If you used to be an NHS GP, what are you doing now?

[fluffysocksgoodbookwine]

I've recently handed in my notice after two episodes of burnout in 18 months. I've tried my best, had lots of input and support from GP Health, but the practice was struggling long before I got there, and we simply don't have enough staff to do the work safely. The workload is completely overwhelming in quantity and complexity.

I've looked around at other practices advertising salaried posts, but they all are due to lose at least half their GP sessions with partners due to retire within the next 2-3 years, so although they're more stable than my practice at present, they're unlikely to remain stable.

I'm looking at being a locum for a small number of sessions per week whilst I decide whether to retrain, or looking for private sector work, but I feel very guilty about leaving the NHS and my struggling practice.

It would really help to hear from other GPs who have left NHS general practice, and what you're doing now. The only other people I know who have left permanently, have either emigrated (not an option) or are now SAHPs (wouldn't suit me). I'm lucky that DH is prepared to support me to retrain, but at present I'm very burned out and my confidence is low. I've never had to look for work outside of clinical/academic posts before, so I don't really know how to go about it, or what I might be able to do.

Thanks in advance.

I'm ex GP and now work 4 days in community alcohol and drug services. Lots of qualitative research opportunities and some teaching. Very rewarding day to day work.

My DMum worked PT as GP, PT in occ health, PT in the Mat unit doing scans also did red cross exams in first aid.

Is there any option of consultant in civil service where u are?

My DDad also worked for prison service as medical officer

Any academic option?

This was all in the 80s so might be out of date!

I was a gp and am now a personal trainer and soon to be nutrition coach. I still get to use my medical brain at times and am so much happier. I was in my 40s when I switched.

I wouldn't recommend Occ Psych, few jobs around (and I am now an H&S practitioner, having cross-trained to find work outside of SE.)
Occupational Health physicians are an in demand group.

Alternative careers for doctors is the Facebook page OP.

Depending where you are, a civilian GP for the MOD? Much better protection of time and a focus on preventive medicine/lifestyles/health.

Are you in PMGUK on FB? Good supportive group of doctor mums. There’s an alternative career medic group too

Thank you for your responses, I've sent a request for the facebook page @pepinanalilyplant.
I was on PMGUK for a bit years ago, but found it took over my feed somewhat! I'll have another look.
I feel very overwhelmed by the thought of changing, but at the same time, things can't stay as they are.
I did used to have a role in undergraduate education as well as my clinical job, but found working two part-time jobs, neither of which could be done in the time available, plus being a mum, left me feeling as though I wasn't doing anything well.
This is all good food for thought!

Have a look at judicial appointments commission- they're recruiting Dr's for a variety of posts

www.judicialappointments.gov.uk/vacancies/150

www.judicialappointments.gov.uk/vacancies/150

Have you thought about retraining to be a CBT therapist? There is info on the Babcp website

One of the main barriers to retraining in a different medical speciality such as Occupational Medicine, is that I predate the 'new' training system, so I don't for example have foundation competencies, because I did PRHO and SHO jobs. That seems to be quite a barrier, as it's hard now to get things signed off.
In my day, you got a single sheet of A4 signed by your clinical supervisor at the end of a 6 month post, there weren't any e-portfolios, so I have no 'evidence' other than CCT in GP and many years of clinical practice.

That looks really interesting @CurtainTwitch, but it specifies Psychiatrists, so unfortunately I'm not eligible.

I looked into retraining as a counsellor or psychotherapist last year. It's certainly an option. I will dig out my folder on it.

aesthetic medicine? a mate of mine who's a staff grade anaesthetist did a course and now does injectables as a reasonably lucrative side-hustle.

A very random suggestion but the M.E trust is looking for a new doctor (paid)

Mmme public health? Public health consultant routes are varied... Or clinical or counselling psychology (might be just as stressful if you end up in NHS mental health mind)

If you don't know what you want to do how about just doing the minimum amount of locums to meet your financial commitments. There is a lot of locums work around at the ment I imagine you can pick and choose where and when you want to work.
Set yourself 12 months of doing the bare minimum clinical work and get your head together. You may find after a bit of a break you can look into other doctor jobs.... Or just sack it off completely and do something else.

Ive decided I have ( counting down ) 4 and a half years left of NHS gp left in me . I'm building up my savings and getting mortgage paid off so at 45 I can leave medicine completely and start a second career. Currently thinking I might be a personal trainer or yoga teacher! ( Although not sure as yet).

From my experience of working with public health teams (specifically screening and immunisation) I really wouldn't recommend it for stress reduction.
They have regular reorganisations, reduction of staff members, increased portfolios etc. Basically more workload, more responsibility over a bigger geographical areas and / or screening areas.

How about clinical trial work for a CRO? They always seem to want clinically qualified people.

Have you considered family planning and/sexual health clinic work? Lots of one to one, sometimes couples work. A mixture of task orientated work and education/information giving. Some teaching of medical students, midwives and nurses. It would be hard to do if you had a moral objection to termination of pregnancy, but that’s for you to decide. It might depend what the set up in your area is as to how much work there is but there are probably openings to locus work.

Other idea - medical staff in university/college. That works often done by GP practices, as you will know, but there might be openings for locus/PT for a bit till you regain your equilibrium.

What about a CCDC post in public health?

Posted too soon. Most CCDC roles are part time. I know several GPs who do a combination of both - makes them excellent practitioners in my opinion. Varied, interesting work largely well supported and staffed.

*locum not locus obviously