wellbeing must continue to be a priority long after your First5 years.

Key resources for established GPs include:

• Peer support and learning—Networks like Practice-Based Small Group Learning (PBSGL) remain a vital resource. You’ll share knowledge with peers and keep your knowledge and skills up to date in a supportive, collaborative environment. Discover more about PBSGL.
• Confidential coaching and mentoring—The NHS Scotland GP Coaching Service is available to all GPs. It provides a confidential space to navigate mid-career crossroads, manage challenges, or explore professional goals with an experienced coach. Find out more about the NHS Scotland GP Coaching Service.
• Wellbeing resources—Dedicated resources are available to support your wellbeing. They can help you manage pressure and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This allows you to provide the best possible care for your patients. Discover wellbeing resources for GPs.
• Appraisal and revalidation—Your annual appraisal remains a key tool. Use it to reflect on your work, plan your learning, and successfully revalidate with the GMC every 5 years. Find out more about annual appraisals.

These resources are designed to support a sustainable and rewarding long-term career in General Practice.

Developing your career path

You can continue to build on your current role or explore new opportunities. Your experience means you are well-prepared for a range of leadership and specialist posts. For example, you could:

• Take on leadership responsibilities.
• Develop a specialist interest and become a GP with an Extended Role (GPwER).
• Inspire the next generation as a GP educator or mentor.
• Build a Portfolio career that combines clinical work with other interests.

All these options and more provide opportunities for professional growth. 

Explore all GP career options.

Planning a career break

Taking a career break or reducing your hours can be an important step in adjusting to life changes or for your wellbeing. If you're thinking about taking time away or seeking a change in pace, it is important to plan ahead.

To help you plan, it's important to think about:

• Informing the right people—You’ll need to notify your NHS Scotland Health Board and the GMC of any significant changes to your practice. Find out how to update your status with the GMC.
• The GP Retain and Sustain Scheme—If you are considering reducing your hours to a maximum of 4 sessions per week, this scheme offers support to help you stay in practice. Find out more about ScotGPRS.
• Returning to practice—Support is available to help you smoothly and confidently transition back into your role after a break. Learn more about returning to practice as a GP.

With careful planning, a career break or reducing your hours can be a rewarding and sustainable part of your long-term GP career. 

Approaching retirement

Planning for retirement is one of the most significant steps in your career. Approaching it as a gradual process can help make it a smooth and positive transition.

Here are the main things to consider:

•    Financial planning—It is essential to request a pension forecast from the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA). You should also get independent financial advice to understand your options.
•    Succession planning—If you are a GP partner, early communication and planning are key to a successful transition for you, your partners, and the practice.
•    Phased retirement—You may not want to stop working completely. You could work part-time as a locum or in a salaried role and continue using your skills with greater flexibility. Find out more about the GP Retainer Scheme.
•    Professional requirements—Make sure you understand the process for notifying your NHS Scotland Health Board, updating your GMC status, and retiring from the Performers’ list.

A long and successful career in General Practice is a significant achievement. Remember, support is available to you at every stage, right through to your retirement.