If you browse the GP press, you won't need me to tell you of the current workforce crisis facing general practice. A lack of applicants for partner positions has been fuelled by the slow growth of training places (not all of which have been filled) and high numbers of GPs retiring (many earlier than they had planned). Only 23 of newly qualified GPs become partners within 5 years of qualifying. Newly qualified GPs are demanding more flexible career options and do not necessarily want the long term commitment, increase in workload, extra stress or financial 'buy-in' that comes with a partnership. Against this backdrop, and with many of my fellow trainees choosing salaried or locum jobs initially, why did I decide to become a partner on completing my training?
展开▼
