Medical school and your GP career path

Experience general practice in medical school

Early exposure to general practice is a fantastic way to shape your career. Many medical schools in Scotland integrate GP placements from the first year.

These experiences help you see the rewarding connections GPs have with their patients and communities. They are a great way to start building the skills you’ll need for a career in general practice.

See a list of medical schools in Scotland.

General practice in the medical school curriculum

Scotland's medical curriculum is designed to give you a broad understanding of all areas of medicine. As a medical student, you'll have rotations in GP practices, allowing you to observe GPs at work. You’ll learn about key areas like:

• patient-centred care and managing chronic conditions
• the importance of a holistic approach to health
• how different health and care professionals work together in the community

Learn more about the GP curriculum for medical students.

Elective opportunities

Your elective is an opportunity to explore an area of medicine you are passionate about. Choosing a general practice elective allows you to gain in-depth experience. You could choose to:

• spend time in a rural GP practice
• focus on a particular field like sports medicine
• travel for a GP placement abroad

This is your chance to shape your learning to fit your own goals.

Medical student societies, clubs, and groups

Most Scottish universities have active GP societies and other medical student groups. These offer opportunities to attend workshops, network with doctors, and learn more about different specialties. Joining is a great way to meet other students and get peer support.

Here are links to student associations where you can find information on how to get involved:

• University of Aberdeen Students’ Union
• Dundee Medical School student societies
• Edinburgh Medical School clubs and societies
• University of Glasgow Students’ Representative Council affiliated clubs and societies
• University of St Andrews student societies

RCGP Society Partnership Network

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) also supports GP societies through its Society Partnership Network. This provides resources and a direct link to your local RCGP Faculty, helping you build your professional network early.

Find out more about the RCGP’s Society Partnership Network.