GP First5

Your First5 support network

The first 5 years of your career are a time of great change. Support is available from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to help you thrive.

The RCGP First5 community

As a newly qualified GP, you’ll join the RCGP First5, a supportive community for the initial stage of your career. It offers:

• A network of peers—Connect with new GPs through local groups, forums, and events.
• Mentoring and guidance—Access the RCGP Mentoring programme to connect with an experienced GP. Discover the RCGP Mentoring programme.
• Career development—Use the First5 Learning Pathway and find job opportunities through RCGP Jobs.
• Appraisal support—Access resources to make appraisals and revalidation smooth experiences.
• CPD opportunities—Enjoy free and discounted access to events, eLearning, and publications.

Get involved in the First5 community to help shape the future of General Practice. The RCGP website has more about the First5 programme.

Support from NHS Education for Scotland (NES)

You’ll also have access to additional support designed to nurture your career from the very beginning:

• Career options—Explore your interests and develop a varied career through a range of fellowships. You could also take on roles in areas such as palliative care, prison healthcare, and charity work. Find out more about GP career options.
• Peer networking and education—Benefit from a paid membership to Practice-based Small Group Learning (PBSGL) to connect with peers, share knowledge, and learn together. Discover more about PBSGL.
• Confidential coaching—To help you reflect on your career, navigate challenges, and find a sustainable way forward, a confidential coaching service is available. Find out more about the NHS Scotland GP Coaching Service.
• Wellbeing support—The start of your GP career can be demanding, and looking after yourself is essential. A range of confidential resources is available to support your physical and mental wellbeing and help prevent burnout. Find out more about health and wellbeing support.

From the Highlands and Islands to the Borders, you’ll get the support you need for a career in General Practice.

10 tips for a sustainable GP career

Starting out as an independent GP can be a whirlwind. Here are 10 tips to help you during the First5 phase of your GP career:

1. Build your network—Don't go it alone. Actively connect with peers, mentors, and colleagues, both inside and outside your practice.
2. Find the right fit—Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job. Explore different opportunities to find what works best for you and your life.
3. Plan for the future—Think ahead about major life events. Consider how paying a mortgage, starting a family, or an unexpected illness could impact on your career.
4. Master your finances—Get to grips with your finances early on, from pensions and taxes to indemnity and membership fees.
5. Embrace lifelong learning—Dedicate regular, manageable time to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
6. Make appraisals work for you—View your appraisal as a positive tool for reflection and goal setting.
7. Seek support when you need it—It's okay to find things tough. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you're feeling the pressure.
8. Nurture your passions—Explore your clinical interests. They will keep you engaged and contribute to the wider field of General Practice.
9. Don't be afraid to change—If you're not happy, you have the power to change your path.
10. Remember life outside of work—Find a healthy work-life balance to maintain your long-term wellbeing.

This listicle is based on the RCGP’s Thriving as a new GP - Ten pearls of wisdom blog post. You'll also find more help and advice in the RCGP’s First5 handbook [PDF].

Connect with the GP community in Scotland

Your first 5 years as a GP are a unique and important time. It all starts with connection. We encourage you to make the most of the support and resources available to you. Engage with your local RCGP Faculty and First5 community group. They are ready to help you get started!