The future of GP training needs to be flexible

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a real impact on all of our training programmes but has also highlighted how flexible the NHS has had to be. General Practice moved very swiftly to phone and on-line/ video consulting and delivered more and more of its formal education sessions for its trainees online.

Looking to the future flexible approaches will need to be developed further throughout recruitment, training, assessments and clinical practice, recognising the need to create even more rewarding and adaptable careers.

A letter has recently gone out to GP trainees to reassure them that plans are being worked on for the recovery phase of GP specialty training. The letter highlights that flexibility is going to be key and alternative solutions will need to be looked at to deliver the rest of the curriculum.

Professor Simon Gregory, Deputy Medical Director, Primary and Integrated Care, Health Education England said:

“It is vital our trainees feel valued and supported and they must have confidence that their training and assessment are as valid and flexible as they can be, so they feel ready and excited for their future careers.”

Simon Gregory has recently written a blog where you can read more

Letter to GP specialty trainees